Shinagawa is a district in Tokyo and Shinagawa Station is one of its most active stations. The simple fact that Shinagawa is very convenient for transportation attracted many investors to start building in this area. Shinagawa was the first stop on the road from Tokyo to Kyoto during the Edo period. Today, it is more than just a stop. It became an integral part of Tokyo and expanded a lot. Some parts with a few temples, shrines, and sites of interests were left preserved while some others were replaced with huge skyscrapers.
1. Sightseeing and Shopping
There are two exits which were a huge part of the development process. The Takanawa Exit is where you will find a lot of hotels and shopping malls. There is also the Shinagawa Prince Hotel complex featuring Epson Aqua Park Shinagawa aquarium, bowling alleys, and cinemas. The Konan Exit area mostly contains company headquarters and office buildings. These buildings were designed to meet the needs of their employees so you will find restaurants and some shopping options on the first couple of floors of each building.
2. Traditional Food
When you have the feeling that you already spent a lot of your energy by walking and in need for some refreshments there are some cool places where you can eat. These two places are established below the train tracks. Shinatatsu Donburi consists of a variety of shops offering different donburi meals like gyudon, tendon, and oyakodon. Shinatatsu Ramen, located just beside Shinatatsu Donburi, is a group of restaurants famous for serving an incredible ramen dishes.
3. The Backstreet Guides
This is an excellent opportunity if you want to see Tokyo in its true colors. It could be the best idea to use since you will run into knowledgeable and experienced guides. When you go on your own, you spend too much time looking for places or doing research. You will spare a portion of your time and possibly some money too. Additionally, you will be presented with guides’ personal stories which will make your experience even more graphic.
Information
- Name: The Backstreet Guides
- Address: Shinagawa 141-0031, Tokyo Prefecture
- Phone Number: +81 80-4421-8366
- Website: http://www.thebackstreetguides.com/#_=_
4. Animal Shows at Shinagawa Aquarium
This is a perfect family getaway. Pertinent, sweet, and short. Shinagawa Aquarium is established in the city center and it is reasonably priced. You can catch a free shuttle from one of the train stations nearby. Underwater feeding show, seals act, and a dolphins act. The youngest will be very pleased with this place.
Information
- Name: Shinagawa Aquarium
- Address: 3-2-1 Katsushima | Shinagawa Ward Park, Shinagawa 140-0012, Tokyo Prefecture
- Phone Number: +81 3-3762-3433
- Website: http://www.aquarium.gr.jp/#_=_
5. Walk to Rinshinomori Park
Not one of the most popular spots for tourists but it is a nice place to unwind. Rinshinomori Park is a charming tiny park located near the Palm street shopping mall. You will see people doing Tai Chi, running, sitting on the benches or walking their dogs. It is a good change from other very busy attractions you will have a chance to see.
Information
- Name: Rinshinomori Park
- Address: 2 Chome Oyamadai, Shinagawa 142-0061, Tokyo Prefecture
- Phone Number: +81 3-3792-3800
- Website: http://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index003.html#_=_
6. Relaxing Bath at Shimizuyu Onsen
It is a nice traditional Japanese spa or onsen as they call it there. At Shimizuyu there is an option of bathing both indoors or outdoors baths. The prices are reasonable. Local people spend around half an hour bathing. It is important to wash yourself before going into the bath tub. You will be provided with two towels. These places are usually very clean and the staff is always there to help.
Information
- Name: Shimizuyu
- Address: 3-9-1 Koyama, Shinagawa 142-0062, Tokyo Prefecture
- Phone Number: +81 3-3781-0575
- Website: http://www.shimizuyu.com/#_=_
7. JTB Sunrise Tours – Day Tours
At JTB Sunrise Tours you will get an excellent bus tour and one very long day of sightseeing. First, you get to Mt. Fuji where you will have some wonderful views and then you have a boat trip to beautiful Lake Ashi. This is still the beginning because you are then going for a cable car ride for some panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. A great place to take some pictures and relax. All in all, a lot of nature and some amazing insights into what Japan is really like outside the big cities.
Information
- Name: JTB Sunrise Tours – Day Tours
- Address: 2-3-11 Higashi-Shinagawa | JTB Bldg, Shinagawa 140-8604, Tokyo Prefecture
- Phone Number: +81 3-5796-5400
- Website: http://www.jtb-sunrisetours.jp/index.aspx#_=_
8. Night Cruise at Club Tokyo
When your day is close to the end you often wish just to go to your hotel and sleep. If you still feel that you have more inside yourself, a night cruise trip could be exactly what you need. You will have the chance to take photos of some remarkable night views of Tokyo bay in a rare romantic environment.
Information
- Name: The Cruise Club Tokyo
- Address: 2-3-16 Higashi Shinagawa | Sea Fort Square 1F, Shinagawa 140-0002, Tokyo Prefecture (Formerly Crystal Yacht Club)
- Phone Number: +81 3-3450-4300
- Website: http://cctokyo.co.jp/cruise/index.html#_=_
9. A Floating Restaurant – Funasei
This a truly unusual experience in one of the old-style fashioned restaurant at the Tokyo Bay. They have an amazing soup which is cooked over a flame in a paper bowl. Then you have tempura and sashimi. The ambiance makes this place even more special, especially if you are visiting for a dinner when you can see all the city lights.
Information
- Name: Funasei
- Address: 1-16-8 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa 140-0001, Tokyo Prefecture
- Phone Number: +81 3-5479-2731
- Website: http://www.funasei.com/#_=_
10. Maricar
This is a good opportunity to see the Tokyo from a new point of view. Visit the Tokyo Tower or the Rainbow Bridge while you are listening to your favorite tunes in your go-cart. This must be something you will never forget. You are appointed with a guide who is usually very patient and considerate and who tries to ensure that the group always stay together. The routes are easy to drive. All you can do is sit back and enjoy the views before you.
Information
- Name: Maricar
- Address: 1-23-15 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa 140-0001, Tokyo Prefecture
- Phone Number: +81 367128275
- Website: http://maricar.jp/#_=_
11. Look at Some Art Work at Hara Museum
The Hara Museum is not one of the biggest museums you will ever see but it is unusual enough so you will remember it. The admission fee is $11. The parking spots are limited. You can reach the museum by a 15-minute walk from the Shinagawa Station. The building itself was a home of a very successful businessman and today it features rotating exhibitions of modern artists. You also have a restaurant within the building overlooking the courtyard.
Information
- Name: Hara Museum of Contemporary Art (Hara Bijutsukan)
- Address: 4-7-25 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa 140-0001, Tokyo Prefecture
- Phone Number: +81 3-3445-0651
- Website: http://www.haramuseum.or.jp/generalTop.html#_=_
12. Go to Shinagawa Shrine
Shinagawa Shrine is easily accessible. It is one of the ten most popular shrines in Tokyo and dates from 12th century. The Fujizuka, which represents the miniature of the famous mountain Fuji, is built for those who are unable to travel to the Mt. Fuji. This Fujizuka is 15m high and it includes lava brought from the Fuji itself. You have the shrine on the top where you can gaze at the surrounding area.
Information
- Name: Shinagawa Shrine
- Address: 3-7-15 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa 140-0001, Tokyo Prefecture
- Phone Number: +81 3-3474-5575
13. Kitashinagawa Shopping Street Festival
Kitashinagawa Shopping Street is a host to the Shinagawa Shukuba Festival the last week of each September. The street is only two stops away from the Shinagawa train station. The people on the street wear some traditional colorful costumes authentic to the Edo period. There are oirans (which are the predecessors of the geishas), ninjas, samurai, some laborers… You can also enjoy some street acts with magicians or monkey trainers or listen to some traditional music. There is clearly something for everyone at this place.
Information
- Name: Kitashinagawa Shopping Street
- Address: Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa 140-0001 , Tokyo Prefecture
- Phone Number: +81 3-3471-3568
- Website: http://k-shina.com/#_=_
14. Honsenji Temple
Honsenji Temple is connected to the Shingon monk Kobo Daishi. It features the bronze statue which was created from the support of the residents. On the rear of the temple, there is a bell which was subsequently missing after it was sent to Paris and then found in Geneva. During the big September festival here is where the action culminates with the big bonfire and a ritual of firewalking.
Information
- Name: Honsenji Temple
- Address: Shinagawa 140-0004, Tokyo Prefecture
15. Suzugamori Keijo-ato
This is a place for those who are looking for something different. Here lie the remains of the Suzugamori Execution Grounds. It is located on the old Tokaido road. The Omorokaigan is the nearest station. Suzugamori is an act in a Kabuki play. The place is linked to many historical events so if you are interested in the stories behind the Suzugamori, you would have a guide who would explain more.
Information
- Name: Suzugamori Keijo-ato
- Address: 2-5-6 Minami Ooi, Shinagawa 140-0013 , Tokyo Prefecture
As I said, Shinagawa once was considered as a stopping point from Tokyo to Kyoto. Along with the infrastructure extensions, more tourists came. Today, Shinagawa possess everything that a modern city requires. Entertainments facilities are all around. You are also blessed with some traditional places and some areas where you can just enjoy the nature. It is always easy to find a good time at Shinagawa
Have a good Trip and Travel!
