21 Best Things to Do in Tokyo – Shinbashi, Hamamatsucho & Shinagawa (2026 Guide)

The Shimbashi, Hamamatsucho, and Shinagawa area is an area where the modern scenery lined with cutting-edge skyscrapers and the beautiful greenery of historic gardens and shrines overlap beautifully, making you feel excited just by walking! We will introduce the sightseeing spots that tightly condense the highlights of the “present” and “tradition,” from lively local gourmet and Tokyo’s leading tourist destinations to office districts and traditions.

Shrines, Temples, and Gardens Where You Can Feel History and Culture

A Vast Daimyo Garden Linked to the Tokugawa Shogun Family: “Hama-rikyu Gardens”

It is a Nationally Designated Special Place of Scenic Beauty with a history as the falconry grounds and a villa for the Tokugawa Shogun family. The highlights are the “Shioiri-no-Ike” pond, the greenery, the teahouse (Japanese house) on the middle island, and their collaboration with the surrounding skyscrapers. The “contrast between the new and the old” woven by the surrounding cutting-edge skyscraper clusters and the historic, green Japanese garden is nothing short of spectacular. It serves as a massive oasis where you can forget the hustle and bustle of the city and relax while being healed by a dynamic, uniquely Tokyo view.

The Family Temple of the Tokugawa Clan: “Zojoji Temple”

With a history of over 600 years, this is the grand head temple of the Jodo sect that enshrines the secret Buddha image “Kurohonzon” linked to Tokugawa Ieyasu. It has a deep connection with the Tokugawa Shogun family, and the magnificent gravesites of six shoguns, including the second shogun Hidetada, and their consorts stand solemnly within the grounds.

The heavy “Sanjadatsumon” gate is one of the largest gates in Eastern Japan and is a national Important Cultural Property.

Near Takanawa Gateway, the Sacred Place of History Where the Ako Roshi Rest: “Sengakuji Temple”

It is a historic temple of the Soto sect founded by Tokugawa Ieyasu in the early Edo period. It is the stage of the widely known “Chushingura,” and many worshippers from all over the country still visit it as a sacred place where the Ako Roshi (Ako Gishi), including Oishi Kuranosuke who showed loyalty to their master Asano Takumi-no-kami, rest quietly.

In the grounds, besides the gravesites of the Gishi, there is also the “Ako Gishi Memorial Museum” that exhibits their articles, allowing you to feel the dramatic history firsthand. It has good access from Takanawa Gateway Station and is a famous temple with a quiet atmosphere.

Shimbashi, Hamamatsucho, and Shinagawa Urban Landmarks

The Eternal Symbol of Tokyo, Lighting Up Beautifully in the Big Metropolis: “Tokyo Tower”

Standing at a height of 333 meters, this is a comprehensive radio tower that has continued to watch over the streets of Tokyo since its opening in 1958. From the Main Deck and Top Deck, a grand panorama spreads out, looking out over the big metropolis’s building clusters and even Mount Fuji.

When night comes, you can see its mystical figure beautifully lit up in a warm orange color or seasonal designs. The overwhelming beauty looked up at from right close is natural, but the emotion of the moment when its vivid figure is suddenly seen from between the building clusters is Tokyo’s number one special seat that continues to fascinate people in any era.

“Shiodome Sio-Site,” Where Futuristic Skyscrapers and Commercial Facilities Blend

This is a huge multi-layered city where a futuristic landscape spreads. Within the area, cutting-edge skyscrapers stand in rows, and stylish commercial facilities, restaurants, theaters, etc. blend beautifully.

Walking on the futuristic pedestrian deck (pedestrian corridor) running as if weaving between the building clusters makes you feel as if you have wandered into the world of a SF movie. It is within walking distance from Shimbashi and Hamamatsucho and has good access, allowing you to feel the sophisticated urban dynamism firsthand.

The Latest Stylish Spot Like a Futuristic City: “TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY”

This is a cutting-edge, ultra-huge composite city around Takanawa Gateway Station. Modern skyscraper clusters stand in rows, and shops of the latest trends and gourmet making their first landing in Japan gather. Simply walking around is the most stylish and exciting new landmark now, where you can enjoy the cutting-edge Tokyo with all five senses.

Absolutely Want to Go Before Demolition! The Sacred Place of Showa Retro: “New Shimbashi Building”

Completed in 1971, this is an ultra-retro composite building with a net-like white exterior that catches the eye right in front of Shimbashi Station. While demolition plans due to future redevelopment are progressing, it is attracting attention from inside and outside the country as a sacred place that conveys the heat of Showa to the present.

Inside the building, old-fashioned coffee shops, Western food restaurants that draw huge lines, discount ticket shops, massage parlor stores, etc. are crowded chaotically, allowing you to feel the real daily life and deep culture of Shimbashi, the town of salarymen.

Familiar from TV! The Symbol of the Salaryman Town: “Shimbashi Station SL Square”

Located right outside the Hibiya Exit of Shimbashi Station, this is a square famous as a classic meeting place. A real C11 steam locomotive (SL), installed in connection with Shimbashi being the birthplace of Japan’s railway, releases an overwhelming presence, and you can also enjoy the performance where the sound of the steam whistle echoes several times a day.

 (Christmas season SL illumination *sound plays)

At night, the SL is beautifully lit up, shining beautifully in combination with the neon signs of the lively surrounding drinking streets. Especially during the Christmas season, you can see the SL shining like a special show of sound and light.

Theme Parks, Amusement Parks, Aquariums, and Zoos

The Cutting-Edge Urban Aquarium Blending Sound, Light, and Image: “Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa”

Getting off at Shinagawa Station, this is an urban entertainment facility utilizing cutting-edge technology located on the Takanawa Exit side. It is not just about observing creatures; a mystical world blended with sound, light, and projection mapping spreads.

The “Dolphin Performance” that can be seen from 360 degrees anywhere is spectacular, featuring dynamic performances of water and light that change with the seasons. Access from the station is also outstanding, making it a place that can be enjoyed romantically by adults, as well as children and families.

Activities and Experiences in the Area

A Luxury Cruise to Overlook Tokyo’s Famous Spots from the Ship: “Tokyo Bay Cruise Symphony”

Departing from Hinode Pier, this is a restaurant cruise ship that dynamically tours Tokyo Bay. Its charm lies in the outstanding location where you can pass right under the Rainbow Bridge and overlook scenes such as Odaiba, Tokyo Gate Bridge, and Haneda Airport from the ship.

There are plans matched to the time zone, such as lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea, allowing you to spend a luxury moment while feeling the beautiful sea breeze. It is a classic activity unique to the Tokyo Bay area, boasting overwhelming popularity from domestic and foreign tourists.

The Night View Cruise That Colors Tokyo’s Summer: “Tokyo Bay Summer Night Cruise”

Operated every summer from the Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal near Hamamatsucho, this is a cruise of a large passenger ship that has become a summer tradition in Tokyo. At an affordable price, you can enjoy the glittering night view of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay from the ship while wearing a yukata and enjoying delicious alcohol and food.

Inside the ship, music events etc. are also held, with a liveliness just like a festival. It is a highly popular activity where you can experience Tokyo’s hot night energetically.

Helicopter Scenic Flight: “Metropolitan Cruise”

An activity where you can taste the ultimate ecstasy of monopolizing the night view of Tokyo’s big metropolis from the sky, which will surely make for the best day that moves you.

From inside the aircraft at an altitude of several hundred meters, familiar landmarks such as Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, and Tokyo Skytree spread out below as a diorama that looks like scattered jewels, and you will surely be able to spend a wonderful time that becomes a lifelong memory with your precious person.

Shopping, Shopping Malls, and Shopping Streets

Perfect for Shinkansen Waiting Time! Directly Connected to Shinagawa Station: “ecute Shinagawa / atre Shinagawa”

This is a huge commercial facility that can be accessed inside and directly connected to the gates of Shinagawa Station. In “ecute Shinagawa” inside the gates, Tokyo’s sophisticated classic souvenirs, limited sweets, and high-quality side dishes stand in rows, allowing you to enjoy shopping efficiently right up until boarding the Shinkansen.

In “atre Shinagawa” directly connected to the Konan Exit, there are famous cafes from New York and a stylish food court, perfect for coffee time or a meal during waiting time. It is a spot directly connected to the station that changes your transit time into a luxury time.

Entertainment Districts and Nightspots

Shimbashi Under-the-Tracks Drinking District, Corridor Street as a Drinking Place for High-Class Businessmen

This is an area where you can experience two faces of the night at once: the “Under-the-Tracks drinking district” continuing from Shimbashi Station under the elevated tracks, and the continuing “Corridor Street” as a social place for sophisticated adults.
Under the tracks, stores where you can rowdily enjoy cheap and delicious ya

a Showa retro atmosphere stand in rows, and many salarymen enjoy a drink after work. Entering Corridor Street, it completely changes, and stylish bars and dining bars stand in rows, bustling with high-career businessmen and highly sensitive adults.

Shinagawa’s “Hotel High-Floor Bar and Lounge” That Produces a Sophisticated Adult Night

Located on the upper floors of the ultra-high-rise hotel clusters in front of Shinagawa Station, a moment in the supreme luxury space overlooking the beautiful scenery of Tokyo also becomes one of the wonderful memories of your Tokyo trip. While tilting an original cocktail made by a sophisticated bartender or high-quality wine, the time spent gazing at the glittering Tokyo Tower and the illumination of the city center is exceptional.

It is a supreme spot you cannot miss for a special date or an adult dinner to conclude a day of sightseeing or business.

Night Views of the Big Metropolis

The Light of Tokyo Tower Glowing in the Skyscraper Clusters of the Big Metropolis

Coloring the night of the Shimbashi, Hamamatsucho, and Shinagawa area, this is a breathtakingly beautiful night view that you absolutely cannot miss when sightseeing in Tokyo. The sight of the warm orange Tokyo Tower light-up floating inside the cutting-edge skyscraper clusters is a unique art of night view where new and old Tokyo fuse.

You can view its dramatic figure from everywhere within the area, such as Hamamatsucho, Tamachi, and the streets continuing to Shiba Park. It is an overwhelming location symbolizing Tokyo that is deeply engraved in the memory of the trip.

The Romantic “Boardwalk Along the Canal of Tennozu Isle”

With good access from Shinagawa Station, this is a beautifully maintained wood deck promenade along the canal where you can feel a pleasant sea breeze. The former warehouse district has been reborn into stylish art galleries, craft beer breweries, and floating restaurants, spreading a sophisticated landscape where any shot looks like a picture.

When night comes, the surrounding building clusters and bridges lit up sparkle on the water surface, turning into a more romantic atmosphere. It is the perfect urban hideaway spot to enjoy a relaxed stroll date with your precious person.

Gourmet in the Area

A Luxury Space of Traditional Western Food and Craft Beer: “Tsubame Grill (Shinagawa Ekimae Store)”

Standing right in front of Shinagawa Station’s Takanawa Exit, this is a historic, long-established Western food restaurant founded in 1930. The signature menu “Tsubame-style Hamburg Steak” is a supreme item where a hamburger steak topped with plenty of homemade beef stew is wrapped in aluminum foil and baked.

The hot steam and mellow aroma that spread the moment you open the delivered foil with a knife cannot be forgotten once tasted. The tomato farcie salad is also exquisite. It is the absolute ace gourmet of Shinagawa that luxuriously colors the lunch or dinner of the trip.

An All-You-Can-Eat of Overwhelming Scale! Shinagawa Prince Hotel’s “Hapuna (LUXE DINING HAPUNA)”

Located inside the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, this is a highly popular restaurant that can be called the pronoun for hotel lunch and dinner buffets. In a space boasting an overwhelming sense of openness with a ceiling height of about 9 meters, you can enjoy high-quality Japanese, Western, and Asian fusion food with all five senses.

The juicy roast beef overflowing with meat juice, the luxury all-you-can-eat crab, and the numerous colorful exquisite sweets are spectacular. Not to mention the taste, the entertainment aspect is also outstanding, making it a moving gourmet spot you absolutely cannot miss for a reward during a business trip or for making special memories of sightseeing.

The Supreme Black Wagyu Beef Grilled in Front of Your Eyes! Dai-ichi Hotel Tokyo’s “Teppanyaki Ittettsu”

Located on the highest floor (21st floor) of Dai-ichi Hotel Tokyo right from Shimbashi Station, this is a teppanyaki restaurant where you can spend a luxury time. While viewing the night view of the glittering Tokyo Tower and skyscraper clusters spreading outside the window, you can enjoy the live performance dynamically grilled by a skilled chef right in front of your eyes with all five senses.

With the luxury space of the hotel’s highest floor and sophisticated hospitality, it is a supreme famous store that elegantly produces a special anniversary or dinner of the trip.

Savoring Highest-Grade Black Wagyu Beef! “Ningyocho Imahan Ginza Store’s” Luxury Sukiyaki

Loved across generations as a sukiyaki famous store representing Japan, “Ningyocho Imahan.” Among them, the “Ginza Store,” which sets up shop in a prime location in Ginza, is a supreme space where you can enjoy everything from selected highest-grade Black Wagyu beef and traditional warishita to sophisticated hospitality.

Recommended Hotels in the Shimbashi, Hamamatsucho, and Shinagawa Area

APA Hotel Shinagawa Sengakuji Eki-mae

Located a few minutes’ walk from JR Yamanote Line Takanawa Gateway Station, this is a hotel in a location convenient for access to Shinagawa Station and Haneda Airport. The large public bathhouse exclusive for guests “Genyo no Yu” on the highest 21st floor is a large bath (with an open-air bath) to wash away the fatigue of the trip. The guest rooms are built with an emphasis on functionality while being compact, and the 1st-floor restaurant also serves a breakfast buffet.

Above all, the price is reasonable compared to nearby hotels, and the cost-performance is at the strongest level. It is a good hotel with a restrained price that can be said to be the only one in the Shimbashi, Hamamatsucho, and Shinagawa area, which is a hotel fierce battlefield area.

Summary: Recommended Sightseeing in the Shimbashi, Hamamatsucho, and Shinagawa Area

While the Shimbashi, Hamamatsucho, and Shinagawa area has skyscraper clusters that transmit the latest trends and highly convenient hotels standing in rows, it is a highly attractive area where Tokyo’s “present” and “tradition” are beautifully harmonized, with historic gardens and famous temples continuing from Edo still breathing.

From activities to enjoy the sophisticated urban night view luxuriously, to supreme local gourmet where you can drop by casually between business trips or sightseeing, new discoveries and emotions are waiting every time you visit.

While having a face as a business district, its true charm is that it shows various expressions, such as an oasis of the big metropolis or a deep sacred place once you take a step inside. You can enjoy it even in a short gap time using the Shinkansen or Haneda Airport.