basic information

Shinagawa is one of Tokyo's 23 wards, and Shinagawa Station is one of the city's busiest stations. Its convenience as a transportation hub has attracted many hotels, offices, restaurants and shops to the area. Shinagawa has been catering to travelers since the Edo Period, when it was the first stop on the route from Tokyo to Kyoto.

Shinagawa Station is one of the principal transportation hubs of Tokyo. The station connects many lines, including the Yamanote Line and the Tokaido Shinkansen. Direct train connections to both Haneda Airport and Narita Airport are provided by Keikyu Railways and the Narita Express, respectively. In effect, Shinagawa Station is a convenient place of departure for a great number of destinations.

Shinagawa Station has two exits, around which much development has taken place: the Takanawa Exit on the west side, and the Konan Exit on the east side. The Takanawa side has many hotels, and many branches of the Prince hotel chain in particular. There are a number of shopping malls, including the Shinagawa Prince Hotel complex that includes cinemas, bowling and the Epson Aqua Stadium aquarium with a variety of sea creatures, a dolphin pool and frequent shows.

The area around the Konan Exit has recently undergone extensive development. Many large office buildings and company headquarters are now located in the area. The buildings have been designed to meet all the needs of the workers; dining and shopping is available on the first few floors of each building, and a large garden space has been built to give the area a pleasant atmosphere.

West Exit

East Exit

Shinagawa developed into an important town in the early 1600s after the construction of the Tokaido. The Tokaido was the principal route connecting Edo (modern day Tokyo) and Kyoto, and Shinagawa was the first of fifty-three post towns along the way after departing from Nihonbashi. Post towns provided food and lodgings for travelers, much like the hotels of Shinagawa do nowadays.

Eventually, the city of Tokyo expanded and absorbed Shinagawa. The rustic feel of a post town was replaced with the familiar trappings of a modern Japanese city. However, the former Tokaido road and many minor temples and sites along the route have been retained. A helpful information center is located along the road and Ebara Shrine, one of the most interesting sites along the walk, is located nearby.

Former Tokaido Road

Ebara Shrine

The Hara Museum is a modern art gallery located in a residential area south-west of Shinagawa Station. The museum itself was once a residence, but was donated by the businessman Hara Kunizo. Many engaging examples of contemporary art are exhibited, and there is also a small restaurant and gift shop. The museum has an annex near Ikaho, Gunma Prefecture, called the Hara Museum ARC.

Sengakuji Temple is located about 1 km north of Shinagawa Station. The temple is well known for its role in one of Japan's most famous stories of revenge. A group of 47 samurai waited two years to avenge their master, and once they completed their mission they brought the severed head of their victim to their master's grave. Both the graves of the samurai and their master are located at the temple.

If walking between Shinagawa's sites has built up your appetite, there are two interesting places to eat, located beside the train tracks. Shinatatsu Ramen consists of a group of branch restaurants of well known ramen shops serving their famous ramen dishes. Just beside is Shinatatsu Donburi, which has a mixture of shops specializing in different donburi meals, such as oyakodon, tendon and gyudon.

Hara Museum

Sengakuji

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how to get there

Shinagawa Station is a major station on the JR Yamanote Line and the Tokaido Shinkansen. It is also served by the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, JR Tokaido Main Line, JR Yokosuka Line and Keikyu Main Line.

From Tokyo Station:
10 minutes and 160 yen by JR Yamanote Line or JR Keihin-Tohoku Line.

From Shinjuku Station:
18 minutes and 190 yen by JR Yamanote Line.

Orientation in Tokyo

news and reports

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travel community

Popularity of Shinagawa:
Users who have been to Tokyo: 2646
Users who have been to Shinagawa: 283

28th of 49 most visited sights in Tokyo.
77th of 554 most visited sights nationwide.

Ratings for Shinagawa:

japan-guide.com Rating:		interesting
User Rating (by 147 users):	73/100	recommended

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