Looking down from the 11th floor of Tokyo’s Hikarie skyscraper, the seemingly endless ebb and flow of people using Shibuya Station is hypnotic to watch.
Originally built in 1885, Shibuya Station has continued to change with the times, adding or moving platforms at various points in history in order to accommodate the eight lines it now services.
With more than 2.8 million passengers on an average weekday, it is now one of the busiest rail terminals in the country.
Shibuya has continued to evolve over time, transforming from tranquil farmland in the Edo Period (1603-1868) to a colorful, vibrant district that is now home to art, fashion, theater, academia and business.
More recently, Shibuya has embarked on its most ambitious project yet, with its main station undergoing major renovations as a part of a long-term site redevelopment plan.
Shibuya Ward Mayor Ken Hasebe, who was elected in April, 2015 said in his first policy speech that he wants to turn the district into an internationally recognized name.