Although better known as one of Tokyo's busiest commuter hubs and business districts, Shinagawa is packed with interesting things to see and do. From broad, beautiful waterways to the hip, arty enclave of Tennozu Isle, this suggested walk covers the area's main highlights in a comfortable half-day of exploring.

Start
Start at Shinagawa Station
Walk
10 minutes
Yatsuyama Bridge
Unassuming bridge with a great view 2 minutes
First built in 1872 and since rebuilt three times, this industrial-looking bridge is known for interesting views over the train tracks towards central Tokyo, and for its on-screen destruction early in the original Godzilla movie. At the southeastern end, a curious stone lamp post still remains from the original structure.
Walk
2 minutes
Kyu-Tokaido
One section of the historic Tokaido 15 minutes
Before the days of mass transit, Japan's major cities were connected by just a handful of major highways. The most important of them, the Tokaido, connected Edo - today Tokyo - with the former capital of Kyoto, and Shinagawa served as the first of 53 post towns along the route. Although modernized, the former highway retains a little bit of a historical vibe.
Walk
5 minutes
Shinagawa Ura
Picturesque little pier with pleasure boats
During the Edo Period (1603-1868), this sheltered harbor was the center of a thriving fish and seaweed industry for which the area was well known. Today, it serves as a private mooring for fishing and pleasure boats, creating an interesting contrast with the surrounding buildings.
Walk
10 minutes
Shinagawa Shrine
Interesting local shrine with Fujizuka mound 15 minutes
This pleasant shrine dates to the end of the Heian Period (710-1185) and is notable for its Fujizuka mound - the largest in the Tokyo area - believed to bestow the same sacred benefits as climbing Mount Fuji itself. It is also one of ten shrines said to form a protective circle around the Imperial Palace.
Walk
5 minutes
Ebara Shrine
Local shrine in a pleasant spot by the river 15 minutes
Tucked away in a leafy spot beside the vermillion colored Chinju Bridge, this little shrine was founded in 709 and is known for its ornate design. In June, the shrine hosts a lively festival in which a mikoshi or sacred palanquin is carried through water, celebrating the community's historic links with fishing and whaling.
Walk
10 minutes
Terrada Art Complex
Private art galleries in a stylishly minimal setting 30 minutes
Spread across two warehouse buildings, this large art complex houses six of Tokyo's leading private galleries, each regularly hosting exhibitions that are usually open to the public. Visitors can also make a stop at the stylish ground floor cafe.
Walk
5 minutes
Shinagawa Whale by Sasaki Kyoko
Artwork painted on the doors of a water gate
Painted onto the sluice doors of the Meguro River Water Gate, this cheerful work references an incident in 1798 when local fishermen caught a large whale, creating something of a sensation and drawing many excited visitors including the shogun himself. As an added touch, the waves in the picture spell out the characters for 'Shinagawa'.
Walk
3 minutes
Going on forever by Asai Yusuke
Iconic blue mural on a warehouse wall
This large mural, one of Tennozu Isle's most distinctive artworks, depicts a coiled, serpentlike creature symbolizing the life-giving power of water.
Walk
5 minutes
What Museum
Unique contemporary art space 45 minutes
Set within a large commercial art warehouse, this unique gallery regularly shows works by up-and-coming contemporary artists as well as highlights from private collections stored within the facility. Also worth a visit is the adjacent Archi-Depot museum, where hundreds of architectural models by students, architects and design firms are archived and displayed.
Walk
2 minutes
Pigment Tokyo
Art supply store designed by Kuma Kengo 20 minutes
Featuring a bold design by superstar architect Kuma Kengo, this chic art supply store is best known for its eye-catching wall display of over 4,000 color pigments. Also in stock are a range of quality artist tools, from handmade brushes to hard-to-find traditional ink sticks.
Walk
1 minute
Tokyo/Tennoz by Diego
Colorful roadside mural
A large, lively mural painted onto a fence, this work depicts nearby sights and passing pedestrians in a style resembling graffiti letters.
Walk
1 minute
The Shamisen by ARYZ
Large scale painted mural
Painted on the side of a Toyoko Inn multistory parking lot, this large and colorful mural depicts a young woman in traditional dress playing a shamisen. The artwork is said to be influenced by ukiyo-e prints and has become something of an unofficial symbol of Tennozu Isle.
Walk
1 minute
What Cafe
Riverside cafe and art gallery 25 minutes
At once a spacious gallery dedicated to young contemporary artists and a stylish, reasonably priced cafe, this is a perfect spot to pause for lunch before continuing the walk. Entrance is free, and on sunny days customers can enjoy the view from the boardwalk outside.
Walk
3 minutes
Tennozu Fureai Bridge
Attractive white-painted bridge
Completed in 1996 with the now rarely used pin-connected truss technique, this distinctive bridge is a common sight on TV dramas and commercials due to its graceful appearance and attractive surroundings. At night, the effect is heightened with a smart illumination.
Walk
1 minute
The Space Between by Hibi Kiyoshi
Iron sculpture on the Tennozu Boardwalk
Said to represent mankind's use of and relationship with iron, the work comprises two pillars of textured iron, loosely connected by a floating wire mesh.
Walk
5 minutes
Unyo Maru
Early 20th century research ship in a university campus
After 20 years of service as a training, survey and whaling vessel, this elegant ship was retired in 1929 and permanently landlocked within the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology's Shinagawa Campus in 1962.
Walk
3 minutes
Tap by Ito Makoto
Large metal sculpture facing the Tennozu Harbor
Installed in 1995, this large metal work somewhat resembles a pair of headphones, creating an interesting circular frame for the view back towards Tennozu Isle.
Walk
5 minutes
Canal Views
Pleasant canalside stroll
This section of the walk may be one of the longest, but it is also very scenic thanks to Shinagawa's broad canals and the row of modern, high rise buildings on the opposite bank.
Walk
30 minutes
Sengakuji Temple
Contains the graves of the 47 Ronin 25 minutes
Sengakuji Temple is best known as the resting place of the 47 Ronin, who famously assassinated a feudal lord in revenge for causing the death of their own master. Visitors can view the graves and are presented with sticks of incense to light and place in their memory.
Walk
15 minutes
Takanawa Gateway
New station with striking architecture
Another striking design by Kuma Kengo, Takanawa Gateway Station combines modern materials and techniques with a grand scale and open layout. Criss-crossed by metal supports, the floating roof is reminiscent of origami, while giant floor-to-ceiling windows open up the space to the surrounding cityscape.
Finish
Finish at Takanawa Gateway Station

Hotels around Tokyo

Top rated in Tokyo
Budget:
    • Mokkoan
      Budget-friendly
      Featuring free WiFi and a hot tub, Mokkoan offers accommodation in Kita Ward, Tokyo. Private parking is available on site. Every room comes with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Certain units have a seating area where you can relax. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries. You will find a shared kitchen at the property. The guest house also offers free use of bicycles. Yokohama is 37 km from Mokkoan, while Chiba is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 24 km from Mokkoan.
      View on Booking.com
      9.9Booking.com
    • 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe
      Budget-friendly
      Conveniently set in the Edogawa district of Tokyo, 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe is situated 1.3 km from Furukawa Shinsui Park, 1.5 km from Gyosen Park and 1.6 km from Ukita Park. The 2-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 700 metres from Subway Museum. The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. All units will provide guests with a fridge. Shin Nagashima River Shinsui Park is 1.7 km from 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe, while Former House of Udagawa Family is 2.6 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 22 km from the accommodation.
      View on Booking.com
      9.7Booking.com
    • cyashitsu ryokan asakusa
      Mid-range
      Situated in Tokyo, 300 metres from Asakusa Fujiasama Shrine and 7.5 km from the centre, cyashitsu ryokan asakusa features air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi, and an open-air bath. This 3-star ryokan offers a lift and full-day security. The ryokan has a hot tub and luggage storage space. At the ryokan, the units come with a wardrobe. Each unit has a safety deposit box and some rooms include city views. The units are equipped with heating facilities. At the ryokan, the family-friendly restaurant is open for dinner and specialises in Japanese cuisine. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Popular points of interest near cyashitsu ryokan asakusa include Nitenmon Gate, Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center and Hozomon Gate. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 24 km from the accommodation.
      View on Booking.com
      9.6Booking.com
    • Kaminarimon Ryokan
      Luxury
      Kaminarimon Ryokan offers accommodation with free WiFi. The rooms are air-conditioned and come with a flat-screen TV, fridge and Nespresso coffee machine. An electric kettle, a green tea set and free toiletries are provided. The hotel offers laundry service for an additional fee. Kaminarimon Ryokan is a 2-minute walk to the Asakusa Metro Station. From there, destinations like Akihabara, Ginza and Ueno are a 15-minute subway ride away. There are many dining options and convenience stores within a few minutes' walk from the hotel.
      View on Booking.com
      9.6Booking.com
    • Ryokan Nakadaya
      Budget-friendly
      Situated in Tokyo, within 1.5 km of Sensoji Temple and 2.2 km of Tokyo Skytree, Ryokan Nakadaya offers accommodation with a shared lounge. The property is set 3.5 km from Edo Tokyo Museum, 6 km from Marunouchi Building and 6 km from Yasukuni Shrine. Free WiFi is available. The units in the inn are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Each room is equipped with a shared bathroom. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 19 km from the property.
      View on Booking.com
      9.6Booking.com
    • The Okura Tokyo
      Luxury
      Composed of 2 buildings, The Okura Tokyo boasts a garden and bar. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. The accommodation features a concierge, ticket service and currency exchange for guests. All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a fridge, kettle and flat-screen TV with satellite channels. All guest rooms have a private bathroom with a bath, hairdryer, bidet and free toiletries. Located on 28-40 floors, Prestige Tower offers rooms with cityscape views. Guests booking room type with Club Lounge Access in Heritage Wing can enjoy Club Lounge. Spacious rooms in Heritage Wing include complimentary welcome drink, steam sauna and spa bath. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Popular points of interest near The Okura Tokyo include Iino Hall and Conference Centre, National Diet Building and Space FS Shiodome. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International, 22 km from the hotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
      View on Booking.com
      9.5Booking.com
    • ulu Tokyo
      Luxury
      Attractively located in the Koto Ward district of Tokyo, ulu Tokyo is set 500 metres from Shibusawa Eiichi Taku Monument, 700 metres from Site of Mutsu Munemitsu Residence and 500 metres from Shinkawa Historic Place Monument. The 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is situated 700 metres from Monument of Electric Experiment at Hiraga Gennai. The rooms at the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a kitchen. Ulu Tokyo features some rooms with city views, and all rooms are equipped with a balcony. At the accommodation rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near ulu Tokyo include Masago Monument, Bank of Japan Origin Place Monument and Takao Inari Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 17 km from the hotel.
      View on Booking.com
      9.5Booking.com
    • ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA
      Budget-friendly
      Ideally situated in the centre of Tokyo, ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA is within 400 metres of Origami Kaikan and 500 metres of TKP Garden City Premium Akihabara. The property is close to several well-known attractions, 500 metres from Yushima Seido, 400 metres from EDO Culture Complex and 500 metres from Ochanomizu Park. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, room service and free WiFi throughout the property. All rooms in the hotel are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a bidet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. At ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA the rooms include bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kamezumiinari Shrine, Akihabara Neribei Park and Yushima Goryo Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 21 km from ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA.
      View on Booking.com
      9.5Booking.com
    • Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
      Luxury
      Boasting chic decor with touches of Japanese traditional aethetics, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. 7 dining options are featured, and free parking is available on site. JR Meguro Station is 6 minutes on foot and Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is a 12-minute stroll. Free WiFi is provided throughout. All spacious rooms rooms include a satellite TV with cable channels, minibar, a coffee machine and handy smartphone. An en suite bathroom is fitted with a spa bath, free toiletries and hairdryer. For your comfort, some rooms include a sauna. Guests can unwind in a Japanese-style garden or at a library on site The front desk is open for 24 hours a day, and there are a pastry shop and gift shop at the property. Massage services and room services can be arranged. Shunyuki serves signature Chinese delicacies, while Tofutei offers an authentic Japanese kaiseki multi-course meal. Teppanyaki Japanese wagyu beed, American-style grilled dishes and Italian cuisine can be sampled on site. Live piano performance can also be enjoyed at an on-site cafe lounge in the day time. JR Shibuya Station is a 5-minute train ride, while JR Shinagawa Station is 8 minutes by train from Hotel Gajoen Tokyo. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 10 km away.
      View on Booking.com
      9.5Booking.com
    • Tokyo Hikari Guesthouse
      Budget-friendly
      The cosy Tokyo Hikari Guesthouse offers private rooms and dorm beds, only a 1-minute walk from Kuramae Subway Station. It also features a shared lounge with WiFi/wired internet, tea and cooking facilities, all for free. A washing machine with detergent can be used free of charge. Rooms are air-conditioned and come with extra-long beds. Linens are changed every 3 nights. Bathrooms and toilets are shared, a shared hairdryer is provided free of charge and bath towels are available with an extra charge. Open from October 2014, Tokyo Hikari has a small, sunny garden. Luggage storage is available. Guesthouse Tokyo Hikari is a 15-minute walk from Asakusa.
      View on Booking.com
      9.5Booking.com

Experiences around Tokyo

Top rated in Tokyo