Shibuya River Street Illumination Renewed! Environmental Illumination to Begin on April 1, 2026 (Wednesday)!

We are pleased to announce that the illumination along the "Shibuya River Street," a promenade connecting the "Shibuya Stream" large-scale complex facility to the "Shibuya Bridge" area, will be renewed for the first time in three years, with new lighting effects set to begin on April 1, 2026 (Wednesday).

Illumination illuminating the Shibuya River

Shibuya River Street was created as a promenade in 2018, coinciding with the opening of Shibuya Stream, by developing the former Tokyu Toyoko Line Shibuya Station's underground tracks into a surface-level path. At the same time, the Shibuya River was uncovered and developed into a clear stream through public-private collaboration.

Since the opening of Shibuya Stream, illumination has been installed to light up the area from Inari Bridge Plaza in front of Shibuya Stream, along Shibuya River Street, and the Shibuya River itself. The aim has been to enhance the appeal of the waterside and improve walkability in Shibuya River Street, a valuable waterside and natural environment within the urban space. Now, aiming for further enhancement of its appeal, we are renewing the illumination with the concept of "SHIBUYA FLOWSCAPE."

The new concept, "SHIBUYA FLOWSCAPE," aims to create a landscape where the presence of nature within the city can be experienced by visualizing the natural rhythms of the Shibuya River's flowing water, the wind passing along the riverbanks, and the changing seasons through light. Along the promenade, soft, undulating lines of light and lighting effects reminiscent of the sparkling river surface will be arranged to form a landscape of light that follows the paths of people walking along the river.

Furthermore, this project partially incorporates lighting effects using "botanical light," a plant-powered technology developed by Green Display Inc. The power-free light, utilizing energy generated by the activity of plants and soil microorganisms along Shibuya River Street, will appear in the space as a delicate light that evokes the vitality of plants, creating a landscape where the breath of nature can be felt in the city.

Additionally, in an innovative approach for the uplighting that illuminates trees in some areas, sensors will detect the air environment along the river (temperature, humidity, and wind conditions), and these changes will be expressed as gradients and flickering in the light colors. This allows the state of the air flowing at that time and place to be represented by changes in light. By overlapping the expression of light with the wind and air currents experienced by visitors, the illumination creates a sense of connection between nature and the urban space. The expression of light will change according to the time of day and season, allowing visitors to enjoy a different landscape each time they visit, creating a unique charm for the waterside space at night, distinct from its daytime appearance.

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