Let’s be honest: when you hear “Shinagawa,” you probably think of the Shinkansen (Bullet Train). For most travelers, it’s just a transit hub—a place to drag luggage through on the way to Kyoto or Haneda Airport.
But if you hop on the train immediately, you are missing out on one of Tokyo’s most diverse neighborhoods. From the resting place of legendary Samurai to cutting-edge digital art and retro street food, Shinagawa is a destination in its own right.
Here is why you should step out of the station and explore the Shinagawa area.
1. Walk the Path of History (The “Real” Japan)
Before Tokyo was a metropolis of neon lights, it was Edo. Shinagawa was the first “Post Town” on the Tokaido road connecting the capital to Kyoto. You can still feel that history today.
The Legend of the 47 Ronin: Sengaku-ji Temple（泉岳寺）
If you are interested in Samurai history, this is non-negotiable. Sengaku-ji is the final resting place of the 47 Ronin (masterless samurai), the protagonists of Japan’s most famous true story of loyalty, revenge, and honor.
- Why go: The atmosphere is solemn and powerful. There is a small museum on-site dedicated to the Ronin.
Shinagawa Shrine (Shinagawa Jinja) 品川神社
Located on a hill, this shrine features a rare “Torii” gate with dragons carved into the stone—one of only three in Tokyo.
- The Hidden Gem: Look for the Fujizuka, a miniature replica of Mt. Fuji. In the Edo period, people who couldn’t travel to the real mountain would climb this mound. Climbing to the top is said to grant the same spiritual luck as summiting the real Mt. Fuji!
Old Tokaido Road 旧東海道
Take a stroll down the Kyu-Tokaido. While modern buildings have sprung up, the street retains a nostalgic “shitamachi” (downtown) atmosphere with traditional tea shops, guest houses, and historic temples. This is especially true around the Kitashinagawa Hondori Shopping Street, a roughly 800-meter stretch lined with about 90 shops and businesses, connected to a network of old side alleys such as Shimizu Yokocho, Ooyokocho, Daiba Yokocho, Kuromon Yokocho, and Uramachi. Remarkably, the road still preserves its Edo-period width of about seven meters—wide enough, it is said, for two daimyo processions to pass each other. From here to the former execution grounds of Suzugamori, approximately 3.4 kilometers of the old Tokaido’s original scale remains intact.
Kitashinagawa was the closest section of the historic Shinagawa-shuku to present-day Shinagawa Station, and was once known as Kachishin-shuku, a place designated by the shogunate for “kachi-yaku”—officials responsible for preparing horses for travelers. Over time, inns, restaurants, and teahouses flourished, and the area came to be recognized as an important sub-post town alongside the North and South Shinagawa Honjuku.
Shinagawa-shuku itself was famed as a scenic leisure destination, appearing even in classical rakugo stories. From the windows of the old inns, visitors could look out toward Awa and Kazusa across the bay. Spring brought clam digging along the shore, cherry blossoms on the Gotenyama hillside, peonies at Tokai-ji Temple, and autumn foliage at Kaian-ji. Its beauty, charm, and proximity to Edo made it a beloved day-trip escape for townspeople—an atmosphere you can still sense as you walk this quiet yet storied stretch of the Kyu-Tokaido.
2. Modern Art & Digital Entertainment
Shinagawa isn’t stuck in the past. It is also home to some of Tokyo’s most visually stunning modern spots.
Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa マクセル アクアパーク品川
Located inside the Prince Hotel complex, this isn’t your average aquarium. It is a fusion of marine life and digital art.
- Why go: The jellyfish zone features mirrored walls and color-changing lights, making it incredibly photogenic. The dolphin show uses water curtains and projection mapping for a performance that feels more like a concert than a zoo visit.
Tennozu Isle: The Art District 天王洲アイル
Once a grim warehouse district, Tennozu Isle has transformed into Tokyo’s Brooklyn. It is a waterfront hub for contemporary art and culture.
- Must-See: Visit PIGMENT TOKYO, an art supply lab with a wall of 4,500 pigment jars that is an Instagram favorite. Wander through the TERRADA ART COMPLEX for galleries, or just enjoy the street art murals and boardwalks.
3. Eat Like a Local (Shotengai Culture)
Want to see how real Tokyoites live? Head to the local “Shotengai” (shopping streets).
Togoshi Ginza 戸越銀座商店街
A short train ride or walk from the main hub, this is the longest open-air shopping street in Tokyo (spanning 1.3km!).
- What to do: This street is famous for Tabearuki (eating while walking). Grab a yakitori skewer, a potato croquette, or traditional sweets for just a few hundred yen. It’s cheap, delicious, and authentic.
Musashi-Koyama Palm 武蔵小山商店街パルム
If it rains, head here. It’s a massive covered arcade where locals shop for everything from groceries to clothes. It’s a great place to experience the daily rhythm of Japanese life.
4. For the Geeks & Hobbyists
Shinagawa has some unique spots that cater to very specific interests.
- Godzilla’s Landing Spot (Yatsuyama Bridge): 八ツ山橋（やつやまばし）
Right near the station, this bridge crosses over multiple train lines. It is famous in pop culture as the spot where the original 1954 Godzilla first stepped onto land to destroy Tokyo. - Train Spotting:
Because so many lines converge here, Yatsuyama Bridge is also a legendary spot for train enthusiasts to watch the Shinkansen and local trains pass by. - Hatakeyama Memorial Museum of Fine Art: 荏原 畠山美術館
A quiet retreat for those who love the aesthetics of “Wabi-sabi” and the Tea Ceremony. (Check opening status before visiting).
5. The Station is a Destination: Ecute Shinagawa
If you truly don’t have time to leave the station, you can still experience the food culture.
Ecute Shinagawa is a high-end food complex located inside the ticket gates. It offers a dizzying array of Bento boxes, beautifully crafted desserts, and deli foods.
- Pro Tip: If you are taking the Shinkansen to Kyoto, skip the convenience store sandwich. Arrive 20 minutes early and buy a premium Bento here to eat on the train.
Shinagawa is more than just a dot on the map. Next time you pass through, drop your bags in a locker and explore!
