5 Things To Know About Tokyo’s New Shibuya Metro Station Ahead Of The 2020 Olympics

Home to the famed scramble crossing and Hachikō statue, Shibuya’s new metro station is set to be a new icon of the district

The Shibuya metro station on the Ginza Line—Tokyo’s oldest subway line, has undergone a makeover to unveil a new station just a short distance from the old station, which opened in December 1938.

As one of the most visited cultural and nightlife hubs of Tokyo, the renovation of the Shibuya metro station is part of the city’s transportation redevelopment in preparation for the 2020 Summer Olympics. Here are five things you need to know about the new metro station.

1. It took 10 years to finish

Tokyo Metro began the relocation work in February 2009. The final phase of the construction will be complete with elevators, restrooms and platform safety gates ahead of the Olympics in July 2020.

2. It’s located in the heart of Shibuya

TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 13: Shibuya is famous for its scramble crossing, it is located in front of the Shibuya Station Hachiko exit. Shibuya Station and surroundings will be undergoing major redevelopment over the coming years. Tokyu Toyoko Line Shibuya Station will be relocated underground and will join the Fukutoshin Line in March 2013. (Photo by Keith Tsuji/Getty Images)

Above Busy Shibuya crossing in Tokyo, Japan (Photo: Courtesy of Keith Tsuji/Getty Images)

A stone’s throw from the famous Shibuya Crossing, the renovated metro station is surrounded by new buildings unveiled in recent months ahead of the Summer Games, including the Shibuya Scramble Square which features an observation deck, shopping malls Shibuya Fukuras and Shibuya Parco, as well as an underground plaza connected to the station’s east exit.

3. It has a M-shaped roof

Designed by award-winning Japanese architect Tadao Ando, who is known for his minimalist style, the Shibuya revamp has a M-shaped roof with white interiors that give the building an airy, open feel.

4. The new platform is twice as wide as the old one

At 12 metres across, the new platform is two times wider than the former one, which was at some six metres.

“The old station had challenges, including narrow entrance gates and platforms. We hope the new one will be loved as a safe and convenient station,” says Tokyo Metro Co. president Akiyoshi Yamamura.

5. Seamless transfers

The new station is expected to make transfer to and from the capital’s busy Yamanote Line of East Japan Railway and other railway lines easier with new connections.

Topics

Shibuya Tokyo 2020 Olympics summer olympics tokyo metro tokyo travel japan