In Makoto Shinkai’s major hit film “Weathering With You,” one of the most iconic pilgrimage sites within Tokyo is Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Appearing in the trailer, this location served as the stage for an impressive scene of Hina, the heroine, standing in the rain, and has become a sacred site visited by many fans since the film’s release.
This article provides a detailed explanation for fans of Makoto Shinkai’s works, covering how Shibuya Scramble Crossing was depicted in “Weathering With You,” actual photography points for pilgrimage visits, access methods, and even related sacred sites in the surrounding area.
What is Shibuya Scramble Crossing?
The World’s Most Famous Intersection
Shibuya Scramble Crossing is a world-renowned intersection located in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo. On busy days, the daily traffic volume reaches as many as 500,000 people, with up to 3,000 people reportedly crossing during a single green light signal. This overwhelming flow of people and the unique spectacle of people intersecting from all directions is widely known domestically and internationally as a landscape symbolizing Tokyo.
Large video screens and neon signs line the intersection, with landmark buildings such as SHIBUYA109 and TSUTAYA creating an atmosphere of urban hustle and bustle. Director Makoto Shinkai chose this location, representative of modern Tokyo, as the stage for important scenes in “Weathering With You.”
Basic Information and Access
Address: Near 2-chome, Dogenzaka, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo
Access Methods:
- 1 minute walk from Hachiko Exit of “Shibuya Station” on the JR Yamanote, Saikyo, and Shonan-Shinjuku Lines
- 2 minutes walk from “Shibuya Station” on the Tokyo Metro Ginza, Hanzomon, and Fukutoshin Lines
- 3 minutes walk from “Shibuya Station” on the Tokyu Toyoko and Denentoshi Lines
- 5 minutes walk from “Shibuya Station” on the Keio Inokashira Line
When you exit the Hachiko exit at Shibuya Station, Scramble Crossing spreads out right before you. Even for first-time visitors, it’s impossible to get lost.
Scenes at Shibuya Scramble Crossing in “Weathering With You”
The Impressive Scene of Hina Standing in the Rain
In “Weathering With You,” Shibuya Scramble Crossing appears in multiple scenes, but the most impressive is the scene of Hina standing in the rain. Amid the flow of colorful umbrellas, the image of the heroine standing alone became a symbolic visual for the film, even being used in the movie trailer.
This scene functions as an important moment visually expressing urban loneliness and hustle, as well as “weather,” the theme of the story. Through director Makoto Shinkai’s characteristically meticulous background depiction, the actual atmosphere of the crossing is faithfully recreated.
The Crossing’s Different Expressions in Day and Night
In “Weathering With You,” Shibuya Scramble Crossing is depicted in both daytime and nighttime scenes.
In daytime scenes, the everyday lives of people crossing the intersection are depicted under natural light. It shows a completely different atmosphere depending on fair and rainy weather, with the expression of light reflecting off wet asphalt on rainy days being characteristic of Makoto Shinkai’s work.
In nighttime scenes, neon signs and large video screens reflect off the rain-soaked road surface, creating a fantastical urban night landscape. The colorful light reflections become an element symbolizing the film’s visual beauty.
For pilgrimage visits, by returning at different times of day, you can experience the different expressions of the crossing as depicted in the film.
Photography Spot Guide for Pilgrimage Visits
Photography from Inside the Crossing
It’s possible to actually stand in the middle of Scramble Crossing and photograph, but since the green light time is limited, you’ll need to shoot quickly. To recreate the film’s scenes, visiting on a rainy day will allow you to take photos that better match the film’s atmosphere.
The rainy day crossing with colorful umbrellas flowing back and forth is exactly like the film itself. However, during crowded times, be mindful not to obstruct the passage of other pedestrians.
Recommended Viewing Spots
Photography from viewing spots overlooking the entire crossing is also recommended.
SHIBUYA TSUTAYA 2nd Floor Starbucks
Window-side seating here offers a view overlooking the crossing and is a standard pilgrimage spot. However, it’s often crowded, and securing a seat is a matter of luck.
3rd Floor Connecting Corridor Between Shibuya Mark City and JR Shibuya Station
This is also an excellent vantage point for an elevated view of the crossing. Similar angled scenes appear in the film, and since it’s free to access, it’s popular among pilgrims.
Pedestrian Bridge in Front of Shibuya 109
Located at a position where you can look down at the crossing at an angle, it’s suitable for wide-angle photography.
Best Timing for Photography
Time of Day: The golden hour (magic hour) at dusk is when natural light and neon blend together, creating photos as beautiful as the film. The night landscape after sunset is also magical.
Day of the Week: Weekday afternoons have relatively fewer people, allowing for calm shooting. In contrast, weekend nights are crowded, allowing you to experience the bustling atmosphere depicted in the film.
Weather: To recreate the film’s scenes, a rainy day is best, but fair weather has its own beauty. Since Director Shinkai skillfully depicts how light changes with weather, you can experience one facet of the work in any weather conditions.
“Weathering With You” Sacred Sites Around Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Aside from Scramble Crossing, sacred sites from “Weathering With You” are scattered throughout the Shibuya area. Here are nearby spots for efficient pilgrimage visits.
Shibuya Station Hachiko Front Plaza
The plaza where the Hachiko the Loyal Dog statue, a symbol of Shibuya, stands is also a place many fans visit as a potential location appearing in the film. Since it’s right next to Scramble Crossing, it’s recommended to visit both together.
Shibuya Center-gai/Dogenzaka
The shopping districts extending from Scramble Crossing are also depicted in the film as Tokyo’s urban landscape. Scenes of walking through crowds allow you to experience urban daily life.
Major “Weathering With You” Sacred Sites in Tokyo
Here are major sacred sites from “Weathering With You” in Tokyo that you may want to visit together with Shibuya Scramble Crossing.
Yoyogi Kaikan (Demolished)
The Yoyogi Kaikan, which served as the model for the building where Hina lived, was demolished in 2019 after the film’s release. Currently, only the site remains, but many fans visit it as an important setting for the work. In the film, unique elements such as external stairs and a torii gate and shrine on the roof were added, differing from the actual building.
Location: 1-chome, Yoyogi, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo (Near JR Yoyogi Station)
Areas Around Tabata Station
The area around JR Tabata Station becomes an important setting for the story after Hina and Hodaka meet. With the setting that Hina’s apartment is in Tabata, the surrounding streetscape and areas beneath the elevated tracks are depicted in detail.
Sacred Sites in Shinjuku Area
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building/Tochotsuru Street (West Shinjuku)
One of the first places Hodaka visits after arriving in Tokyo. From the observation deck of the Metropolitan Government Building, you can see an overview of Tokyo, and it’s depicted impressively in the film.
Shinjuku Grand Guard West
The unique atmosphere under the elevated tracks appears in the film.
Atami Building (Kabukicho)
Appears as a multi-tenant building in Kabukicho. The neon street atmosphere adds color to the work’s world.
Other Sacred Sites in Tokyo
Roppongi Hills Area
Appears as urban high-rise buildings.
Asahi Inari Shrine (Ginza)
Believed to be one of the models for the shrine related to the story.
Between Mejiro and Takadanobaba Stations
Featured in train scenes.
Takeshiba Ferry Terminal
Depicted in the scene where Hodaka arrives in Tokyo.
Points for Enjoying Pilgrimage Visits
Advance Preparation
Re-watching the film and checking the details of each scene will allow you to experience the film’s world more deeply at the actual location. It’s also recommended to take screenshots and compare them at the site.
Observing Etiquette
While Shibuya Scramble Crossing is a tourist destination, it’s also a living thoroughfare for local residents. Don’t let photography enthusiasm get in the way of pedestrian traffic, and always be considerate of your surroundings. In particular, avoid prolonged stays within the crossing.
Visiting Multiple Times
A characteristic feature of sacred sites for Shinkai’s works is that they display completely different expressions depending on weather and time of day. If possible, visiting multiple times under different conditions—sunny days, rainy days, daytime, nighttime—allows you to fully appreciate the film’s diverse beauty.
Photo Sharing and Community
By sharing your photos on SNS with hashtags like “#WeatheringWithYouPilgrimage” and “#ShibuyaScrambleCrossing,” you can connect with other fans of Makoto Shinkai’s works. Looking at other fans’ photos is also part of the fun of pilgrimage visits.
Makoto Shinkai’s Works and Tokyo’s Depiction
Before “Weathering With You,” Director Makoto Shinkai was known for beautifully depicting Tokyo’s streetscapes. In “Your Name,” locations like Shinjuku and Yotsuya appear, and by setting the story in real places, it becomes easier for audiences to immerse themselves in the film’s world.
In “Weathering With You” especially, the light and shadow of contemporary Tokyo are carefully depicted. Shibuya Scramble Crossing was chosen as a symbol of this. Urban hustle, the lives of people, the changing expressions caused by weather—all of these are closely connected to the story’s themes.
Through the director’s meticulous research and observant eye, real locations are reborn with new meaning in the film and emerge as sacred sites.
Conclusion: Experience the World of “Weathering With You” at Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Shibuya Scramble Crossing is an indispensable spot for pilgrimage visits to “Weathering With You.” As the stage for the impressive scene of Hina standing in the rain, it has remained in the hearts of many fans.
With its convenient access, diverse photography spots, and rich variety of expressions that change with time of day and weather, it’s a place where you can find something new no matter how many times you visit. Being in Shibuya, Tokyo’s representative area, it’s also attractive to enjoy alongside sightseeing and dining in the surrounding area.
Through pilgrimage visits, why not experience the beautiful Tokyo depicted by Director Makoto Shinkai and relive the film’s emotion? The world of “Weathering With You” spreads out on both rainy and fair days.
We hope that pilgrimage visits to Shibuya Scramble Crossing will enrich your experience of “Weathering With You.” Bring your camera and step into the film’s world.
