Shimbashi also referred to as Shinbashi, is located in the Minato Ward of Tokyo. With stunning skyscrapers and businesses that take over this neighborhood, one might think that there is not much to do at first glance. Don’t be fooled. Shimbashi has a lot to offer for travelers and visitors to keep them happy and busy. Here are fifteen things we recommend you do while visiting Shimbashi.
1. Shimbashi Station
Most of the Shimbashi area is centered around Old Shimbashi Station. This station serves several lines and has three service platforms. Some of the first trains in Japan set off the rail here. Whether you walk through the station or spend time shopping, take the time to tour through it and see how vast it really is.
Information
- Name: Shimbashi Station
- Website: http://www.jreast.co.jp/estation/stations/877.html
2. New Shimbashi Building
The New Shimbashi Building is across from one set of tracks from the train station. This building has importance, as the first rail car was used here in Japan. There are many shops great for choosing business clothing and high-end accessories. There is a nice plaza in front for sitting and enjoying meals outdoors.
Information
- Name: New Shimbashi Building
- Address: 2-16-1 Shimbashi, Minato 105-0004, Tokyo Prefecture
3. Hamarikyu Garden
If you would like to venture out further from the train station, take a ten-minute walk to Hamarikyu Gardens. This is a public park with a pond nearby a 17th-century villa. Enjoy a cup of tea, or two, at the local teahouse.
Information
- Name: Hamarikyu Gardens
- Address: 1-1 Hamarikyuteien, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0046,
- Hours: 9am-4:30pm
- Website: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3025.html
4. Gado Shita
Go out to eat under the railway at “Gado Shita”, which refers to the entire area of restaurants located there. Choose from various foods day or night. At night, this becomes a popular area for drinking and going out.
Information
- Name: Gado Shita
- Access: 5-10 minute walk near Yurakucho rail
- Website: http://www.timeout.com/tokyo/restaurants/shinbashi-yurakucho-gado-shita
5. Panasonic Living Showroom Tokyo
The Panasonic Living Showroom Tokyo is a global center for the giant brand – Panasonic. As stunning as it looks outside, it is even better indoors. It is free for visitors to walk in and get a tour. Look for special events.
Information
- Name: Panasonic Living Showroom Tokyo
- Address: Yubinbango105-8301
Minato-ku, Higashi-Shimbashi 1-5-1- Access: 5-minute walk from Shimbashi station
- Hours: 10am-5pm
- Website: http://sumai.panasonic.jp/sr/tokyo/
6. Zōjō-ji
Be sure to visit the main Buddhist temple in the Shimbashi area. Zōjō-ji is a compound of a few buildings. The Main Hall is the site that attracts all, but don’t miss making your way around. This site gets busy and crowded mid-day.
Information
- Name: Zōjō-ji
- Address: 4-7-35 Shibakoen, Minato, Tokyo 105-0011
- Website: http://www.zojoji.or.jp/map/index.html
7. Nissay Theater
Take yourself out at night and catch a show at the Nissay Theater. Be sure to check the calendar for scheduled performances and festivals that may take place. If you enjoy opera, you will find that here.
Information
- Name: Nissay Theater
- Address: 1-1-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda 100-0006, Tokyo Prefecture
- Website: http://www.nissaytheatre.or.jp/#_=_
8. Panasonic Shiodome Museum
Spend a day at the Panasonic Shiodome Museum where you can enjoy 20th-century art. Showcases include paintings, print work, and cultural events. Much of the work was completed by Georges Rouault in the 1900’s.
Information
- Name: Panasonic Shiodome Museum
- Address: 4F Panasonic Tokyo Shiodome bldg, 1-5-1 Higashi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-830
- Access: 6-minute walk from Shimbashi station
- Hours: 10am-6pm
- Website: http://panasonic.co.jp/es/museum/
9. Tokyo Curry Lab
Join the curry-lovers club when you enter Tokyo Curry Lab. Located in the Tokyo Tower, this restaurant is easier to find. Enjoy all the curry you want and get decent portions for great prices.
Information
- Name: Tokyo Curry Lab
- Address: 4-2-8 Shibakoen | 2F Tokyo Tower, Minato 105-0011
- Hours: 11am-10pm
- Website: http://tokyocurrylab.jp/
10. Nagakin Capsule Tower Building
If you have ever been curious about sleeping in a capsule, go inside The Nakagin Capsule Tower. It was part residential and part for business use although now the majority of it is abandoned. This actually was the world’s first example of capsule architecture. If you like, some apartments are listed on Airbnb to rent.
Information
- Name: The Nakagin Capsule Tower
- Address: 104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo, Ginza, 8 Chome−4−6 銀座中銀１６ビル
- Website: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nakagin_Capsule_Tower
11. Hakuhinkan Toy Park
Love toys? You are in for a treat when you visit Hakuhinkan Toy Park. Here, you will enjoy a unique experience as no other toy store. You can find the best toy for yourself or as a gift. There is a restaurant and a theater inside the toy park also after you are done scouring through.
Information
- Name: Hakuhinkan Toy Park
- Address: 8-8-11 Ginza, Chuo, Tokyo 104-8132
- Hours: 11am-8pm
- Website: http://www.hakuhinkan.co.jp/
12. Tokyo Miracle Cycling Tour
If you would like to sightsee Shimbashi and the surrounding areas, go for a tour with Tokyo Miracle Cycling Tour. It is recommended to make a reservation although you can also join on the spot. This is a great way to meet others.
Information
- Name: Tokyo Miracle Cycling Tour
- Address: 2-6-7 Higashishimbashi | 1F Denko Bldg.,Minato 105-0021, Tokyo Prefecture
- Website: http://www.tokyobiketrip.com/#_=_
13. Symphony Cruise
Go for a cruise along the nearby bay on the Symphony Cruise. You can dine on dinner or enjoy cocktails aboard the boat. Take in a view of the Tokyo Tower and Shimbashi from the water. Although sunset is a popular time to go, the boat does excursions during lunch hour as well. Choose from cruises under an hour to ones that go for over two hours.
Information
- Name: Symphony Cruise
- Address: 2 Chome-7-104 Kaigan, Minato, Tokyo 105-0022,
- Price: 1500 yen – 3000 yen
- Website: http://www.symphony-cruise.co.jp/english/map/index.html
14. Advertising Museum Tokyo
With all the billboards and ads in Japan, you must go to Advertising Museum Tokyo to see more. This is the only museum in the entire country that focuses on marketing. About twelve exhibitions take place annually. Altogether, there are about 15,000 digital pieces this museum has.
Information
- Name: Advertising Museum Tokyo
- Address: Minato-ku, Higashi-Shimbashi 1-8-2, Caretta Shiodome
- Price: Free
- Website: http://www.admt.jp/en/guide/schedule/index.html
15. Aqua Field Shiba Park
If you are visiting in the summer, visit the Aqua Field Shiba Park for some water park fun. There is a pool area which has a separate pool for children and a sauna for relaxation and cooling down from the heat. In the offseason, there is a futsal field for use.
Information
- Name: Aqua Field Shiba Park
- Address: 2-7-2 ShibakōenMinato-ku
- Price: 400 -150 yen
- Access: Mita Line to Shiba-kōen, exit A3
- Hours: 9am-8pm
- Website: http://www.minatoku-sports.com/facilities/aqua.html
Rain or shine, Shimbashi has many attractions to enjoy. We hope you enjoy our fifteen recommended spots when visiting Shimbashi on your next trip to Japan.
Have a good trip and travel!
