Shibuya is the world’s busiest intersection

An organised chaos of people in Tokyo

Shibuya is a popular location in Tokyo where there are five zebra crossings that cross from one footpath to another, but also diagonally across the entire road.

It’s Saturday night in Tokyo, all around huge billboards with moving images scream for attention. This is Shibuya, known as the busiest intersection in the world, with five zebra crossings. Yes, five.

You can cross from one footpath to another, but also diagonally across the entire intersection. Every time the lights change to green for pedestrians, about 1200 people cross the intersection in 20 seconds.


Living anthill

The chaos of Tokyo.

You expect chaos when the lights change.  It’s like an anthill. But remember that it’s Japan, so people wait in an orderly manner for the green light. And then chaos descends, but it’s a very polite chaos. It’s wondrous. Until the lights change back to red and everybody stops to let the cars rush past.

Best time for the Shibuya crossing

The best time to go is on a Saturday night, so you can see the crowded intersection and the neon lights around. But it’s busiest in the morning and evening on workdays.

You can easily walk onto the intersection to take photos or videos, just make sure that you get back onto the footpath in time…

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