Shinagawa is best known for its convenient access to Tokyo, and Shinagawa Station for the Shinkansen. But that is not all Shinagawa has to offer. Explore the best that Shinagawas has to offer with aquariums, museums, shopping malls, hotels and a beautiful park.
Table of Contents
- All About Tokyo Shinagawa
- What to do in Shinagawa
- Where to Stay at Shinagawa
- Other Information
- Summary
All About Tokyo Shinagawa
Shinagawa City or Shinagawa Ward isn’t exactly a tourist destination, but it is still a city worth visiting if you’re bored of common tourist destinations like Shibuya and Shinjuku. Give Shinagawa a chance with a daytrip, you may like it more than you think.
Historical Significance
Shinagawa has a long history of being a transport hub. Back during the Edo Period, it operated as a vehicle depot as well as being the first ever post station town along the Tokaido route. Post station towns are pretty much olden days highway R&R stations for weary travellers to rest. The city was also the earliest in Japan to cater passenger trains, dating back to 12 June 1872 when the first passenger train line in Japan ran from Shinagawa to Yokohama. Since then, Shinagawa has been a key location for transportation with millions of passengers every year travelling through the city.
※ The Japan Times, "Shinagawa, a gateway to old and new Tokyo" ※ East Japan Railway Culture Foundation, "Dawn of Japanese Railways," p.29
Economy
Thanks to its strategic location, Shinagawa is a commercial centre with many companies headquartered in the city. Big companies with headquarters or large offices in Shinagawa include Mitsui Fudosan, Fujitsu Systems, SEGA, Japan Airlines (JAL), Hitachi, and more.
※ The Wall Street Journal, “Shinagawa Rises as a New Hub in Tokyo”
Writer's Pick
What to do in Shinagawa
Visit Shinagawa Attractions
If you think there’s nothing to do in Shinagawa, think again! Here are some fun things to do in Shinagawa to change your mind.
Shinagawa Aquarium
Shinagawa has two (2) popular aquariums; Shinagawa Aquarium and Maxell Aqua Park.
Shinagawa Aquarium
With a Google Rating of 4.1 stars by over 4,000 people, Shinagawa Aquarium is a popular attraction. Aside from the typical marine life vivariums and underwater tunnel, Shinagawa Aquarium has a whole host of performance shows: dolphins, seals, and sea lions. They also offer unique experiences like pearl farming, feeding, and a backstage visit to learn the inner workings of an aquarium. Shinagawa Aquarium is an educational experience especially suited for families.
Access:
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8-mins walk from Omorikaigan Station on Keikyu Main Line
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15-mins walk from JR Omori Station on JR Keihin Tohoku Line
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Free shuttle bus from JR Oimachi Station on JR Keihin Tohoku Line
Entrance Fee: 1,350 yen (Adult)
TIP
Special discount for residents, students, and workers of Shinagawa Ward
To claim the discount, bring whichever applies to you:
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Proof of residence (health insurance card, residence card, driving license etc.);
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Proof of employment (employee ID, company health insurance card, etc.); or
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Student card.
Maxell Aqua Park
Maxell Aqua Park is highly rated on Google with 4.3 star ratings by over 10,000 people. Using high tech lights, sound, and video, the aquarium is brought to another level. From a regular fun attraction, it is transformed into a dynamic modern entertainment. Be entranced by the dark rooms lit only by a myriad of swirling water lit with dazzling coloured lights and the natural glow of jellyfish. Make sure not to miss the night version of the dolphin show to watch the dolphins dance amidst the magical fountains.
Access: 2-mins walk from Shinagawa Station
Entrance Fee: 2,300 yen (Adult)
TIP
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Guests staying in targeted Prince Hotels within the Shinagawa and Takanawa areas will receive discounted entrance fees → 1,700 yen (Adult)
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Limited time discount promotions may be available from time to time so check their Usage Fees page.
Shinagawa Historical Museum
Learn about Shinagawa here at the Shinagawa Historical Museum. Explore the history of Shinagawa from prehistoric times, to the medieval era, and finally to modernity in the permanent exhibition. Curious about how Shinagawa was as a post station town? This is the place to find out more.
The museum is also home to a Shoin (書院 Traditional Study Room), library, and garden. Built at the dawn of the Showa period, the Shoin is located beside the garden. Unfortunately, it is only available for viewing on Cultural Day which falls on 3 November. However, you can still enjoy the exterior view of the Shoin from the garden. The garden is a nice place to visit with seasonal flora. The garden makes for a nice place to have a short rest after visiting the museum.
Omori Shell Mounds Park
Located around 5-mins walk away from the museum is a historical dig site that was discovered in 1877 by Dr. Edward Sylvester Morse. Excavations commenced to uncover the secrets of the site which included relics of ancient Japan - some of these relics are exhibited in the Shinagawa Historical Museum. In 1955, the dig site was designated a National Historic Site.
Entrance Fee: 100 yen (Adult)
TIP: Free of charge if only visiting the garden and library.
Sengaku-Ji
Although located in Minato Ward, Sengaku-Ji is close enough to Shinagawa Station for a drop by. Only the next station over or 15-mins walk away from Shinagawa Station is Sengaku-Ji (泉岳寺). The temple is famous for being the burial site of 47 ronin that committed seppuku as the conclusion to the dramatical, historical Ako incident. Every year in December, the temple holds the Ako Gishisai Festival (赤穂義士祭) in honour of these men. You can also learn about the entire incident in the Ako Gishi Memorial Hall.
※ JNTO, “Ako Gishisai Festival”
Aside from its part in the 47 ronin incident, Sengaku-Ji is a renowned religious institution in itself as one of the 3 main temples during the Edo period. Till this day, many monks visit the temple to practice zazen and hone their faith.
Access:
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4-mins walk from Sengakuji Station on the Asakusa Line, Keikyu Main Line
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14-mins walk from Takanawa Gateway Station on the Yamanote Line
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15-mins walk from Shinagawa Station
Memorial Hall Entrance Fee: 500 yen (Adult)
Togoshi Park
Built from the gardens ruins of the Hosokawa Clan, the leaders of the old Higo Province now known as the Kumamoto Prefecture, is Togoshi Park (戸越公園). The park is an oasis in the busy capital that is Tokyo. With a large tranquil pond, traditional looming gates, bubbling waterfall, and never-ending greenery, it is a great place to rest and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. You can also enjoy the four seasons with the seasonal blossoming of plum, sakura, ginkgo and rhododendron trees.
Access:
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5-mins walk from Togoshi-Koen Station or Shimo-shinmei Station on the Oimachi
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11-mins walk from Togoshi Station on the Asakusa Line
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18-mins walk from Osaki Station on the Yamanote Line
Entrance Fee: None
Shinagawa Shopping
With Shinagawa Station being a major travel hub and the surrounding area a growing commercial centre in Tokyo, businesses are wanting to get in on the action. Hotels, eateries, shopping malls are numerous which makes it a great weekend getaway.
However, we must admit that shopping malls are the same wherever you go, so instead visit the Shotengai (商店街) or shopping streets in Shinagawa and get some insight into the locals daily lives.
Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street
Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street is the longest shopping street in Tokyo at over 1km length and around 400 shops. The street's most famous product is their Togoshi-Ginza Croquettes so make sure to try some. The croquettes are unique because there is no one fixed recipe with around 20 stores giving it their own take. Make it a challenge to try them all!
The shopping street is also often featured in magazines and television, so don’t be too surprised if you come across a filming crew. With so many shops to visit you will be spoiled for choice. To commemorate your visit, get some original souvenirs including Togoshi Ginza sake, Gin-chan the mascot merchandise, and more.
Access: Front of Togoshi Ginza Station on the Ikegami Line, and Togoshi Station on the Asakusa Line.
Other Shopping Streets
Other shopping streets you can explore in Shinagawa include:
Restaurants to try
There's probably a whole lot of Izakaya dinings and eateries in the area because it's a business district and a commuter hub. Below are the suggested restaurants where you could savor the best of Shinagawa.
Shinatatsu
Shinatatsu is a collection of ramen restaurants with each specializing in different signature dishes. You won’t mind the long queue of orders and customers once you get a taste of even one of their prized bowls of ramen. From Miso, to Mongolian, to Pork Broth, and to flaming ramen goodness that you won’t forget in a lifetime!
Shinagawa Kitchen
Located on the second floor of Tokyo Annex Tower is a spacious food court lined up with a variety of famous and specialty shops. Enjoy a budget meal of lunch, tea time, and dinner that would only cost a thousand in your pocket. However, the area does not accept reservations so expect to wait or go early!
El Caliente
El Caliente is a popular restaurant bar in Shinagawa that specializes in dishes rooted in Mexican culture. This luxurious, classic Mexican diner offers an array of Mexican beverages, foods, meal courses, and a gallery.
Where to Stay at Shinagawa
Hotel Accommodations
Prince Hotel
One of the top chain hotels in Japan, so expect to have a luxurious (and costly) stay in this hotel. Take advantage of the hotel’s special benefits including discounted tickets to Maxwell Aqua Park, T-Joy Prince Shinagawa Cinema movie screenings, Shinagawa Prince Hotel Bowling Centre, and more.
Flexstay Inn Shinagawa
Located along the historic Tokaido Road and not far from Tokyo Bay is Flexstay Inn Shinagawa. Although a little expensive for a budget inn, it is a great stay with a convenient location near the station, clean rooms, and things to do nearby.
Sotetsu Grand Fresa Shinagawa Seaside
Just seven minutes away from the Yokocho Station, just beside Shinagawa Seaside Station on the Rinkan Line is the Sotetsu Grand Fresa. This hotel has embraced modernity with self-check in kiosks and cashless payment. You can even unlock your room door with your smartphone!
New Otani Inn Tokyo
Accessible from Osaki Station on the JR Yamanote Line with easy access to Shinagawa Station, New Otani Inn Tokyo is an excellent choice for guests needing to head out early the next day.
Other Information
Shinagawa Station
Based on JR East’s 2019 Annual Report, Shinagawa Station is the 5th busiest station in Tokyo and eastern Honshu with 766,884 passengers on a daily basis.
※ East Japan Railway Company, "Annual Report 2019,” Pg. 2
Why is it so busy?
Shinagawa Station is very busy because it is a transfer station for many railway lines in Tokyo:
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JR Keihin Tohoku Line
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JRTokaido Main Line
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JR Yamanote Line
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JR Yokosuka Line
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Keikyu Main Line
Aside from that, it is also a main station on the Tokaido Shinkansen route.
Summary
Has this article piqued your interest? Now you know that there’s more to Shinagawa than meets the eye, plan a day trip to this fine town or spend an extra day in Shinagawa before venturing to other parts of Japan. Explore Shinagawa’s unique history as the first post station town in Japan or just have some fun at the aquarium. Whatever it is, we hope to see you here soon.
