Tokyo/Shinagawa
From World travel guide
Shinagawa (品川) is one of the 23 wards of central Tokyo. Historically, parts of this ward were known as Shimazuyama. Many feudal lords (daimyo) maintained estates in this area during the Tokugawa Shogunate. More recently, this area is the birthplace and home of Sony.
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Get in
By Plane
The Keikyu Airport Line makes regular commuter runs from Haneda Airport (17-20 minutes, ¥400).
By Train
Shinagawa Station is served both by Japan Railways (JR) and Keikyu Railways.
Japan Railways runs trains through Shinagawa Station on the Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, Yokosuka, and Tokaido lines, as well as some Narita Expresses from Narita Airport. Shinagawa Station is also served by the Tokaido Shinkansen.
On the Yamanote line, Ōsaki and Gotanda stations are also in the area.
Keikyu Railways trains run south to Yokohama and points beyond.
The Shinagawa area is also served by the Mita and Asakusa subway lines.
See
- Sengaku-ji Temple (泉岳寺) is the resting place of the 47 Ronin, a famous group of 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 committed ritual suicide. The story is told in Chūshingura, the best-known of all Kabuki plays. History aside, the temple isn't much to look at. Nearest station is Sengakuji on the Toei Asakusa line.
- Shinagawa Aquarium and park.
- Hara Museum of Contemporary Art [1], 4-7-25 Kitashinagawa, (15 minutes walk from JR Shinagawa Station near La Foret Hotel, Gotenyama). T: 03-3445-0651 F: 03-3473-0104. Closed Mondays- open T, Th - Su 11am-5pm, W 11am-8pm. Admission 1000 yen, 700 yen for students. This small museum hosts a variety of interesting exhibitions in a 1930's house which is a great example of modern architecture in pre-war Japan. There is a very nice indoor/outdoor cafe.
Do
The central immigration office for the Tokyo area is now in Shinagawa. Exit JR Shinagawa Station on the Konan side and follow the signs to the bus station serving Immigration.
Shinagawa Prince Executive Tower offers chain restaurants, souvenir shopping, limousine bus service to Narita, an IMAX theater, and a movie multiplex.
Buy
Eat
Budget
Mid-range
- Devi Corner, 3-24-21 Takanawa (5 min. north of Shinagawa station). Excellent Indian cuisine.
- Ribera Steakhouse. reasonably priced steaks with a C&W meets pro-wrestling theme. 12 minutes walk from JR Shinagwa, 5 minutes walk from JR Gotanda, or 2 minutes walk from Takanawadai Station on the Asakusa line.
Splurge
- Ne Quittez Pas High-end French cuisine a short walk from Gotanda Station.
- Franklin Ave. The best and priciest burgers in town, next door from Ne Quittez Pas.
Drink
Directly across the street from JR Shinagawa Station you will find Enoteca on the second level of Shinagawa Wing. Shop for imported wines, or sample glasses in their small cafe.
Sleep
With the new Shinkansen service to Shinagawa, the area hotels have become much more convenient (and crowded). Shinagawa Prince, Takanawa Prince, and others are all clustered on the west side of the station. The Toyoko Inn a few minutes south of the station is a bit cheaper. Also, try JR Gotanda Station in Shinagawa ward for cheaper business hotels or capsules.
- ANA Strings Hotel is a very nice hotel near Shinagawa Station which is worth visiting for a drink or a meal to get the view of the bay and Rainbow Bridge.
Contact
Internet Cafes
- Yahoo Cafe, Shinagawa Prince Executive Tower.
