Summer escapes around Shibuya, Tokyo

Even during Tokyo’s sweltering summer months, there are plenty of enjoyable ways to stay cool. In neighborhoods like Shibuya, Harajuku, and Ebisu, you can find countless of rest spots and indoor attractions perfect for taking a break between shopping and café hopping. For an easy escape from the city heat, there are also express buses conveniently departing from Shibuya which can whisk you away to cooler destinations just outside Tokyo.

For areas up to 20℉ cooler…

If you find yourself wanting to take a break from the city, there are several buses conveniently departing from Shibuya to cooler regions outside of Tokyo, making for a great day trip. Often these places are 5-10℃ (10-20℉) cooler than Tokyo city proper and are surrounded by stunning greenery and fresh cool air.

Cooler mountainous areas such as: Karuizawa, Kusatsu Onsen, and Kamikochi all take just one bus ride in a comfortable, air conditioned, transfer free bus from the bus terminal in Shibuya Mark City (5F). For reservations and information on how to get to the bus terminal check: here

Table of Contents:

1. Ebisu Area Rest Spots
2. Harajuku Area Rest Spots
3. Shibuya Area Rest Spots
4. Karuizawa, Kusatsu, Kamikochi
5. How to take the bus to cooler areas

1. Ebisu Sky Lounge 38F (Ebisu)

DINING&SKY TOP OF YEBISU

On the 38F and 39F next to the Sky Lounge, is DINING&SKY TOP OF YEBISU, a collection of modern restaurants and cafes with dining areas overlooking the entire city. The restaurants are relatively new and modern with a luxurious feel, making it a perfect place for lunch.

2. TOP Museum (Ebisu)

TOP Museum is a museum ideal for photography lovers; with over 38,000 works of photography in total, it’s easy to spend over an hour here. In addition to the exhibitions and gift shop, on the 4th floor of the museum is also a library with a vast collection of both Japanese and international works, criticisms, and the history of photography. You can even make up to 50 copies of any of the content in the library at varying sizes and colors for a souvenir!

3. Atre Sky Garden 8F (Ebisu)

By Ebisu Station on the 8th floor of Atre Ebisu Mall (West Wing) is a free rooftop rest space meant for dining, but anyone is free to use the seating area. Although outdoors, the shaded locations make it a great location to lounge. Around the shopping mall are also many eateries to buy food.

All-You-Can-Eat Style Eateries

The Atre Mall has many stores which sell higher end foods for take out. Whether you’re in the mood for sweets, fried foods, or traditional Japanese food, the stores all offer deli style take out, making it fun to try a variety of foods.

4. Harakado 5F (Harajuku)

Harakado is a commercial complex located in Tokyu Plaza Mall with a 5th and 6th floor cafeteria called Harajuku Kitchen and Terrace. This trendy mall is full of galleries, events, and is partially occupied by graphic design students selling their designs and products on the 2nd and 3rd floors. The cafeteria area has a variety of foods, a free refillable water station (for customers), and window seating overlooking the beautiful views of Harajuku.

An Arial View of Harajuku

Outside of the rest area is an outdoor deck with live music, outdoor seating, and a view of one of the main streets of Harajuku. They even spray cold water mist during the hotter months!

5. With Harajuku Park (1F, 2F, 3F)

With Harajuku Park is located directly across Harajuku Station and is connected to UNIQLO, IKEA, and other fashion stores. All three floors have a variety of seating from couches, work stations, picnic benches, and even terrace seating. It’s a perfect place to rest and even work for free. The UNIQLO is also a rare branch where you can design your own shirts.

Overlook Harajuku Station/Meiji Shrine

On the third floor is a stylish terrace with trashcans and shaded seating. You can see an aerial view of Harajuku Station and Meiji Jingu Shrine from the balcony. On the opposite end is also a stylish deck which overlooks Harajuku neighborhoods.

6. Colombin Street (Harajuku)

This newly built, small but shaded alleyway is part of a memorial monument dedicated to Colombin Cafe, a legendary and historical pastry store that was the first French pastry store to ever open in Japan. As the Harajuku location has now moved, in its place a monument and trendy walking path was created. Colombin Street is located next to the Meiji Jingumae ‘Harajuku’ Station metro line: here

7. Shibuya Hikarie Mall 11F (Sky Lobby)

On the 11th floor of Shibuya Hikarie Mall is a free space area called Sky Lobby. This floor is surrounded by glass windows where you can overlook the Shibuya Sky Scramble walkway from a birds eye view. You can also find some indoor benches and a free work space to rest at. If you need a space to rest after shopping, the 3F and 4F of the mall also have a variety of comfortable couches, benches, and lounge chairs by the elevator. Outside the 4th floor is also an outdoor lounge area.

8. Cosmo Planetarium Shibuya

The Cosmos Planetarium in Shibuya is a hidden gem located a short 5 minute walk from Shibuya Station. With several shows throughout the day, it’s suitable for people of all ages. A perfect place for a nap, for 40 minutes, visitors can lay down on fully reclining seats and stargaze at all the constellations and stars residing over Tokyo while listening to calming music. For details and show times check the website: here

9. Shibuya Botanical Garden

The Shibuya Botanical Garden is a trendy tropical oasis hidden in the city where visitors can enjoy over 200 types of tropical plants and learn about botanical history for only 100 yen! Inside the building are many seats as well as a stylish cafe and mini library for guests to enjoy. The cafe sells a variety of herbal drinks and foods starting from 500 yen.

10. Shibuya MODI

Shibuya MODI is a shopping complex in the center of Shibuya, a 3 minute walk from Shibuya crossing and Shibuya Station. This mall sports several collab events, pop up stores and a Starbucks. Right outside the entrance is shaded seating and on the 3F by the escalators is a long row of benches inside the airconditioned mall.

11. SSRIDE & Shibuya Sky (Shibuya)

By the time it starts to cool down, after a day of walking around Tokyo, a perfect way to rest your feet and enjoy the city is by taking the SSRIDE. This top bus allows you to see Shibuya in a new way, and best yet, it includes a Shibuya Sky set ticket which allows you to enter Shibuya Sky at any time.

To board the SSRIDE, reserve a ticket and wait at the first floor bus stop of Tokyu Plaza Shibuya. By the boarding area is a comfortable indoor air conditioned waiting area. The Shibuya Sky ticket will be given after the bus ride and can be used at any time during the day. For more information, read more: here

For access & reservations check: here

12. Karuizawa

Karuizawa is a cool oasis with an average temperature of 20℃ (68℉) in the summer, located only around 3 1/2 hours from Shibuya. Refresh yourself around Shiraito Falls or Kumoba Pond and take a walk around this quaint and historical area (such as Old Karuizawa Ginza Street) which had settlers dating back to 7,000 years ago. This stylish but retro area is surrounded by forest greenery, making it a great place for activities such as bicycling, hiking, or golfing.

Karuizawa’s Shopping Outlet with over 200 Stores

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is Japan’s longest standing shopping mall surrounded by beautiful greenery. This mall includes over 200 popular brands, making it a perfect stop to buy everything you need. The express bus also makes a stop here making it easy for you to carry back your souviners.

Harunire Terrace hidden in the forest

Harunire Terrace is a stylish, laid back terrace which features casual restaurants, cozy cafes, and boutiques filled with unique items and books. Its a great place to sit and enjoy the cool air, green trees, and to relax.

13. Kusatsu Onsen – Japan’s Premier Hot Spring Resort

Kusatsu Onsen is ranked one of the top 3 onsen resort towns in Japan and is located at a high elevation of 1,200 feet in Gunma Prefecture, making it significantly cooler than the hotter Tokyo area. Located 4 hours by bus from Shibuya, this charming town is cool even in the summer, with picturesque yukata rentals, cafes, outdoor spas, and lush green nature in addition to its famous indoor onsen spas. During the spring and summer seasons, the Kusatsu Onsen Ski Resort transforms its ski slopes into a zipline and panoramic swing area.

Marvel at the Yumomi Show

After overlooking Yubatake (the towns main attraction), visitors can witness the yumomi show, a festive and almost mesmerizing dance like performance using paddles to mix and cool the areas water. These shows take place daily in the Netsunoyu building next to the Yubatake.

14. Kamikochi

Tucked away in the Japanese Alps is Kamikochi, a refreshing mountainous hiking area often known as one of the most popular national parks in all of Japan. Kamikochi averages 20℃ (68℉) in the summer and is famous for its deep, breathtaking mountain views, crystal clear waters, and a variety of stylish cafes and finger food to eat while enjoying the deep nature of Japan. Stepping into Kamikochi, you can take in the fresh mountainous air and immediately feel yourself cooling off from the city heat.

Benefits of the express bus:

1. No transfers needed – Get to your destination directly from Shibuya
2. Comfortable interior – Spacious, reclining seats are easy to relax in
3. Enjoy the scenery – Enjoy the beautiful mountain views from the large windows
4. Economical – More affordable than trains
5. Luggage storage – Large suitcases can be stored in the trunk
   

How to ride the bus:

• Book a ticket online (in advance)
  • Advance ticket reservations can be booked online at highwaybus.com
  • There is also a ticket machine and window at the bus terminal, however in case tickets sell out at your desired time, we recommend booking your ticket online in advance
• Head to Shibuya Mark City Highway Bus Terminal
  • The bus terminal is located on the 5th Floor of the West Mall of Shibuya Mark City, a short walk from Shibuya Station and the Hachiko statue (picture explanation here)
  • Inside the terminal are coin lockers, charging ports, and a currency exchange machine
• Board the bus by showing your online ticket or printed voucher (it is necessary to board)