“Family Day in Shibuya — A Tokyo Story Through a Mother’s Eyes

— Asami, 38 years old. Visiting Tokyo’s Shibuya with her husband and daughter on a weekend.

Shibuya: Not Just for the Young

For many around the world, Shibuya is Tokyo’s neon heart: the famous scramble crossing, Hachiko statue, and endless shopping.

But for many Japanese adults — especially parents — Shibuya can feel too loud, too fast, too much.

Asami hadn’t been to Shibuya in years. But today, she’s back — this time, with her daughter.

10:15 AM — “So many people,” her daughter said

From their home in Saitama, it takes about 50 minutes.
Arriving at Shibuya Station, the first thing Asami feels is lost in size.
Endless hallways. Glass walls. Announcements in every direction.

Her daughter squeezes her hand.
“So many people,” she says.
“Yeah,” Asami replies, smiling. “I feel a bit lost too.”

11:00 AM — Green Space in the Sky

Their first stop: MIYASHITA PARK.
Just a 5-minute walk from the station, this rooftop park surprises her.
Grass. Space. Sunlight. All in the middle of Shibuya.

A foreign teenager with a skateboard chats in English nearby.
Her daughter smiles shyly. “This doesn’t feel like Shibuya,” she says.
“But maybe this is also Shibuya,” Asami replies.

1:30 PM — Hachiko, Through a Mother’s Eyes

Her daughter wants to see the famous Hachiko statue.
Asami hesitates. Too many people. Too much noise. But they go.

Cameras everywhere. Pigeons. Street performers.
But her daughter stands still, looking at the statue with wide eyes.

Asami takes a blurry photo. It won’t win any awards. But the memory feels strong.

3:00 PM — Small Alleys, Small Discoveries

They skip the main Center Gai and take a narrow backstreet.
A bakery window filled with scones. An old CD shop. A boy playing guitar for no one.

“This place is interesting,” her daughter says.
Her husband adds, “This feels more like an adventure than sightseeing.”

Shibuya’s other face reveals itself — slowly, kindly.

5:30 PM — The Train Ride Home

On the way back, her daughter sleeps against her shoulder.
Her husband looks out the window. Quiet.

“Shibuya looks different when you’re walking with a child,” Asami says.
“Yeah. I think we look different too,” he replies.

Shibuya hadn’t changed.
But somehow, it had allowed her to change — just a little.

How Others See Asami

Her daughter: “She always tries something new with me.”
Her husband: “Careful, but strong when it counts.”
Herself: “A mom who still gets lost sometimes.”

But today, that being lost led to something found.

Your Turn

Shibuya can be overwhelming.
But hidden between the crowds are quiet corners and new memories.

You don’t have to be young to enjoy it.
You just have to walk it — maybe slowly, maybe with someone small by your side.