The (Non-)Mystery of the Missing Tokyu Department Store

Shibuya Hikarie towers over Shibuya Station as night approaches Tokyo. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I recently read something elsewhere that a tourist wrote about a recent trip to Shibuya Station. I couldn't help but laugh, as the poor guy clearly didn't know what he was talking about.

The person in question marveled at the missing Tokyu department store and made an assumption that the structure is being demolished as part of the train station's renovation.

In short: No. Not even close. The department store was replaced by Shibuya Hikarie, the skyscraper on the left side of the above photo. Tokyu finished it in 2012, and it's something that residents have been well aware of for years. There was even a Godzilla exhibit hosted there last year!

Could it be that some people still haven't heard of Google? Hm...

GODZILLA IN SHIBUYA! A New Godzilla Exhibit Wows Them at Shibuya Hikarie!

For a limited time, Godzilla fans in Tokyo can take in a rather cool gallery of Godzilla-related props, replica suits and busts, and other goodies at Shibuya Hikarie. The exhibit opened today (July 20) and runs through July 29. So, if you're in the vicinity, stop by while you can!

As with most such exhibits, photography is mostly frowned upon here. However, there is a specific section where pictures are allowed, so shutterbugs take note. The photos of the designated section are presented here.

Overall, the exhibit is rather impressive, if a bit small. It's essentially all contained in one large room, and most of what's on display are replicas. However, some original props made it in.

Here's the train car from King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962)! Now that was great to see -- only at Shibuya Hikarie! For more information, follow this link.