Researched guide · Checked on Oct 19, 2026
Shinagawa is Tokyo’s southern gateway: a huge station with direct trains to both airports and the Tokaido Shinkansen to Kyoto and Osaka. Around it you will find aquariums, a historic temple, Edo-period shrines and the waterfront art district of Tennozu Isle. It is a practical, calm base, especially if you arrive at Haneda.
Quick answer
Getting there: Shinagawa Station (JR Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, Yokosuka and Tokaido lines, Keikyu Line and Tokaido Shinkansen)
Time needed: Half a day for the sights, or use it as a base
Best time: Any time. Evenings for the aquarium shows and waterfront
Good for: Easy airport and shinkansen access, families, history and art
Plan Your Visit to Shinagawa
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Overview
| Getting there | Shinagawa Station (JR Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, Yokosuka and Tokaido lines, Keikyu Line and Tokaido Shinkansen) |
| Time needed | Half a day for the sights, or use it as a base |
| Best time | Any time. Evenings for the aquarium shows and waterfront |
| Good for | Easy airport and shinkansen access, families, history and art |
Best Things to Do
Sengakuji Temple
Sengakuji is the resting place of the 47 Ronin and their lord, the loyal samurai of one of Japan’s most famous stories. Visitors still come to leave incense at their graves.
Shinagawa Shrine
Shinagawa Shrine is one of the Tokyo Jissha, ten shrines around the Imperial Palace chosen by Emperor Meiji as symbols of a new era. Look for the dragons carved around the pillars of its torii gate. On its grounds is a small Inari shrine where, according to legend, washing your money in the sacred water will make it grow. It is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00, about a minute’s walk from Shimbamba Station on the Keikyu Line.
Aquariums
- Shinagawa Aquarium follows the water cycle of the Earth, with long walk-through tunnel tanks.
- Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa, inside Shinagawa Prince Hotel next to the station, mixes sea life with neon lights, music and a merry-go-round.
- Both sell tickets on their official websites.
Tennozu Isle
Tennozu Isle is a waterfront district of converted warehouses, galleries, cafés and creative spaces. Many galleries sell art, and Pigment Tokyo is an art supply store with pigments in about 4,500 colors.
Old Tokaido history
In the Edo period, Shinagawa was the first of the 53 post stations on the Tokaido road from Edo to Kyoto. The Shinagawa Historical Museum covers this history, and the Shinagawa Shukuba-matsuri festival is held each autumn along the old road.
Food & Drink
- Inside the station: Ecute Shinagawa, inside the ticket gates, has food shops and Uogashi, a standing sushi bar. Atre Shinagawa, just outside the gates, has restaurants and souvenirs.
- Ekiben: pick up a station bento box before you board the shinkansen.
- Tennozu Isle: T.Y.HARBOR serves craft beer and American food by the canal.
- Local shopping streets: Togoshi Ginza is known for snack shops and small restaurants.
See also How to eat out in Tokyo and our izakaya guide.
Best Restaurants in Shinagawa
Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (ecute Shinagawa)
A standing sushi counter in ecute Shinagawa where chefs make Edo-style sushi with seasonal fish in front of you, from 7:00.
- Reservations: see details
Shopping
- Ecute and Atre Shinagawa are good for food gifts and last-minute souvenirs.
- Togoshi Ginza Shopping District is one of Tokyo’s long local shopping streets, with everyday shops and snacks.
- Musashi Koyama Shopping Street Palm, about 800 meters long and covered, is popular with locals for bargains and fresh produce.
- Oi Racecourse Flea Market runs on most weekends and is one of the city’s largest flea markets.
Where to Stay
Shinagawa has hotels for every budget close to the station, from large hotels such as Shinagawa Prince Hotel and the Tokyo Marriott to business hotels such as Toyoko Inn and Keikyu EX Inn. It is a convenient base if you are flying from Haneda or taking the shinkansen west. See Where to stay in Tokyo.
Getting There
- From Haneda Airport: about 35 minutes by train or 45 minutes by airport limousine bus. See Haneda Airport to Tokyo.
- From Narita Airport: about 1 hour 40 minutes by train, or 1 hour 25 minutes by bus.
- JR Yamanote Line: about 13 minutes to Tokyo Station, 14 minutes to Shibuya, 19 minutes to Shinjuku and 21 minutes to Ueno.
- Tokaido Shinkansen: trains to Nagoya, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka stop here, and the station is often less crowded than Tokyo Station.
- Luggage: the station has coin lockers in several sizes. See Luggage in Tokyo.
New to Tokyo trains? See Trains in Tokyo and How to use Suica.
Suggested Itinerary
A half day of history and the sea, close to the station:
- MorningSengakuji Temple (graves of the 47 Ronin)
- Train or walk
- Late morningShinagawa Shrine
- Keikyu Line or walk
- AfternoonShinagawa Aquarium or Maxell Aqua Park
- Walk or train
- EveningTennozu Isle galleries and dinner by the canal
Travel Tips
- Shinagawa Station is huge. Allow extra time to find your line, especially when changing to the shinkansen.
- If you are flying from Haneda, the Keikyu Line from Shinagawa runs directly to the airport.
- Check the aquarium websites for show times and tickets before you go.
FAQ
Is Shinagawa a good place to stay in Tokyo?
Yes, if you want easy access to Haneda Airport and the shinkansen. It is quieter at night than Shinjuku or Shibuya.
How long does it take from Haneda Airport to Shinagawa?
About 35 minutes by train, or about 45 minutes by airport limousine bus.
Can I take the shinkansen from Shinagawa?
Yes. The Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka stops at Shinagawa.
Travel Essentials
Airport Transfers
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Train Tickets
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Sources
Information comes from the official sources below (checked October 19, 2026). Hours and prices change, so please check before you go.
