In 2015, when Tokyu Corp. announced they have a new complex called Shibuya Stream which would feature commercial and office space and a hotel (which was named Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu) but also would also be occupied by Google (floors 14-35), needless to say, I have been looking forward to it.
As part of the Shibuya redevelopment project, when I heard that things would be added or changing even more, thanks in part of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, I never realized how much Shibuya would be changing.
The original digital image constructed of what Shibuya Stream would look like when finalized.
The grand opening of the new 35-story landmark near Shibuya Scramble was held back on September 13, 2018 and needless to say, it is a major, massive redevelopment project by the private railway.
The area where Shibuya Stream is located was originally the Tokyu Toyoko Line part of Shibuya Station. The Tokyu Toyoko Line which connects Shibuya and Daikanyama districts are now underground, so it was possible to create this broad street by the river.
And the goal is to bring people to the south side of Shibuya and I have to add that prior to visiting Shibuya Stream, in my 20-years of visiting Japan, I have really never gone to the south area of Shibuya when arriving at Shibuya Station. And because of Shibuya Stream, I have discovered the area and the restaurants nearby.
Called Shibuya Stream because the Shibuya River (a narrow stream) runs through it, the goal was to also have a promenade knowing that people may be heading towards the great Shibuya area and the upscale Daikanyama area.
The concept is actually quite convenient, when you consider it’s just a few minute walk to Shibuya Scramble, but having a hotel and a concert hall with Japan’s top restaurants housed on the bottom of the building is quite convenient and cool!
What I liked about the location is the contrast from day and night. From the day, one can see the Shibuya River, the creative structure of Shibuya Stream and the easy to walk pathway (which one can easily visit Shibuya Hikarie, another commercial complex which opened back in 2012 as part of the Shibuya redevelopment project) and also the glowing LED stairs (similar to Odaiba but much better at Shibuya Stream).
One of the top locations from what I saw from my visits to Shibuya Stream is the Great Burger Stand (which I will be doing a review soon), also another convenient way for people to have access to the cafe portion of Dean & Deluca and Luke’s Lobster, the French restaurant bar à vin CROISÉE, the Spanish restaurant XIRINGUITO Escribà, fusion So. Cal themed restaurant GH ETHNICA, Donabedakigohan Nakayoshi, Maru Bengara, Sushi Tokyo Ten and many other restaurants worth visiting. Also, for those who want to experience another location in Shibuya for craft beer, on the third floor is Craft Beer Tap.
If anything, don’t be disturbed by the reconstruction when you head south under the bridge towards Shibuya Stream. It may look ugly once you leave Shibuya Station towards the bridge area because of construction but once you move away from it, you’ll see Shibuya Stream and from there on, it’s actually a casual, not as crowded location.
It’s important to also note that in addition to the opening of Shibuya Stream back in September, a grand opening was also done for another commercial complex, Shibuya Bridge.
Overall, I have eaten at this location with friends numerous times and how convenience it is, makes Shibuya Stream one of my favorite areas to dine with friends in Shibuya!
