Days after Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared a state of emergency for Tokyo and six other prefectures over the coronavirus outbreak, some of the city's most popular sights including the Hachiko Crossing look very different indeed.

This timelapse shows businesses, cafes and restaurants closed, while some people are still going to work. Video shows a much quieter than normal Hachiko Crossing in Shibuya as well as a near-deserted Akihabara, the electronics district popular with tourists and locals. The stalls surrounding Asakusa Shrine are seen shuttered, as is the Mitsukoshi department store in Nihonbashi.

"I been living in Tokyo for 15 years and he has never seen anything like this before," said the filmer.

On Friday, the day after this video was shot, non-essential businesses in Tokyo were asked to close after an emergency was declared earlier this month.

Pachinko parlors and internet cafes in the capital closed while “izakaya” dining bars are to reduce their hours.

On Saturday, the Government went further, urging people to not go out to dine, drink and indulge in "in-person services" in busy shopping districts, the Japan Times reported on Saturday.