渋谷文化プロジェクト

渋谷をもっと楽しく!働く人、学ぶ人、遊ぶ人のための情報サイト

SHIBUYA YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW

BACK TO THE FUTURE IN SHIBUY-10px

写真

Shibuya… the most outstanding shopping district in Tokyo, no, the world. Discover a different side to the famous neighbourhood by strolling off the beaten path and exploring its past, present and future – from the days when Hachiko waited faithfully for his owner outside the station to what the area is likely to look like by the time the 2020 Olympics roll around. (Note that some areas featured are out of cellphone range.)

写真

Shibuya Station is currently used by three million people daily as they journey around the city. Choose your own journey through Shibuya now, by either going back in time, or forward into the future…

  • Go Back to the past
  • Travel into the future

1911

The first thing we see is a boy in a kimono. We also see Shibuya Station as it looked more than a century ago. Established as a transit point mainly for industrial materials like raw silk thread and gravel, the station’s forecourt has the atmosphere of a rustic courtyard.

1934

That dog, could it be...? By 1934, the faithful Hachiko has already been waiting years for his master who would never return. The bronze statue outside the station gets built this year, and Hachiko will pass away in 1935.

Hachiko

1945

farmingNext we’re in Shibuya around the time of the end of World War II. The area is in ruins because of bombing. The black market is growing in the station forecourt; the fire-devastated area is used to grow vegetables.

1952

Where have those burnt fields gone? Now, there’s a cable car that travels between the roof of a department store in front of the station (the former Tokyu Department Store’s east building) and the roof of an adjacent building (Tokyu Department Store’s current west building). Although the cityscape is still empty in comparison to how it will look in years to come.

1960

Wow, the rush-hour commute has already started giving Tokyo it’s signature bustling atmosphere. We’re travelling on the old Toyoko line and we’re starting to think a packed train is a long-standing tradition of Japan.

1979

As Japan rides on the wave of rapid economic growth, the landmark Shibuya 109 building appears. Other large-scale commercial buildings, such as Tokyu Hands are also erected. Shall we take a detour and buy some ’80s fashion?

1990

GalsShibuya is suddenly teeming with tanned gals. It’s also become a favourite hangout for teenagers, and the birthplace of unique and enigmatic cultural phenomena such as Print Club machines, which let you design and print out stickers with a photo of your face on them.

THE TIME TRAVELLER'S GUIDE

Would you believe there are ruins that are several thousand years old hidden among the streets of modern Shibuya? Take a trip through time by visiting these four spots.

Love Letter Alley

In the early ’50s, American Occupation troops began departing from Japan. Several entrepreneurs opened up shops on this street, offering a translation service for women who could not speak English very well but wished to pen love letters to their American boyfriends. All that remains now is a memorial behind the 109 building.

Konno sumo ruins

In the early ’50s, American Occupation troops began departing from Japan. Several entrepreneurs opened up shops on this street, offering a translation service for women who could not speak English very well but wished to pen love letters to their American boyfriends. All that remains now is a memorial behind the 109 building.

Yoyogi Hachiman ruins

In the early ’50s, American Occupation troops began departing from Japan. Several entrepreneurs opened up shops on this street, offering a translation service for women who could not speak English very well but wished to pen love letters to their American boyfriends. All that remains now is a memorial behind the 109 building.

Sarugakuzuka

In the early ’50s, American Occupation troops began departing from Japan. Several entrepreneurs opened up shops on this street, offering a translation service for women who could not speak English very well but wished to pen love letters to their American boyfriends. All that remains now is a memorial behind the 109 building.

  • INDEX
  • 12 hours in Shibuya
  • She says, He says
  • BACK TO THE FUTURE IN SHIBUYA
  • 10 top shopper's snaks
  • 4 TIPS FOR A SMOOTHER TRIP

オススメ記事