Hello Local Guides!
First of all, sending my best wishes to everyone who is currently waiting for the ConnectLIVE 2026 announcement. I hope the good news is coming your way! 
While we hold our breath for the big news, let me take you back to a memorable “loop” from my travels.
Welcome back to Local Loops! After exploring my hometown in Blitar and doing a budget walking tour in Malang, for this 3rd edition, I’m taking you somewhere a bit further: Tokyo!
In recent years, I’ve been lucky enough to visit Tokyo twice for Google events. During these trips, instead of just hunting for souvenirs, I found myself looking for something else: a sense of familiarity. For us Indonesians, no matter how far we travel, we always crave a “taste of home.”
If you are visiting Shibuya and need a break from the hustle, or just miss the vibe of Indonesia, here is my guide to finding “home” right here in Shibuya.
Special Note: Solo Woman Traveler Friendly
For all the ladies out there, this entire loop is Solo Woman Traveler Friendly! I explored all these spots by myself and felt safe, comfortable, and welcomed everywhere. So, don’t be afraid to take this walk alone!
Enjoying the Chaos of Shibuya Crossing
Walking through the famous scramble crossing might be mainstream, but you have to enjoy it while you can! However, personally, I prefer to watch the world go by from the sidelines. Here are my two favorite spots:
The Ground Level
My ritual is simple: I grab a Tuna Mayo Onigiri from a nearby convenience store, sit near the Hachiko statue, and watch the ocean of people. Sometimes, I find myself wondering: Where do they come from? Where are they all going? It’s a surreal sensation: eating cold rice while feeling the warm energy of thousands of people moving fast.
The Upper View (Shibuya Mark City)
For a free aerial view, head to the connecting bridge in Shibuya Mark City. Here, you can admire the giant mural “The Myth of Tomorrow” by Taro Okamoto. It depicts the atomic bomb tragedy: a powerful piece of art hidden in plain sight.
Meeting a “Childhood Friend” at Miyashita Park
Just a short walk from the crossing, I visited Miyashita Park, a cool rooftop park. But my main goal was one thing: The Doraemon “Anywhere Door” Monument. Why does this feel like home? Because almost every Indonesian grew up watching Doraemon on Sunday mornings! Seeing this character in Tokyo felt like meeting an old childhood friend. It is a nostalgic photo spot you shouldn’t miss.
I visited this spot with Connect Moderators from Indonesia: @Velvel, @NyaiNurjanah and Mbak @indahnuria. The best part is that it’s completely free, but keep in mind it gets very busy during holidays, so be prepared to queue for pictures. My Google Maps review is here.
The Cure for Homesickness: Cinta Jawa Cafe
I visited this spot for the first time with an Indonesian friend who works in Japan. After walking, the tummy starts rumbling. And honestly, nothing beats the taste of Indonesian spices. For my second visit, I came here with fellow Connect Live 2025 attendees: @FahmiAdimara, @elyudith, @AndiBrata and @syaubananas.
Accessibility Note (Important): Please keep in mind that this cafe is located on the 4th floor and access is via stairs only. Since there is no elevator, it might be a challenge for wheelchair users or travelers with heavy strollers/luggage. Be prepared for a little cardio before your meal!
- The Food: I really enjoyed their Bakso and Soto. The broth is light but carries that authentic Indonesian flavor.
- The Drink: Don’t forget to order Es Teh! The moment I took a sip, the strong aroma of Jasmine hit me. I was so curious that I asked one of the staff, and they told me their recipe comes directly from Central Java. No wonder it tasted exactly like the “Teh Wasgitel” found in our local Angkringan!
A tip for fellow Indonesians: If you order juice here, don’t expect the fresh blended fruit kind we’re used to. They usually just serve it from a carton/box. Check my Google Maps’ review here.
A Sanctuary in Shibuya: Kopikalyan
I first visited this spot thanks to a recommendation from Mas Ivan (@iyudhi). I enjoyed it so much that I made sure to come back again. Here are a few things I’d like to highlight about this place:
The Indonesian Vibe
There is even a map of Indonesia on the wall! Hearing the chatter of other customers speaking in Bahasa Indonesia in the background was real therapy.
Muslim Friendly Place
This is huge. They have a Musholla! Being able to pray peacefully in the middle of busy Shibuya is a luxury. Highly recommended for Muslim travelers.
The Most Order
I’m taking a break from coffee, so I tried the jamu kunir asam—though it didn’t quite taste like the authentic stuff back in Indo. Round two, I went for iced tea, but it just didn’t hit the spot like the one at Cinta Jawa. To be honest, Cinta Jawa’s iced tea is still my favorite. Their Tempe Goreng (Fried Tempeh) is a must! It is so hard to find good Tempe abroad, and this one is perfect.
The Helpful Touch
Unlike in Indonesia where we often hug our bags for safety, here they provide a basket under your chair. It’s a small detail, but the basket culture makes everything feel so clean and secure.
The Sweetest Surprise: The “Ubi Cilembu” Twin
On my way back to the hotel, I heard a unique sound from a small truck: a seller shouting “Yaaaaki-imoooo…” through a loudspeaker. I decided to buy one, and guess what? It tasted exactly like “Ubi Cilembu” from home!
It was warm, super sweet, and soft. Eating this hot sweet potato while walking in the cold night air of Tokyo reminded me of street snacks in Malang.
BONUS: Shibuya Sky Guide
If you have the budget, look beyond the famous Shibuya Crossing and experience Shibuya Sky.
Just make sure to book your tickets in advance because they sell out fast (prices are generally the same online, but don’t forget to print your ticket!). Also, be prepared for strict rules: no professional cameras or tripods are allowed. You’ll need a 100-yen coin for a locker to store your belongings, as you can strictly only bring your phone to the rooftop. Also, keep an eye on the forecast: the rooftop may close during bad weather. You can read my review here.
General Tip: Language & Hospitality
Many friends asked me, “Is it hard to explore Shibuya if I don’t speak Japanese?” Don’t Worry: In Shibuya, simple English is widely understood. Google Translate is always there to save the day!
Occasionally, you might find small izakaya that are hesitant to serve foreigners which are for “Japanese Only”. This is often because they want to ensure every customer gets perfect service, and they worry about the language barrier. If this happens, don’t take it personally! Just respect their comfort zone and find another welcoming spot nearby.
Note for female travelers: I once walked back to my hotel alone, and when I looked confused checking the map, a local actually stopped to help guide me (I shared the full story in How Local Guides program connected me to Japanese people). While Shibuya is generally safe for walking, when I was out at midnight with @Izumi from Japan Local Guides, there were a lot of drunk people on the streets. They didn’t bother us, but honestly, unless it’s urgent, it’s better to just stay in and rest at your hotel.
Wrap Up: Your Loop, Your Rules
Shibuya is fast, loud, and modern. But finding these little pockets of “Indonesian warmth”—from the Jasmine tea aroma to the friendly smiles—made my trips unforgettable. As always, Feel free to mix and match the spots based on your time and preference. The most important thing is enjoying the vibe of the city.
Curious about the locations? Here is the complete Google Maps List for this trip: Local Loops #3: Indonesian Taste List in Shibuya
Extra: Google Maps List for halal restaurants in Shibuya.
Have you ever found a “taste of home” while traveling abroad? Tell me in the comments!
See you in the next Loop! 
”, Mbak 
dari sekian varian olahan tempe yang paing favorit saya tempe mendoan sih. hehehe