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Why is Shibuya Station under construction all the time? Well much of that work in recent years has led to new facilities at the station: Shibuya Sakura Stage and Shibuya's New South Exit for JR lines. Join us as we take a look at the new changes at Shibuya Station, brought about by all those years of construction.
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2024 Changes to Shibuya Station
Shibuya Station has been one of Tokyo’s most vital transportation hubs for a long time, with a history stretching back well over 100 years, and huge waves of modern-day passengers utilizing the facilities on a daily basis. And for the last fifteen years or so, Shibuya Station has been under construction. Fortunately, summer 2024 has finally brought a portion of that work to rest with the completion of some of the station’s biggest projects: on July 21st the JR New South Exit finally opened for everyday use, and a few days later on July 25th, Shibuya Sakura Stage opened its doors. Shibuya Sakura Stage is a new addition to the sprawling Shibuya Station area and a new landmark on the scene, but on a more practical level, the building has accommodations, offices, shopping, dining, and even some entertainment facilities to attract both travelers and local residents alike. The Japankuru team stopped by the area to see the new Shibuya Station exit, and take a look at Shibuya Sakura Stage before opening day to see what the new Shibuya spot is all about.
A Grand Opening for Shibuya Station’s Newest Exit
One thing that travelers exploring Shibuya over the years probably haven’t even realized is that Shibuya Station’s south exit has been temporary all along, built as a stopgap way back in 2008 to provide a much-needed southbound exit for the many passengers moving through Shibuya Station, even as the area around it underwent huge transformations. But this makeshift route to the south of the station had its own issues – not only was it clearly a temporary construction, but the location of the exit itself ended up about 250 meters from the main station building! Even in the first few days after Shibuya Station’s official New South Exit opened for use, the practicality quickly became clear – passengers have been given better access both to the JR train lines and to the surrounding buildings. With so much reinvention and major construction going on in downtown Tokyo these days, this new station exit is another carefully planned step towards the city’s plan for a more vibrant Shibuya.
New Shibuya Shopping & Dining Options at Shibuya Sakura Stage
Why is the new Shibuya Sakura Stage being celebrated in direct connection with the New South Exit at Shibuya Station? That’s because this brand-new complex is directly connected to the New South Exit. Literally. Which makes it easily accessible for travelers looking for the biggest new additions to Shibuya. The majority of upper floors at Shibuya Sakura Stage are devoted to offices, apartments, and hotels, so it’s largely a pragmatic addition to the neighborhood, but the complex also includes a selection of shops and restaurants likely to attract a more entertainment-focused crowd, mostly in the floors closer to ground level.
Some of the current highlights at Shibuya Sakura Stage include a new global flagship store for the Japanese cosmetics brand KATE, complete with a number of digital displays to help you find the best makeup matches, not far from a special temporary “Photo-less Photo Exhibition” (写真のない写真展), both on the 3rd floor. The 4th floor has been dubbed “Sakuyon” (サクヨン) and outfitted with Shibuya’s largest bookstore (a new Tsutaya) alongside a unique creators’ space for independent artists interested in video games, art, music, food, and more. The same floor also has a selection of food options, from “creative sushi” to bistros focused on local eco-friendly ingredients, plus international fare like burritos and pho. (For the official opening, Shibuya Sakura Stage’s pop-up restaurant area even has a shop designed by food blogger and former Square Enix game producer Rie Narisawa.)
Ushering in a New Era for the Area South of Shibuya Station
It certainly hasn’t been a quick process, but with the New South Exit for Shibuya’s JR lines finally open, and Shibuya Sakura Stage now ready to welcome travelers passing by, the southern reaches of Shibuya Station and the surrounding Sakuragaoka area have been completely transformed. The construction process required a well-worn temporary exit, the massive relocation of a major Japanese highway, and years of work, but anyone who passes through the area regularly will tell you that the results speak for themselves, with the creation of easy-to-navigate footpaths and a lively new multi-purpose complex in the heart of Shibuya. Tokyo is always changing, but if you want to see the newest spot around, head to Shibuya Station and make your way to the JR New South Exit to take a look!
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