Do you know about the Shinagawa Ward in Tokyo? It is one of the 23 wards of Tokyo, with various unique neighbourhoods and areas, along with different things to do and sights to see. If you are wondering what is Shinagawa ward, the different areas inside Shinagawa, best things to do, history, accommodation and more, check out this ultimate Shinagawa ward area guide. 

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What is Shinagawa City Ward

Shinagawa Ward is located on the south side of the Imperial Palace and is part of the so-called “Jonan” area. While Tokyo is largely divided into “uptown” and “downtown,” Shinagawa Ward is both uptown and downtown, residential and industrial, and has an office district within the ward, making it an “anything goes” area with a mix of people from various walks of life. In a sense, it can be said to be an area where “anything goes.

Needless to say, the name “Shinagawa” refers to Shinagawa-juku on the Tokaido Highway, but the shopping district along the old Tokaido Highway and the Keikyu Line running along the sea near Shinagawa are quite downtown, and the Tokyu Oimachi Line and Ikegami Line running inland also have a downtown taste, with factories scattered here and there. 

Shinagawa sounds somehow classy, perhaps due to the existence of the high-end residential area on high ground called “Jonan Gozan” in the southernmost section of the Yamanote Line, from Meguro to Shinagawa.

There are also many livable neighborhoods with shopping streets running in all directions, which are basically indispensable for the lives of ordinary people. In any case, Shinagawa Ward is characterised by its wide range of residents, from the poor to the very rich.

Living in Shinagawa City Ward

When one hears the name “Shinagawa-ku,” one tends to imagine a very urban area, perhaps because the JR Shinagawa Station area comes to mind. However, Shinagawa Station is located in Minato Ward, and most of Shinagawa Ward is actually a “downtown” area.

The most characteristic areas are Hatanodai, Nakanobu, Togoshi, Musashikoyama, and other inland areas reached by the Tokyu Meguro, Oimachi, and Ikegami lines. Shopping streets are spread out in all directions like a mesh, and the streets of the common people continue uninterruptedly. 

All the shopping streets are lively in their own way. Although the area lacks the supermarkets and delicatessens that are often found in Adachi-ku, Katsushika-ku, Kita-ku, and Arakawa-ku, you can still feel the ease of living in the area.

Shinagawa Ward is said to be the birthplace of the Keihin Industrial Zone, and was originally an area with a high concentration of factories, much like Ota Ward is today. Even today, when you walk around the city, you will be surprised to see overgrown apartments and one-story houses, and the cityscape has not changed at all since the middle of the Showa period.

On the other hand, the areas along the JR line, which is directly connected to the city center without transfers, have been overdeveloped and are filled with high-rise condominiums in many places. 

The highlands of the Jonan Gozan mountains inside the Yamanote Line are a completely different world where only celebrities live. There is also the Tennozu Isle area, which was the scene of a trendy drama in the 1990s. The overall image of Shinagawa Ward is a mix of such “the Tokyo” metropolis and the “chirpy, Edokko” downtown area.

History of Shinagawa City Ward

Shinagawa-Ward-Area-Guide-History-of-Shinagawa

The area around the mouth of the Meguro River, which flows through the district and empties into Tokyo Bay, has been called Shinagawa since ancient times, and many temples were built there in the Middle Ages.

In the early Edo period, Shinagawa was designated as the first post town on the Tokaido Highway, the busiest of the five highways, and was very prosperous as an important center for maritime trade and land transportation.

At that time, the area was popular for its abundant seafood and scenic beauty, and many people came and went from all over Edo City.

In the Meiji period, the railroad was built earlier than any other railroad in Japan, and large-scale factories were built one after another, pioneering the modern industrialization of Japan.

After the Great Kanto Earthquake, residential areas and fields were further converted into factories, and the transportation network, including private railways, was developed, making the city the center of the Keihin Industrial Zone.

During World War II, Shinagawa was severely damaged, and the number of war victims is said to have numbered more than 200,000.

In 1947, after the war, Shinagawa Ward and Ebara Ward merged to form the current Shinagawa Ward.

Areas of Shinagawa City Ward

JR Yamanote Line and Keihin Tohoku Line

(1) Osaki 大崎

Shinagawa-Ward-Area-Guide-Osaki
Credit: Gentosha Gold Online

Once a typical station on the Yamanote Line with nothing in front of it, which used to be split in two with Tabata, the station has been redeveloped with high-rise office buildings and upgraded to a transfer station for the Shonan Shinjuku Line, Saikyo Line, and Rinkai Line. The area used to be an industrial area, but there are few signs of it. Gotenyama, one of the five Jonan mountains, is within walking distance.

(2) Gotanda 五反田

Shinagawa-Ward-Area-Guide-Gotanda

Along with Uguisudani and Otsuka, Gotanda is a representative of stations on the Yamanote Line with questionable station fronts. The east exit of the station is particularly crowded with Gotanda Yurakucho, a special store for gentlemen, and a hotel district for Mona’s customers. The Kaikikan at the West Exit is a shadow of the former red-light district. 

On the hill are the five Jonan mountains of Mount Ikeda and Mount Shimazu, which are associated with the Empress of Japan. The Brazilian-Peruvian Consulate is also located here, and South American food stores and Peruvian restaurants are scattered throughout the area.

(3) Meguro 目黒

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Meguro
Credit: LIFULL

Despite the station name, the address is Kami-Osaki, Shinagawa-ku. The famous Sanma Festival in Meguro is also held on the Shinagawa Ward side. Many Shinagawa Ward residents use the Tokyu Meguro Line. In addition to Hanabusa-yama, one of the five Jonan mountains, there is also a high-class residential area called Shirokane Chojamaru.

(4) Oimachi 大井町

Shinagawa-Ward-Area-Guide-Oimachi
Photo by: MaedaAkihiko

The nearest station to the Shinagawa Ward Office, the first station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line, and also a station on the Rinkai Line. The East Exit of the station is dominated by Higashi-koji, an area of restaurants and cafes that has been the scene of a postwar slump. The east exit of the station is a bustling postwar restaurant district called “Higashi-koji”.

(5) Nishi-Oi 西大井

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Nishi-Oi
Credit: Kenbiya

A forgotten entity with only a station on the Yokosuka Line (Shinzuru Line). The Shonan Shinjuku Line is also through to the rapid train. In front of the station is the graveyard of Ito Hirobumi, who was gunned down by An Jung-geun.

Shinagawa 品川

Shinagawa Station even though it is not in Shinagawa Ward. However, Shinagawa Ward residents often use the station to transfer between the Yamanote Line and the Keihin Tohoku Line and Keikyu Line.

Keikyu Line

(6) Kitashinagawa 北品川

Shinagawa-Ward-Area-Guide-Kitashinagawa

Kitashinagawa is located south of Shinagawa Station. The northern end of the old Tokaido Highway, Shinagawa-juku, is home to the Kita-Shinagawa Shopping Center. It has a good view of the boating pool, which retains the atmosphere of a pre-Edo fishing port with a view of skyscrapers in the background. Daiba Elementary School is a remnant of the former Shinagawa Daiba. The old inn town is lined with austere streets.

(7) Shin-baba 新馬場

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Shin-baba
Credit: Be At Tokyo Cultural Apartments

This is the closest to the remains of the former headquarters of the former Tokaido Highway Shinagawa-juku. There are many historical temples and shrines such as Shinagawa Shrine and Ebara Shrine.

(8) Aomono-Yokocho 青物横丁

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Aomono-Yokocho
Credit: Suumo

Located down Sendai-zaka from Oimachi Station. The distance between the station and the neighbouring Samezu Station is unusually short.

(9) Samezu 鮫洲

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Samezu
Credit: Tokyo Trip

For Tokyoites, this town has only the image of a driver’s license center. The shopping district in front of the station has a large number of stores related to the driver’s license business, but the town itself is a remote town on the southern outskirts of Shinagawa-juku.

(10) Tachiaigawa 立会川

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Tachiaigawa
Photo by: にっしーーー

The shopping street in front of the station is very much about Ryoma Sakamoto. The Hamakawa Bridge over the Tachiaigawa River, as the station is called, is commonly known as the “Incapacitating Bridge. This is the place where the families of executed criminals sent to the Suzugamori Penitentiary saw them off with tears in their eyes. Katsushima Canal is a paradise for stray cats.

(11) Omorikaigan 大森海岸

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Omorikaigan

A special bathhouse that was supposed to be the only one in front of the station has gone out of business. The Shinagawa Aquarium, where rear-end families gather, and the Suzugamori Penitentiary, a place of execution in Edo period, remain.

Tokyu Oimachi Line

(12) Shimojinmei 下神明

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Shimojinmei
Credit: Smilemorry

A group of houses under the elevated railway tracks on the way from Oimachi Station to this station used to have a rather austere appearance, but they have been gone for some time. 

The landmark in front of the station is Tako Park. The pornographic book vending machine corner “Video 24” is hidden in the alleyway under the guard.

(13) Togoshi-koen Park 戸越公園

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Togoshi-koen Park
Photo by: 東京特許許可局

A section of Togoshi Ginza off to the south. The building in front of Togoshi-koen Station has a Showa-era feel. The tunnel that runs under Osaki High School, where the “Auxiliary Route 26” has been cut off, has not been opened for any length of time. When will the day come when we can drive through to Oimachi?

(14) Nakanobu 中延

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide
Photo by: Rsa

There is an arcade called Nakanobu Skip Road in front of the station. The scale and prosperity of the shopping street is not so good. A creative dining restaurant run by Hogen Fukunaga, a former Hoka Sanpo-gyo, opened in Nakanobu 6-chome, but it quickly collapsed.

(15) Ebara-cho 荏原町

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Ebara-cho
Photo by: 東京特許許可局

Ebaramachi Shopping Street, where there are many Nepalese-run food shops. 

(16) Hatanodai 旗の台

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Hatanodai
Credit: Goodroom

A town where the Oimachi and Ikegami lines cross. A shopping district like a gate town of Showa University Hospital. A legendary ramshackle apartment building a zero-minute walk from the station, the rent is rumored to be 13,000 yen. The narrow alley row houses on the south side of Hatadai Elementary School are also impressive.

Tokyu Meguro Line and Ikegami Line

(17) Osaki Hirokoji 大崎広小路

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Osaki Hirokoji
Photo by: Nesnad

When the Ikegami Line started service, this was the terminus because the Ikegami Line could not cross the Meguro River. The next station, Gotanda Station, is only 340 meters away. It is the closest station to Gotanda TOC Building, a huge building built in the Showa period.

(18) Togoshi Ginza 戸越銀座

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Togoshi Ginza
Credit: Kenbiya

The station is located in the Togoshi Ginza shopping street, the longest shopping street in Shinagawa Ward. It is the birthplace of many “somehow-Ginza” type shopping streets, as bricks from the Ginza area from the Great Kanto Earthquake were used in the construction of this shopping street. It is a thriving shopping district, but there are surprisingly few stores that have an impact, such as dangerous super-cheap stores and delicatessen stores.

(19) Ebaranakanobu 荏原中延

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Ebaranakanobu
Photo by: 東京特許許可局

The Ikegami Line station is located beyond the Nakanobu Skip Road. There is a back-alley restaurant district in front of the station. The former Dojunkai area that remained in Nakanobu 2-chome has been demolished.

(20) Fudo-mae 不動前

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Fudo-mae
Photo by: Nesnad

The station name is derived from Meguro Fudo, but the address around the station is Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa Ward.

(21) Musashikoyama 武蔵小山

A town full of life with the longest arcade in Tokyo, Musashikoyama Palm Shopping Street. TV stations are always on standby to interview housewives. 

The postwar slumping restaurant district in front of the station has disappeared and is scheduled to be rebuilt into townhouses in a redevelopment project. Musashi-Koyama’s original super-cheap standing drinking spot, BANDAI-YA, will open other restaurants before you know it.

(22) Nishi-Koyama 西小山

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Nishi-Koyama
Photo by: Nesnad

A small arcade shopping street in front of the station. Nishi-Koyama Sangyoji, which is said to have existed in the past.

Other areas 

(23) Tennozu Isle 天王洲アイル

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Tennozu Isle
Credit: When in Tokyo

A glittering spot that dominated as a location for trendy dramas in the 1990s.

(24) Shinagawa Seaside 品川シーサイド

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Shinagawa Seaside
Credit: Booking.com

A newly developed office district just a stone’s throw from the old Tokaido Highway with its Showa-era atmosphere. It used to be the headquarters of Rakuten, which relocated to a more conscious spot in Futakotamagawa.

(25) Oi Racecourse Mae 大井競馬場前

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Oi Racecourse Mae
Credit: JR East Design Corporation

Oi Racecourse attracts gamblers who live along the Keikyu Line. Across the canal is Yashio Danchi, a mammoth housing complex on an isolated island. The Shinkansen bullet train depot is a favorite of iron wotaku.

What to do in Shinagawa City Ward

Shinagawa Shrine 品川神社

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Shinagawa Shrine
Photo by: Oouiaui

There are many places called “power spots” in Tokyo, but Shinagawa Shrine is often referred to with the keywords “kikisei” (to rise from the dead) and “ikkashira” (a reversal of fortune) in reference to the legend of Minamoto no Yoritomo. In addition, the “Ichigumanbai no gojinsui” (divine water) at the Ana Inari Shrine on the shrine grounds is said to be beneficial for improving one’s financial fortune, attracting a steady stream of worshippers.

Find out more about Shinagawa Shrine here on Google maps.

Shinagawa Aquarium しながわ水族館

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Shinagawa Aquarium
Credit: Shinagawa Keizai Shimbun

Shinagawa Aquarium opened in 1991 in the Shinagawa Kumin Park on the Omori Coast. The tunnel tank, which has now become a staple of aquariums, was also brought into the limelight with the opening of the Shinagawa Aquarium.

Not only does the aquarium offer a wide variety of fun exhibits, including dolphin, sea lion, and penguin shows and the popular jellyfish zone, but it also focuses on environmental education exhibits, which is unique to the Shinagawa Aquarium. The dioramas of the rivers flowing into Tokyo Bay and the ecology of tidal flats and beaches that are being lost are educational. 

Find out more about Shinagawa Aquarium here on Google maps.

Yatsuyama Bridge 八ツ山橋

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Yatsuyama Bridge
Credit: Kokosil

Yatsuyama Bridge, which became famous thanks to the Hakone Ekiden boom at New Year’s, is also remembered as the place where Godzilla landed in Tokyo in the immortal masterpiece “Godzilla. This is also the starting point for a stroll along the old Tokaido Highway Shinagawa-juku, and a stone pillar from the 53 Stages of the Tokaido Highway is placed at the foot of the bridge.

In fact, the Yatsuyama Bridge is one of the best railroad viewpoints in Tokyo. From the bridge, visitors can see the JR Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, Tokaido, and Yokosuka lines, as well as the Narita Express and Tokaido Shinkansen trains, and a variety of Keihin Express trains pass right beside the bridge. This is an exciting spot for both adults and children who love trains.

Find out more about Yatsuyama Bridge here on Google maps.

Museum of Logistics 物流博物館

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Museum of Logistics
Credit: Trip.com

Shinagawa is also an area lined with container docks and logistics warehouses as a logistics hub. The Logistics Museum, a 7-minute walk from the Takanawa Exit of Shinagawa Station, is a museum dedicated to logistics, which supports Japan’s economy. It is a facility that attracts many repeat visitors with its interesting special exhibitions.

Find out more about Museum of Logistics here on Google maps.

Kitashinagawa Spa Tenjinyu 北品川温泉 天神湯

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Kitashinagawa Spa Tenjinyu
Credit: Tokyo Sento Association

Located in the middle of the old Tokaido Highway Shinagawa-juku, a 3-minute walk from Keikyu Shinbamba Station, Kitashinagawa Onsen Tenjinyu is famous for its deep amber-colored black water. This is the result of decomposed Paleozoic plants permeating the groundwater, and the rich mineral content makes it feel moist and smooth. This is a hot spring you may want to stop by in conjunction with a town walk.

The spring water in this hot spring is a sodium bicarbonate cold mineral spring. It is said to be effective for neuralgia, joint pain, and muscular pain. In addition, the unique properties of the botanical nature of the spring also make it very effective for treating sensitivity to cold. Admission is a reasonable 470 yen for adults, and a set of towels, body soap, shampoo, etc. is available for purchase so that visitors can go empty-handed.

Find out more about Kitashinagawa Spa Tenjinyu here on Google maps.

Maxell Aqua Park マクセル アクアパーク品川

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Maxell Aqua Park
Credit: NAKED, INC.

Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa is located in a corner of the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, which boasts an excellent location just a 2-minute walk from the Takanawa Exit of Shinagawa Station. It is popular not only with families but also as a date spot. In particular, the dolphin show, which uses light and water and makes the most of the space, is a must-see because of its beauty.

Find out more about Maxell Aqua Park here on Google maps.

Tennōzu Isle 天王洲アイル

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Tennōzu Isle

Tennoz Isle is located in an area facing the Keihin Canal and Tennoz Canal. It has been transformed from a humble warehouse district into an “art island” through redevelopment. Walking along the waterfront boardwalk while viewing various works of art is sure to refresh your spirit.

Tennozu Isle is often used for filming TV dramas. The area is perfect for a date, with many night view spots that are unique to the so-called bay area.

Find out more about Tennōzu Isle here on Google maps.

Gotenyama Garden 御殿山庭園

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Gotenyama Garden
Credit: Heritager.com

Gotenyama Garden, located in the Gotenyama Trust City on the south side of the Tokyo Marriott Hotel, has a walking path with ponds and waterfalls in an area of about 2,000 tsubo (about 2,000 m2). Enjoy a relaxing time in a tranquil setting that is hard to believe you are in the middle of the city.

Gotenyama has been famous for its cherry blossoms since the reign of the 8th Tokugawa Shogun Yoshimune. Gotenyama has been famous for its cherry blossoms since the reign of Yoshimune, the 8th Tokugawa Shogun, and the cherry blossom festival is held on a grand scale during this season. During the festival, many events are held, including a collaboration of the Edo atmosphere and cutting-edge technology, all of which are worth seeing.

Find out more about Gotenyama Garden here on Google maps.

Shiokaze Park 潮風公園

Shinagawa Ward Area Guide Shiokaze Park
Photo by: Sorrysorry

Shiokaze Park is the largest park in Rinkai Fukutoshin. Even when the shopping area in Odaiba is crowded, Shiokaze Park is a relatively relaxing place to spend time. Here you can enjoy the familiar view of the Rainbow Bridge over Tokyo Bay and the city center without worrying about your surroundings.

Find out more about Shiokaze Park here on Google maps.

Accommodation in Shinagawa City Ward 

Loisir Hotel Shinagawa Seaside (4*)

The property is 500 m from Honsenji Temple, 600 m from Seiun Inari Shrine and 800 m from Samezu Hachiman Shrine. Popular points of interest near LOISIR HOTEL SHINAGAWA SEASIDE include Shinagawa Seaside Forest Oval Garden, Aeon Shinagawa Seaside and Shinagawa Sentaikoujin Temple. 

Toyoko Inn Tokyo Shinagawa Konan-guchi Tennozu Isle  (3*)

Set in Tokyo, within 100 m of Archi-Depot Museum and 300 m of Tennozu Park, Toyoko Inn Tokyo Shinagawa Konan-guchi Tennozu Isle offers accommodation with a garden. Popular points of interest near Toyoko Inn Tokyo Shinagawa Konan-guchi Tennozu Isle include Yoriki Shrine, Higashishinagawa Kaijo Park and Kujirazuka. 

WIRES HOTEL James zaka (3*) 

The property is close to popular attractions like Seiun Inari Shrine, Ebara Jinja Shrine and Tomb of Takuan Osho. Popular points of interest near WIRES HOTEL James zaka include Sinagawa Sentaikoujin Temple, Honkoji Temple and Kaitokuji Temple. 

The CALM Hotel Tokyo (2*) 

Well situated in the Shinagawa Ward district of Tokyo, The CALM Hotel Tokyo is 300 m from Remy Gotanda Shopping Mall, 600 m from Shimazu Family Old Residence and 600 m from Yakushi-ji Tokyo Annex Temple. The property is close to popular attractions like Hakone Meissen Antique Museum, Monument of Iwaya Sazanami Residence and Museum of Logistics. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Museum of Package Culture, Sony History Museum and Nichirenshu Myoukenzan Honryuji Temple.

Smart Stay SHIZUKU Shinagawa-Oimachi (1*)

Situated in Tokyo, within 700 m of Raifukuji Temple and 700 m of Seiun Inari Shrine, Smart Stay SHIZUKU Shinagawa-Oimachi offers accommodation with a spa and wellness centre. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Samezu Hachiman Shrine, Sinagawa Sentaikoujin Temple and Honsenji Temple. 

Guest House Shinagawa-shuku (2*) 

Featuring free Wi-Fi and rental bicycles, Guest House Shinagawa-shuku is just a 2-minute walk from Kita-Shinagawa Station. The guest house is 5 minutes by train from JR Shinagawa Station. It is less than a 10-minute drive from Shinagawa Aquarium.

Petals Tokyo (2*)

PETALS TOKYO has river views, free WiFi and free private parking, situated in Tokyo, 200 m from Archi-Depot Museum. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Tennozu Park, Kujirazuka and Yoriki Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 8 km from PETALS TOKYO.

C&J Hotel (3*)

Situated in Tokyo, within a few steps of Shinigawa Aquarium and 300 m of Iwai Jinja Shrine, C&Jホテル features accommodation with a bar. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Suzugamori Keijo-ato, Shinagawa Park and Atre Omori. 

五反田BaliBaliANNEX (5*) 

Conveniently set in the Shinagawa Ward district of Tokyo, 五反田BaliBaliANNEX is located 200 m from Remy Gotanda Shopping Mall, 300 m from Shimazu Family Old Residence and 400 m from Yakushi-ji Tokyo Annex Temple. The property is close to the Monument of Iwaya Sazanami Residence, Hatakeyama Memorial Museum of Fine Art and Museum of Logistics. Popular points of interest near 五反田BaliBaliANNEX include Museum of Package Culture, Nichirenshu Myoukenzan Honryuji Temple and Hakone Meissen Antique Museum.

KEIKYU EX INN Shinagawa Shimbamba Station North (3*) 

Conveniently located in the Shinagawa Ward district of Tokyo, KEIKYU EX INN Shinagawa Shimbamba Station North is set 200 m from Yoganji Temple, 200 m from Kaitokuji Temple and 200 m from Hozenji Temple. The property is around 400 m from Yoriki Shrine, 400 m from Kujirazuka and 500 m from Tomb of Takuan Osho. Hara Museum of Contemporary Art is 600 m from the hotel. Popular points of interest near KEIKYU EX INN Shinagawa include Ebara Jinja Shrine, Honkoji Temple and Zenpukuji Temple.

What do you think about Shinagawa Ward in Tokyo? Do you like finding out about the history and culture of this interesting area of Tokyo? There is so much history and unique things to do in this local neighbourhood of Tokyo, if you’re interested in coming for yourself, make sure to refer back to this blog.