There’s something about waking up in Shibuya —a mix of calm sunlight streaming through high-rise windows and the faint, energetic hum of a city already in motion.
In December we booked a compact hotel room just five minutes from the Shibuya Scramble, planning nothing more than to follow my feet and my appetite across Tokyo, ending at Tokyo Tower by sunset.
Morning Calm in Shibuya
We started with coffee at Streamer Coffee Company — latte art so good it almost felt rude to drink it. The staff greeted us in soft English. We planned our day whilst the city warmed up outside.
A quick stroll took us to Yoyogi Park and the the nearby Meiji Shrine. Even in winter, the gravel paths and towering trees made me feel cocooned. People whispered wishes at the shrine, and we followed their lead with a quiet moment under the massive torii gate.
Lunchtime Noodles, Neighbourhoods, and Nostalgia
By noon, we were on the JR Green Line toward Shinagawa, a busy neighbourhood filled with shopping, entertainment and activities. We did manage to stumbled upon a tiny soba shop, Teuchi Soba Shinagawa Okina, not far from the station which was very comfortable and cosy —and that made it perfect.
After lunch, we made our way to Meguro and wandered through Daikanyama and Nakameguro. Window-shopped ceramics. Picked up hand-cut incense. Watched couples laugh over matcha soft cream. A day in Tokyo doesn’t mean rushing—it means noticing.
Taiyaki & Tokyo Skies
Late afternoon we grabbed the JR Green Line to Hamamatsucho station and started to make our way towards the Zojo-ji Temple and Tokyo Tower. We had a sweet craving, and we found a fix at Naruto Taiyaki Honpo —a tiny shop selling taiyaki fresh off the griddle. We chose the classic red bean, biting into that crunchy, warm shell as Tokyo Tower peeked through the buildings ahead. I must admit we ventured back more than once to get our fix.
Walking toward the tower, we passed Zojo-ji Temple—eerily serene in the golden hour light. Locals lit incense. The Tower glowed overhead. The city, for a moment, stood still.
We reached Tokyo Tower an hour before sunset. The line moved fast. We took the elevator up to the Main Deck (150m) and watched as Tokyo turned from blue to orange to silver. The skyline sparkled. Mt. Fuji sat faintly on the horizon like a ghost in the distance.
It was crowded, but we didn’t mind taking an opportunity to wander around the deck and get a bird’s eye view of all of Tokyo. We stood by the glass, watching a city of 37 million slowly blink into night. The sunset over Tokyo was breathtaking, a quiet moment to reflect on the people whose energy keeps the city alive and thriving.
Planning Tips from Shibuya to Tokyo Tower
Stay in Shibuya for easy access to central Tokyo, and direct metro lines (Hanzomon, Ginza, JR Yamanote).
Start your day early to enjoy the shrines and parks before crowds set in.
Use Google Maps with Japanese enabled to find hidden eateries locals love.
Dress in layers—December is chilly, especially after sunset.
Arrive at Tokyo Tower before 5 PM</strong> for the best twilight view.
Favourite Eats Along the Way
Soba Teuchi Soba Shinagawa Okina – Quiet, authentic, unforgettable.
Taiyaki in Hamamatsucho Naruto Taiyaki Honpo – Go classic with red bean, or try custard!
Yakitori in Ebisu Yokocho – Great for standing-style snacking after dark.
Tokyo Tower Access
Closest Stations: Akabanebashi Station (Oedo Line) or Kamiyacho Station (Hibiya Line) if taking the Tokyo Metro
Main Deck Ticket: ¥1,200 (Adults), open until 10:30 PM
As we walked back to Shibuya that night, warmed by sweet taiyaki memories and the buzz of city lights. Travelling in Tokyo is never about checking boxes—it’s about letting the city quietly surprise you, one moment at a time.
