Shibuya Sakura Stage, the new landmark of the Shibuya Sakuragaoka area, opened on July 25th. This is a redevelopment project to integrate a vast site of about 2.6 hectares to the southwest of Shibuya Station, and it is no exaggeration to say that it is not just a simple rebuild of a building, but that a "new Shibuya" and "new town" have been born just across National Route 246.

On July 25th, the commercial area of Shibuya Sakura Stage opened simultaneously, marking its full opening.

About half a year after its completion in November last year, the new south ticket gates of JR Shibuya Station were relocated and new tenants opened at the same time, bringing a sudden surge in activity to the Sakuragaoka area. The area is made up of two areas, the "SHIBUYA Side" (Block A) and the "SAKURA Side" (Block B). The SHIBUYA Side is home to the 179m-tall, 39-story SHIBUYA Tower and the 90m-tall Central Building. The SAKURA Side is home to the 127m-tall, 30-story SAKURA Tower, both of which have plenty to see.

"Sakuyon" on the 4th floor of Shibuya Sakura Stage is a noteworthy floor where culture and food intersect

In this article, we will focus on "Sakuyon" on the 4th floor of SHIBUYA Tower. "Sakuyon" is a combination of "Sakura" from "Sakura Stage" and "4th floor," and is one of the most important floors in the facility, serving as a community space where "culture" and "food" intersect.

Great for work! A large bookstore and shared lounge directly connected to Shibuya Station

"TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE" is the largest bookstore around Shibuya Station.

First, let's look at the cultural area. There is "TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE" and "SHARE LOUNGE", the largest bookstore in the Shibuya area, run by CCC (Culture Convenience Club). Shibuya used to be known as a "book town" with many large bookstores. With the redevelopment, the large bookstores have completely disappeared from around the station, but the opening of Shibuya's largest bookstore in the facility directly connected to the station is a great joy for the people who live and work in Shibuya.

The SHARE LOUNGE is attached to the bookstore. It offers a spacious space, perfect for when you want to be alone and work, study, read, etc.

In addition, adjacent to the bookstore will be the "SHARE LOUNGE," a space that combines the comfort of a shared office and lounge, similar to those found at SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE and SHIBUYA TSUTAYA (QFRONT).

In addition to the all-you-can-drink plan, there is also an alcohol plan (all-you-can-drink Budweiser, Hoegaarden, and highballs). There is also a wide selection of free snacks such as nuts and chocolate.

With a seat, power outlets, high-speed Wi-Fi, free drinks and snacks, you can work comfortably in an environment that is well-equipped, and you can also use it as a place to take a break or as a cafe. The BOOK library is extensive, so it is also comfortable to spend time relaxing while looking at books and magazines. The main rates are 1,650 yen/hour for a soft drink plan, 2,200 yen/hour for an alcohol plan, and 5,500 yen for a day use.

A challenge that major companies can't take on! Experience the charm of indie games

"404 Not Found Event Space" located in the center of the 4th floor

In the central area of the 4th floor, there is a space called "404 Not Found," which aims to be a mecca for indie game creators. The event space is equipped with LEDs over 10 meters wide, and will be used as a place to hold events such as exhibitions, workshops, and live music, with the aim of supporting the creative activities of indie creators active in various cultural fields such as games, art, music, and food.

You can enjoy indie games on the PCs in the space. The photo on the right is a popular indie game called "JET Cola." It's an arcade-style game where you don't use a controller, but instead shake a bottle of cola and aim for space with the cola that sprays out.

On days and times when there are no events, visitors can actually experience and play games developed by individuals or small groups on a low budget. If the game creators are in town, they can also talk to them directly.

A new food hall with a street-level feel that's perfect for stopping by with colleagues on your way home from work!

Next, let's take a look at the "food" area, another main attraction on this floor. This is "FOOD MET," a food hall that recreates the individuality and chaos of a street-level "shopping street." Food Met is made up of three areas, "SHIBUYA SAKURAGAOKA BEER HALL," "404 Kitchen," and "Shibuya By STREET," and is home to a total of 17 stores.

Inside SHIBUYA SAKURAGAOKA BEER HALL

★ SHIBUYA SAKURAGAOKA BEER HALL/You can drink local beer brewed in-house

This beer hall is operated by SHIBUYA BREWERY in collaboration with Tokyu Land Corporation, with the concept of "brewing beer is building the city." Eight stores function as one restaurant, and you can enjoy local beer brewed in-house while enjoying food from various stores like in a food court.

The closest brewery to Shibuya Station. Offers original beer brewed in-house

Just like in a food court, you can sit wherever you like and order on the go using mobile.

The main stores include a pizza shop run by Chef Murota of the one-star Michelin restaurant "LATURE", "Stand Phở You" serving Asian and ethnic food, "Tipsytiger Spice" a multinational spice food specialty store combining spice dishes from around the world, "Chinese Kana Dim Sum" a healthy Chinese restaurant focusing on dim sum, and "BIG OYSTER KAIRI" a creative Japanese seafood restaurant. Mobile ordering has been introduced, allowing you to order takeout meals from all eight stores, and during dinner time you can enjoy meals from all stores in the hall by ordering from your seat on your mobile phone.

Left: "Ciel Pizza" serves pizza made with Japanese ingredients. It's baked in an oven inside the store. Right: "STABLER SHIBUYA" produced by the apparel brand "STABLER". It serves hearty meat sandwiches with fries, onion rings, and more.

Left: Spicy restaurant "Tipsy Tiger". Their specialty is "Mapo Curry", which combines spices with Chinese cuisine. Right: Asian restaurant "Stand Phở You". They serve healthy dishes such as pho, which uses domestically grown rice noodles, rice flour, and rice oil.

★404 Kitchen/An experimental pop-up restaurant

The counter seats on the right are for "Jukusei Sushi Man." On the left are bench-style tables where you can sit and eat.

A pop-up restaurant area incorporating experimental elements to explore new possibilities in food. Curated by former Square Enix game producer and well-known foodie Rie Narusawa, the area will support individual and startup businesses, including unique shops from all over Japan and chefs who do not have permanent stores, under the theme of "challenge."

"Jukusei Sushi Man" nigiri sushi will be offered for 3,300 yen per person for 5 pieces.

One notable new store is "Jukusei Sushi Man-Hanare," an a la carte sushi restaurant where you can order just one dish, run by Chef Hakusan of "Jukusei Sushi Man," a one-star Michelin restaurant in Hiroo, Shibuya. It will only be open for one year, so don't miss this opportunity to try it. The other store is the standing bar "JUICCCY," which serves juicy pork dishes made only with pathogen-free "SPF pork," as well as drinks at reasonable prices. Because it is only open for a limited time, it is sure to become an area with the excitement of a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

Standing bar JUICCCY. They offer creative pork dishes, including bacon with a smoked aroma and rich flavor, as well as drinks at reasonable prices.

★Shibuya By STREET/A new alley in the Sakuragaoka area

Shibuya By STREET: Six stores lined up like a street

Map of restaurants in the food court

Shin Shokudo-gai is a shopping mall that is bustling like a street-front establishment. It is lined with six unique restaurants, including Sakaba Jarrow, an adult bar with a lively atmosphere featuring Japanese chefs, SUSHI SOUL, a casual sushi restaurant with soul music playing, Teppan BANANA STEAK, a live kitchen teppan steak specialty restaurant, and La Esquina SHIBUYA, a Mexican restaurant famous for its homemade tortillas. This is a new alley in the Sakuragaoka area where you can enjoy food and drinks.

Left: "Sakaba Jarrow." Chefs prepare Japanese food that pairs well with sake and shochu in the live kitchen. Right: Mexican diner "La Esquina SHIBUYA." The specialty is tacos made with homemade tortillas. They also have a wide lineup of alcoholic drinks, including Mexican beer, frozen margaritas, and 100% agave premium tequila.

Left: "Mr. Lee's Boiled Dumplings". Boiled dumplings and fried dumplings are served hand-wrapped. At lunchtime, they also offer the popular Lu Rou rice and various fried rice dishes. Right: "Teppan BANANA STEAK", a live kitchen-style teppan steak specialty restaurant. Wagyu steak and hamburger steak are cooked right in front of you and served as a set menu with rice and miso soup.

Left: Yakiniku 78 (Nanahachi). They focus on standard cuts and are great for couples' dates and casual business meetings. Right: Sushi and Wine SUSHI SOUL is a lively, casual sushi restaurant with an open kitchen. In addition to standard nigiri, you can enjoy creative snacks and tempura to go with your wine.

Although you cannot go between the six stores, the inner terrace adjacent to the JR Shibuya Station Shinminami ticket gates spreads out at the back of the store, creating a sense of openness. It is also recommended as a train viewing spot where you can enjoy your meal while watching the trains.

Hachiko's friend? Akita dog "Sakura"

Sakura, an Akita dog who lived in the Sakuragaoka area

By the window on the fourth floor, you can see Sakura, an Akita dog that once lived in Sakuragaoka. In fact, Sakura does not actually exist, but is a fictional character. Just as Hachiko, the loyal dog, is a staple of Shibuya sightseeing, Sakura was created as the symbol of Sakuyon with the hope that she would be loved by everyone, just like Hachiko. If you come to the fourth floor, be sure to go and meet Sakura.

With the full-scale opening of Shibuya Sakura Stage, the Sakuragaoka area is regaining new vitality. Among them, Sakuyon on the 4th floor, which we picked out this time, is a unique space where culture and food intersect, and will provide visitors with new experiences and fun. Until now, when eating in Shibuya, I think most people would meet up with friends at Hachiko Square and then move towards Dogenzaka or Udagawa. In the future, it seems like a new option will be to exit the JR Shinminami ticket gate, meet at the event space "BLOOM GATE" at Shibuya Sakura Stage, and enjoy a meal at Sakuyon on the 4th floor. Why not go and experience its charm for yourself?

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Editorial Department: Takashi Fujii

Shibuya registrar. In addition to Shibuya of Culture information, seasonal news and topics, it will spell write that feel every day.