Guidebook for Shinagawa-ku
Food Scene
Lurid colours, surrealist installations and out-of-this world costumes – this is the vision of Sebastian Masuda, stylist to pop star Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, who designed this new cafe. It's an embodiment of the now-reigning aesthetic of guro-kawaii (somewhat grotesque cuteness). Food and drink (not what you're here for, but you have to order something) are coloured to match the decor.
103 moradores locais recomendam
Kawaii Monster Cafe
4-chōme-31-10 JingūmaeLurid colours, surrealist installations and out-of-this world costumes – this is the vision of Sebastian Masuda, stylist to pop star Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, who designed this new cafe. It's an embodiment of the now-reigning aesthetic of guro-kawaii (somewhat grotesque cuteness). Food and drink (not what you're here for, but you have to order something) are coloured to match the decor.
The Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant was established in 1913 inside Grand Central Station, the gateway to Manhattan, New York. As one of the greatest American landmark restaurants, with over 90 years of history and global name recognition, it's a restaurant that both local New Yorkers and tourists from around the world flock to. “There’s nowhere like Grand Central for oysters and good dining.” Grand Central then opened in Atré Shinagawa, Tokyo—one of only two in the world.
Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant
2-chōme-18-1 KōnanThe Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant was established in 1913 inside Grand Central Station, the gateway to Manhattan, New York. As one of the greatest American landmark restaurants, with over 90 years of history and global name recognition, it's a restaurant that both local New Yorkers and tourists from around the world flock to. “There’s nowhere like Grand Central for oysters and good dining.” Grand Central then opened in Atré Shinagawa, Tokyo—one of only two in the world.
Sate your hunger at Hanatare Shinagawa Restaurant. This casual dining washoku restaurant serves shabu-shabu, sushi, sashimi and seafood dishes in cozy surrounds. The menu features appetizers, seafood dishes and larger platters for groups. Treat yourself to some raw whitebait or some deep fried fish. Hanatare also offers a nice selection of sake to pair with its meals.
Hanatare Shinagawa
Sate your hunger at Hanatare Shinagawa Restaurant. This casual dining washoku restaurant serves shabu-shabu, sushi, sashimi and seafood dishes in cozy surrounds. The menu features appetizers, seafood dishes and larger platters for groups. Treat yourself to some raw whitebait or some deep fried fish. Hanatare also offers a nice selection of sake to pair with its meals.
The seafood here is freshly brought over from Tsukiji fish market that is used for their sashimi dishes and undeniably its taste will satisfy your taste buds. The locally brewed sake served here have been carefully selected and directly delivered from Kuramoto and some of these alcohols include very well known brands. Their Menchikatsu lunch meal is very popular and if you ever make your way here for lunch, you should give it a try.
升亀品川店
The seafood here is freshly brought over from Tsukiji fish market that is used for their sashimi dishes and undeniably its taste will satisfy your taste buds. The locally brewed sake served here have been carefully selected and directly delivered from Kuramoto and some of these alcohols include very well known brands. Their Menchikatsu lunch meal is very popular and if you ever make your way here for lunch, you should give it a try.
Founded in 1673, during the Edo period, Inataya that is the brain child of Totori’s famous Kuramoto still runs strong. There are many branches around but this particular one in Shinagawa serves as the most convenient one for commuters or traveling visitors. As the chefs are extremely talented, you will be able to try seasonal dishes and this is the only place in Tokyo to have Babachan, a unique fish dish not to be missed.
INATAYA
Founded in 1673, during the Edo period, Inataya that is the brain child of Totori’s famous Kuramoto still runs strong. There are many branches around but this particular one in Shinagawa serves as the most convenient one for commuters or traveling visitors. As the chefs are extremely talented, you will be able to try seasonal dishes and this is the only place in Tokyo to have Babachan, a unique fish dish not to be missed.
This restaurant that still maintains a traditional Japanese feel, is tucked in one of the back alleys in the modern Shinagawa area. Their most famous dish that has been served for 28 years would have to be their「Gekikarai Gyusuji Nikomi」, a spicy beef stew. Their lunch sets are also reasonably priced.
Rojiura
This restaurant that still maintains a traditional Japanese feel, is tucked in one of the back alleys in the modern Shinagawa area. Their most famous dish that has been served for 28 years would have to be their「Gekikarai Gyusuji Nikomi」, a spicy beef stew. Their lunch sets are also reasonably priced.
TETSU
3-chōme-26-20 Takanawa Famous tsukemen stall in Shinagawa
A small food court and take out restaurants featuring a couple of dozen food stands and bakery or sweet shops on the first level. This is also a very comfortably air-conditioned place to wait for a train connection. There are three full-service restaurants on the upper level.
10 moradores locais recomendam
Ecute Shinagawa South
3-chōme-26-27 TakanawaA small food court and take out restaurants featuring a couple of dozen food stands and bakery or sweet shops on the first level. This is also a very comfortably air-conditioned place to wait for a train connection. There are three full-service restaurants on the upper level.
El Caliente serves up Nuevo Mexican cuisine on the fourth floor of the Atre Building in Shinagawa. Winning with a spacious open terrace, this place offers beer, sangria, and a generous handful of liquors and cocktails for 500-600 yen.
el caliente
2-chōme-18-1 KōnanEl Caliente serves up Nuevo Mexican cuisine on the fourth floor of the Atre Building in Shinagawa. Winning with a spacious open terrace, this place offers beer, sangria, and a generous handful of liquors and cocktails for 500-600 yen.
A group of branch restaurants that serve ramen. This is located right next to the train tracks of the Shinagawa Station.
43 moradores locais recomendam
Shinatatsu Ramen Street
A group of branch restaurants that serve ramen. This is located right next to the train tracks of the Shinagawa Station.
For generations people have been lining up outside this restaurant to try its signature dish oyakodon – a sweet-savoury mix of chicken, soy broth and egg, served over a bowl of rice. It also has dishes using minced chicken or duck and they're all delicious and filling. Pay before you sit down at lunch.
江戸路
1-chōme-19-2 NihonbashiningyōchōFor generations people have been lining up outside this restaurant to try its signature dish oyakodon – a sweet-savoury mix of chicken, soy broth and egg, served over a bowl of rice. It also has dishes using minced chicken or duck and they're all delicious and filling. Pay before you sit down at lunch.
For generations people have been lining up outside this restaurant to try its signature dish oyakodon – a sweet-savoury mix of chicken, soy broth and egg, served over a bowl of rice. It also has dishes using minced chicken or duck and they're all delicious and filling. Pay before you sit down at lunch.
14 moradores locais recomendam
Tamahide
1-chōme-17-10 NihonbashiningyōchōFor generations people have been lining up outside this restaurant to try its signature dish oyakodon – a sweet-savoury mix of chicken, soy broth and egg, served over a bowl of rice. It also has dishes using minced chicken or duck and they're all delicious and filling. Pay before you sit down at lunch.
Drinks & Nightlife
The Shannon's
1-chōme-11-6 ŌsakiIrish Pub
Sightseeing
Come meet Tokyo's most famous pooch, Hachikō. This Akita dog came to Shibuya Station everyday to meet his master, a professor, returning from work. The professor died in 1925, but Hachikō kept coming to the station until his own death 10 years later. The story became legend and a small statue was erected in the dog’s memory in front of Shibuya Station. The surrounding plaza is Tokyo’s most popular rendezvous point and is always abuzz.
19 moradores locais recomendam
Hachiko Square
Come meet Tokyo's most famous pooch, Hachikō. This Akita dog came to Shibuya Station everyday to meet his master, a professor, returning from work. The professor died in 1925, but Hachikō kept coming to the station until his own death 10 years later. The story became legend and a small statue was erected in the dog’s memory in front of Shibuya Station. The surrounding plaza is Tokyo’s most popular rendezvous point and is always abuzz.
This 1958-vintage tower remains a beloved symbol of the city's post-WWII rebirth. At 333m it's 13m taller than the Eiffel Tower, which was the inspiration for its design. It's also painted bright orange and white in order to comply with international aviation safety regulations.
1436 moradores locais recomendam
Torre de Tóquio
4-chōme-2-8 ShibakōenThis 1958-vintage tower remains a beloved symbol of the city's post-WWII rebirth. At 333m it's 13m taller than the Eiffel Tower, which was the inspiration for its design. It's also painted bright orange and white in order to comply with international aviation safety regulations.
This is Tokyo’s famously outré fashion bazaar, where trendy duds sit alongside the trappings of decades of fashion subcultures (plaid and safety pins for the punks; colourful tutus for the decora; Victorian dresses for the Gothic Lolitas). Be warned: this pedestrian alley is a pilgrimage site for teens from all over Japan, which means it can get packed.
540 moradores locais recomendam
Tóquio City Hall
2-chōme-8-1 NishishinjukuThis is Tokyo’s famously outré fashion bazaar, where trendy duds sit alongside the trappings of decades of fashion subcultures (plaid and safety pins for the punks; colourful tutus for the decora; Victorian dresses for the Gothic Lolitas). Be warned: this pedestrian alley is a pilgrimage site for teens from all over Japan, which means it can get packed.
This regal boulevard was originally designed as the official approach to Meiji-jingū. Now it's a fashionable strip lined with high-end boutiques. Those designer shops come in designer buildings, which means Omote-sandō is among the best places in the city to see contemporary architecture.
201 moradores locais recomendam
Omote-Sando Station
3-chōme-6-12 KitaaoyamaThis regal boulevard was originally designed as the official approach to Meiji-jingū. Now it's a fashionable strip lined with high-end boutiques. Those designer shops come in designer buildings, which means Omote-sandō is among the best places in the city to see contemporary architecture.
Shibuya's main drag is closed to cars and chock-a-block with fast-food joints and high-street fashion shops. At night, lit bright as day, with a dozen competing soundtracks (coming from who knows where), wares spilling onto the streets, shady touts in sunglasses, and strutting teens, it feels like a block party – or Tokyo's version of a classic Asian night market.
51 moradores locais recomendam
Rua de compras Shibuya Center-gai
12-3 UdagawachōShibuya's main drag is closed to cars and chock-a-block with fast-food joints and high-street fashion shops. At night, lit bright as day, with a dozen competing soundtracks (coming from who knows where), wares spilling onto the streets, shady touts in sunglasses, and strutting teens, it feels like a block party – or Tokyo's version of a classic Asian night market.
A temple most famous as the resting place of the 47 Ronin, a famous group of ronin (master-less samurai) who banded together to avenge their unfairly slain master. Having obtained the head of the offender, they brought it to this very temple and then turned themselves in to the authorities; they were condemned to commit seppuku aka ritual suicide, like their master, rather than being executed like common criminals. The story is told in Chushingura, the best-known of all Kabuki plays. History aside, the temple isn't much to look at, but the small museum has artifacts from the event and after, including wooden statues of all the ronin, the banner that the ronin posted during their raid, origin
134 moradores locais recomendam
Templo Sengaku-ji
2-chōme-11-1 TakanawaA temple most famous as the resting place of the 47 Ronin, a famous group of ronin (master-less samurai) who banded together to avenge their unfairly slain master. Having obtained the head of the offender, they brought it to this very temple and then turned themselves in to the authorities; they were condemned to commit seppuku aka ritual suicide, like their master, rather than being executed like common criminals. The story is told in Chushingura, the best-known of all Kabuki plays. History aside, the temple isn't much to look at, but the small museum has artifacts from the event and after, including wooden statues of all the ronin, the banner that the ronin posted during their raid, origin
During the early part of the Edo Period, this location is said to have served as a subsidiary mansion of Okubo Hikozaemon, a close confident of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and has been carefully preserved as a Japanese garden that harmonizes with nature. In 1950 it was designated as a "spot which is beautiful viewed from any angle." Today it is famed as a venue where over 2,000 marriages are conducted yearly, and its restaurants and banquet facilities welcome both Japanese and foreign guests.
Kochūan
During the early part of the Edo Period, this location is said to have served as a subsidiary mansion of Okubo Hikozaemon, a close confident of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and has been carefully preserved as a Japanese garden that harmonizes with nature. In 1950 it was designated as a "spot which is beautiful viewed from any angle." Today it is famed as a venue where over 2,000 marriages are conducted yearly, and its restaurants and banquet facilities welcome both Japanese and foreign guests.
Tokyo’s grandest Shintō shrine is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. Constructed in 1920, the shrine was destroyed in WWII air raids and rebuilt in 1958; however, unlike so many of Japan’s postwar reconstructions, Meiji-jingū has an authentic feel. The towering 12m wooden torii gate that marks the entrance was created from a 1500-year-old Taiwanese cyprus. Note that Meiji-jingū is currently undergoing renovations bit by bit in preparation for its 100th anniversary, but will remain open.
1219 moradores locais recomendam
Meiji Jingu Homotsuden
1-1 YoyogikamizonochōTokyo’s grandest Shintō shrine is dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. Constructed in 1920, the shrine was destroyed in WWII air raids and rebuilt in 1958; however, unlike so many of Japan’s postwar reconstructions, Meiji-jingū has an authentic feel. The towering 12m wooden torii gate that marks the entrance was created from a 1500-year-old Taiwanese cyprus. Note that Meiji-jingū is currently undergoing renovations bit by bit in preparation for its 100th anniversary, but will remain open.
Parks & Nature
The wide lawns make it a favourite for urbanites in need of a quick escape from the hurly-burly of city life. Don’t miss the greenhouse, with its giant lily pads and perfectly formed orchids, and the cherry blossoms in spring.
2181 moradores locais recomendam
Jardim Nacional Shinjuku Gyoen
11 NaitōmachiThe wide lawns make it a favourite for urbanites in need of a quick escape from the hurly-burly of city life. Don’t miss the greenhouse, with its giant lily pads and perfectly formed orchids, and the cherry blossoms in spring.
The park offers a chance to enjoy nature without leaving Tokyo. A fun and relaxing park for families as the park offers beautiful stroll paths, bicycle and jogging lanes, baseball practice fields, tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, a fun and quaint children’s playground, BBQ area, picnic benches and tables and an aquarium. The free bicycles are available for an hour at a time, at the bicycle center next to the barbecue area and it is enough time for you have a leisurely ride along wooded paths around the entire park.
Shinagawa Kumin Park Bus Stop
The park offers a chance to enjoy nature without leaving Tokyo. A fun and relaxing park for families as the park offers beautiful stroll paths, bicycle and jogging lanes, baseball practice fields, tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, a fun and quaint children’s playground, BBQ area, picnic benches and tables and an aquarium. The free bicycles are available for an hour at a time, at the bicycle center next to the barbecue area and it is enough time for you have a leisurely ride along wooded paths around the entire park.
During the warmer months, festivals take place on the plaza across from the park (see website, in Japanese, for a schedule). Cherry blossoms draw huge crowds and parties that go late into the night.
1380 moradores locais recomendam
Parque Yoyogi
2-1 YoyogikamizonochōDuring the warmer months, festivals take place on the plaza across from the park (see website, in Japanese, for a schedule). Cherry blossoms draw huge crowds and parties that go late into the night.
Arts & Culture
Atop Mori Tower this gigantic gallery space sports high ceilings, broad views and thematic programs that continue to live up to all the hype associated with Roppongi Hills. Contemporary exhibits are beautifully presented and include superstars of the art world from both Japan and abroad.
217 moradores locais recomendam
Museu de Arte Mori
6-chōme-10-1 RoppongiAtop Mori Tower this gigantic gallery space sports high ceilings, broad views and thematic programs that continue to live up to all the hype associated with Roppongi Hills. Contemporary exhibits are beautifully presented and include superstars of the art world from both Japan and abroad.
This history museum, in a cavernous building, does an excellent job laying out Tokyo's miraculous transformation from feudal city to modern capital, through city models, miniatures of real buildings, reproductions of old maps and ukiyo-e (woodblock prints). It starts with a bang as you cross the life-sized partial replica of the original Nihombashi bridge and gaze down on facades of a kabuki theatre and Meiji-era bank. There is English signage throughout and a free audio guide available (¥1000 deposit).
657 moradores locais recomendam
Museu de Edo-Tóquio
1-chōme-4-1 YokoamiThis history museum, in a cavernous building, does an excellent job laying out Tokyo's miraculous transformation from feudal city to modern capital, through city models, miniatures of real buildings, reproductions of old maps and ukiyo-e (woodblock prints). It starts with a bang as you cross the life-sized partial replica of the original Nihombashi bridge and gaze down on facades of a kabuki theatre and Meiji-era bank. There is English signage throughout and a free audio guide available (¥1000 deposit).
Master animator Miyazaki Hayao, whose Studio Ghibli produced Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away, designed this museum. Fans will enjoy the original sketches; kids, even if they’re not familiar with the movies, will fall in love with the fairy-tale atmosphere (and the big cat bus). Don’t miss the original 20-minute animated short playing on the 1st floor. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and you must choose the exact time and date you plan to visit. Get tickets through a travel agent before you arrive in Japan.
749 moradores locais recomendam
三鷹の森ジブリ美術館
1-chōme-1-83 ShimorenjakuMaster animator Miyazaki Hayao, whose Studio Ghibli produced Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away, designed this museum. Fans will enjoy the original sketches; kids, even if they’re not familiar with the movies, will fall in love with the fairy-tale atmosphere (and the big cat bus). Don’t miss the original 20-minute animated short playing on the 1st floor. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and you must choose the exact time and date you plan to visit. Get tickets through a travel agent before you arrive in Japan.
Here you'll find the world's largest collection of Japanese art, including ancient pottery, Buddhist sculptures, samurai swords, colourful ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), gorgeous kimonos and much, much more. Visitors with only a couple of hours to spare should focus on the Honkan (Japanese Gallery) and the enchanting Gallery of Hōryū-ji Treasures, which displays masks, scrolls and gilt Buddhas from Hōryū-ji (in Nara Prefecture, dating from 607).
90 moradores locais recomendam
Japan
4-chōme-4-7 ShikahamaHere you'll find the world's largest collection of Japanese art, including ancient pottery, Buddhist sculptures, samurai swords, colourful ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), gorgeous kimonos and much, much more. Visitors with only a couple of hours to spare should focus on the Honkan (Japanese Gallery) and the enchanting Gallery of Hōryū-ji Treasures, which displays masks, scrolls and gilt Buddhas from Hōryū-ji (in Nara Prefecture, dating from 607).
Housed in a Bauhaus-style mansion from the 1930s, this museum hosts cutting-edge exhibitions from Japanese and international artists. There are also fascinating permanent installations designed especially for the house’s nooks and crannies. The patio cafe (which overlooks the sculpture garden) and excellent gift shop will make you extra glad you made the trip.
63 moradores locais recomendam
Museu Hara
4-chōme-7-25 KitashinagawaHoused in a Bauhaus-style mansion from the 1930s, this museum hosts cutting-edge exhibitions from Japanese and international artists. There are also fascinating permanent installations designed especially for the house’s nooks and crannies. The patio cafe (which overlooks the sculpture garden) and excellent gift shop will make you extra glad you made the trip.
Shopping
This deceptively deep concrete mall (2003), designed by Andō Tadao, spirals around a sunken atrium. Andō’s architecture utilises materials such as concrete to create strong geometric patterns, which regularly appear in Japan’s traditional architecture.
269 moradores locais recomendam
Omotesando Hills
4-chōme-12-10 JingūmaeThis deceptively deep concrete mall (2003), designed by Andō Tadao, spirals around a sunken atrium. Andō’s architecture utilises materials such as concrete to create strong geometric patterns, which regularly appear in Japan’s traditional architecture.
Roppongi Hills set the standard for 21st-century real-estate developments in Tokyo. The centrepiece of the office, shopping, dining and entertainment complex is the 54-storey Mori Tower, home to the Mori Art Museum and Tokyo City View observatory. Scattered around it is plenty of public art, such as Louise Bourgeois’ giant, spiny Maman spider sculpture and the benches-cum-sculptures along Keyakizaka-dōri, as well as the recreated Edo-style Mohri Garden.
1209 moradores locais recomendam
Chillup Roppongi
6-chōme-10-1 RoppongiRoppongi Hills set the standard for 21st-century real-estate developments in Tokyo. The centrepiece of the office, shopping, dining and entertainment complex is the 54-storey Mori Tower, home to the Mori Art Museum and Tokyo City View observatory. Scattered around it is plenty of public art, such as Louise Bourgeois’ giant, spiny Maman spider sculpture and the benches-cum-sculptures along Keyakizaka-dōri, as well as the recreated Edo-style Mohri Garden.
Tokyo's best flea market is located in an unexpected location, a horse racetrack of Tokyo City Keiba. This place is truly a bargain hunter’s paradise! You can riffle through the stalls at one of the flea markets below and find all sorts of awesome (and original) things for a fraction of the price, be it a second-hand kimono or yukata or some tea ceremony bowls for a few hundred yen. You’re bound to find something you need in one of the city’s biggest flea markets. Oi Racetrack Flea Market operates on about every Saturday and Sunday.
Tokyo City Flea Market
1 Chome-6-26 KatsushimaTokyo's best flea market is located in an unexpected location, a horse racetrack of Tokyo City Keiba. This place is truly a bargain hunter’s paradise! You can riffle through the stalls at one of the flea markets below and find all sorts of awesome (and original) things for a fraction of the price, be it a second-hand kimono or yukata or some tea ceremony bowls for a few hundred yen. You’re bound to find something you need in one of the city’s biggest flea markets. Oi Racetrack Flea Market operates on about every Saturday and Sunday.
Entertainment & Activities
Japan’s oldest zoo, established in 1882, is home to animals from around the globe, but the biggest attractions are two giant pandas that arrived from China in 2011 – Rī Rī and Shin Shin. There's also a whole area devoted to lemurs, which makes sense given Tokyoites' love of all things cute.
523 moradores locais recomendam
Zoológico de Ueno
9-83 UenokōenJapan’s oldest zoo, established in 1882, is home to animals from around the globe, but the biggest attractions are two giant pandas that arrived from China in 2011 – Rī Rī and Shin Shin. There's also a whole area devoted to lemurs, which makes sense given Tokyoites' love of all things cute.
Among its' best features are the 22-meter water tank tunnel, which lets you walk under a giant 500-ton tank filled with a total of 2,500 large and small fish from 100 species including swimming green turtles, sea bream, and giant rays swim vigorously above you. Other special features includes shark tank where huge sand tiger sharks peer out at you with cold, steely eyes. The aquarium also offers Tokyo’s only dolphin shows, which take place outside of the aquarium.
187 moradores locais recomendam
Aquário de Shinagawa
3-chōme-2-1 KatsushimaAmong its' best features are the 22-meter water tank tunnel, which lets you walk under a giant 500-ton tank filled with a total of 2,500 large and small fish from 100 species including swimming green turtles, sea bream, and giant rays swim vigorously above you. Other special features includes shark tank where huge sand tiger sharks peer out at you with cold, steely eyes. The aquarium also offers Tokyo’s only dolphin shows, which take place outside of the aquarium.
The highlight of this place is the dolphin performance which incorporates lighting and sound effects that change according to what time of the day it is. The cylindrical water curtain allows viewers to see a 360 degree of this exciting show. There are other features where visitors have the opportunity to play with sea lions, penguins and fur seals.
105 moradores locais recomendam
Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
4-chōme-10-30 TakanawaThe highlight of this place is the dolphin performance which incorporates lighting and sound effects that change according to what time of the day it is. The cylindrical water curtain allows viewers to see a 360 degree of this exciting show. There are other features where visitors have the opportunity to play with sea lions, penguins and fur seals.
This yakatabune (old Japanese-style cruising boats) charter company also runs shared cruises several times a month, which you can book from two people, between Shinagawa and Odaiba. The 2½-hour package includes sashimi and tempura dinners and all-you-can drink beer and sake. There's a schedule of departures on the website (in Japanese); booking required.
7 moradores locais recomendam
Yakatabune & Cruiser Funasei
1-chōme-16-8 KitashinagawaThis yakatabune (old Japanese-style cruising boats) charter company also runs shared cruises several times a month, which you can book from two people, between Shinagawa and Odaiba. The 2½-hour package includes sashimi and tempura dinners and all-you-can drink beer and sake. There's a schedule of departures on the website (in Japanese); booking required.