Located in southeastern Tokyo, Shinagawa City borders Minato, Shibuya, Meguro, and Ota, while facing Koto Ward across the bay.
The area is divided into five districts—Shinagawa, Osaki, Ebara, Oi, and Yashio—offering an impressive variety of cityscapes, from waterfront towers to nostalgic shopping streets.
📛 Origin of the Name
“Shinagawa” comes from an ancient name once used for the Meguro River, which was historically called “Shinagawa River.”
The river’s name eventually spread to the surrounding region and became the current ward name.
📚 Historical Highlights
🏯 Shinagawa-juku — the first post town on the Tokaido
During the Edo period, the area from Kita-Shinagawa to Minami-Shinagawa flourished as the very first lodging town of the Tokaido route.
Many shrines, temples, and historic streetscapes still remain along the old road.
🏙️ Formation of Today’s Shinagawa
In 1947, the former Shinagawa Ward and Ebara Ward merged to form the present-day Shinagawa City.
Following the postwar era, the Shinagawa and Oi wharfs were reclaimed along the waterfront, transforming the region into a mix of residential, industrial, and logistics zones.
🚆 Transportation: Rail, Roads, and Port
🚉 Shinagawa Station — one of Tokyo’s major terminals
A key stop for the Tokaido Shinkansen and multiple JR lines.
Interestingly, Shinagawa Station is located not in Shinagawa City, but in neighboring Minato City (Takanawa/Konan area)—a fun local trivia.
🛤 Major lines within the ward
• JR Yamanote Line: Osaki, Gotanda
• Rinkai Line: Starting from Osaki and connecting to the Tokyo Bay area
• Keikyu Main Line: Kita-Shinagawa, Aomonoyokocho, Samezu, Tachiaigawa
• Tokyu Ikegami Line: Starting from Gotanda
Shinagawa offers excellent access both to central Tokyo and to Haneda Airport.
🚗 Major Roads
Route 15 (Daiichi Keihin) runs along the old Tokaido route, while Yamate-dori (Loop Road No. 6) cuts north–south through the city.
Car travel is highly convenient with direct routes toward Yokohama and central Tokyo.
⚓ Tokyo Port & Logistics
The Shinagawa Container Terminal (est. 1967) is Japan’s first container port and still plays a crucial role in supporting logistics across the Tokyo metropolitan area.
🎨 Local Highlights & City Character
🌊 Tennozu Isle — art meets the waterfront
A picturesque district filled with renovated warehouse art complexes like WHAT MUSEUM and TERRADA ART COMPLEX.
Perfect for a peaceful walk along the canals.
🐎 Oi Racecourse (TCK) — famous for nighttime “Twinkle Races”
Located right by Oi Keibajo-mae Station on the Tokyo Monorail.
Weekend flea markets draw families and visitors alike.
🍢 Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street
One of Tokyo’s longest shopping streets (1.3 km, approx. 400 shops).
Enjoy street food like the famous Togoshi Ginza croquettes while exploring the lively, nostalgic atmosphere.
🛍 Musashi-Koyama Palm Shopping Arcade
An 800-meter covered arcade with around 250 shops.
A beloved “horizontal department store” perfect for daily shopping.
⛩ Shinagawa Shrine — guardian of the old post town
Located on a hill in Kita-Shinagawa, featuring a small “Fuji-zuka” mound that offers a mini-mountain climb and great views of the surrounding neighborhood.
🏙 Osaki Area
A modern business–residential hub centered around Osaki New City.
With JR Yamanote and Rinkai Lines intersecting here, the district continues to grow as a convenient, mixed-use neighborhood.
🏠 Living in Shinagawa: Real Estate & Lifestyle
✈ Strong for airport access
Keikyu Line offers a direct route to Haneda Airport, and the Tokyo Monorail via Tennozu Isle provides another easy option.
🛒 Balanced daily convenience
Togoshi Ginza and Musashi-Koyama offer vibrant everyday shopping, while the waterfront areas such as Tennozu and Konan feature high-rise living with beautiful views.
A wide range of housing options supports lifestyles from singles to families.
👔 Ideal for “live close to work” lifestyles
Osaki and Gotanda are near major business zones inside and outside the Yamanote Line, reducing commute times and enhancing work–life balance.
🚗 Key Roads & Orientation
• Route 15 (Daiichi Keihin): Runs parallel to Keikyu Line along the historic Tokaido
• Yamate-dori (Loop Road 6): Connects Osaki and Gotanda toward Shibuya and Shinjuku
📌 Summary
Shinagawa City blends waterfront openness, everyday convenience, and exceptional access to central Tokyo.
From historic Tokaido heritage and canal-side art spaces to bustling shopping streets and modern towers,
the area offers a comfortable “just-right urban lifestyle” for both residents and visitors.