Spain-zaka, Sloping road in Udagawachō, Shibuya, Japan
Spain-zaka is a narrow sloping street in the Udagawachō neighborhood of Shibuya, Tokyo. It runs for roughly 100 meters behind Center Street, lined on both sides with small cafes, fashion boutiques, and accessory shops.
The name Spain-zaka was given in 1975, when the Parco shopping center first opened nearby. A cafe close to the street had a Spanish-themed decor that reminded the staff of Spain, and the name has stayed ever since.
Spain-zaka is a short walk from the Hachiko exit of Shibuya Station, past the scramble crossing and along Center Street. The slope can feel slippery in wet weather, so comfortable shoes are a good idea.
Despite its name, the street has no particular Spanish architectural features. The name came entirely from one nearby cafe whose owner decorated it with Spanish-style objects, not from any design of the street itself.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
