Shiodome, Shimbashi, Hamamatsucho and Shinagawa are four adjoining districts near Tokyo's waterfront. Shiodome is a cluster of skyscrapers and hotels, with a great stroll garden nearby, while Shimbashi and Hamamatsucho are popular after-work dinner and drinking areas. Further south, Shinagawa is an important transport hub.
Shio-iri pond, Hamarikyu Garden: picture cells / Shutterstock.com
It's easy to forget that Tokyo actually has a waterfront. And, while the city will never be a rival for Sydney or San Francisco in terms of ocean views, it does have some pleasant districts alongside Tokyo Bay. Shiodome is the most modern and attractive of these. It's a tight cluster of towering high-rise hotels, office buildings and shopping complexes, all of which look over the district's fine garden: Hama-Rikyu Teien Garden.
Just north of Shiodome is Shimbashi, which is a slightly gritty and plebian zone where local office workers gather to eat and drink after the workday is done. Hamamatsu-cho is similar, but has a few interesting sights nearby, including Tokyo Tower, Zojo-ji Temple and Shiba-koen Park. Finally, Shinagawa is an important transport hub where the shinkansen and Haneda and Narita airport trains stop.
Things to Do And See In Shimbashi, Shiodome, Hamamatsucho And Shinagawa
- Hama Rikyu Gardens (garden)
A beautiful green retreat on the edge of Tokyo Bay, Hama Rikyu Gardens are a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Built on the grounds of a former Shogun's villa, the gardens are within walking distance of Tsukiji Market, and the open spaces of the garden would make a nice counterpoint to the tightly packed market. This is one of my favorite places in Tokyo for a contemplative stroll. - Tokyo Tower (observation tower)
I love this retro tower, which was modeled on Paris's Eiffel Tower (they look quite similar, except for the different colors). On a clear day, the views are great and by night, they are simply spectacular. In fact, I much prefer this tower to the crowded mob scene over at the Tokyo Skytree. - teamLab Borderless (digital art museum)
teamLab Borderless is a groundbreaking digital art museum in Azabudai Hills which is a hugely popular and very Instagrammable art experience. Make sure your purchase tickets online before going. - Shiba-koen Park (park)
This soothing expanse of green and gardens around Zojo-ji Temple (and close to Tokyo Tower) is a fine place for a walk or picnic when in this area. - Zojo-ji Temple (Buddhist temple)
This huge temple in the shadow of Tokyo Tower is an interesting place to get a feel for Japanese Buddhism. Be sure to check out the smaller hall to the right of the main hall (where you can make wishes and pray) and the colorful Jizo figures to the side of this hall. - Advertising Museum Tokyo (museum)
Located very near to Tsukiji Market and Hama Rikyu Gardens, this museum documents the history and techniques of advertising. There is limited English signage. While this might not be of much interest to the general public, it's a decent way to spend an hour on a hot or rainy day. It's in the Caretta Shiodome building.
Places To Eat
In Shiodome, you'll find the best selection of restaurants in the Caretta Shiodome building (the tower at the northeast end of the complex). Because both Shimbashi and Hamamatsucho are office towns, you'll find tons of restaurants in the streets around both stations. In Shinagawa, the area in and around the station is the place to look for restaurants.
Shiodome
- Din Tai Fung (Chinese dumplings/dim sum)
On the B2 floor of the Caretta Shiodome building, this branch of Taiwan's famous dumpling restaurant is fantastic. In addition to the dumplings, the noodles and fried rice are great here.
Shimbashi
- Nanakura (udon)
On the 2nd floor of the Shimbashi Ekimae Building #1, this udon specialist is a great place for an inexpensive lunch or dinner when in Shimbashi. It's closed on weekends. - Ganesha
Located a 6-minute walk from Shimbashi Station, Ganesha is a cozy soup curry eatery that’s a firm favourite with local office workers. Join them for some of the area’s best soup curry! - Buta Daigaku
Travelling on a budget? You’ll love the wallet-friendly Buta Daigaku – delicious pork rice bowls can be had here for as little as JPY500. To go the whole hog, shell out JPY1080 for a donburi topped with 1kg of pork slices. - Anpuku Toranomon Hills
Looking for something different? Try ‘wafu’ or ‘Japanese-style’ udon at Anpuku in the Shinbashi Area. Imagine Italian or Chinese meets Japanese noodles and you’ll get the idea. Don’t knock till you try it – their udon is delicious.
Hamamatsucho
- Tokyo Shiba Tofuya Ukai (tofu kaiseki)
This superb and elegant tofu specialist on the west side of Shiba-koen Park is a great place to delve into the wonders of Japanese tofu cuisine. It's a great spot for vegetarians in search of a special meal. - Pizza Studio Tamaki
Pizza Studio Tamaki (PST) in Higashi-Azabu serves some of the best Neapolitan-style pizza in Tokyo. That’s not hyperbole - it’s just a fact of life in Tokyo.
Shinagawa
- David's Deli
This kosher restaurant a bit north of Shinagawa near Tamachi Station on the JR Yamanote Line is a great place for Isreali-style favorites like falafel and shawarma plates.
Luxury Hotels In Shimbashi, Shiodome, Hamamatsucho And Shinagawa
- Conrad Tokyo
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
With stunning views over Tokyo Bay, comfortable rooms and a thoughtful staff, the Conrad is one of the most appealing hotels in Tokyo.
Mid-Range Hotels In Shimbashi, Shiodome, Hamamatsucho And Shinagawa
- Royal Park Hotel The Shiodome
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Located in a tower in Shiodome, this competent hotel offers comfortable rooms, good views and very reasonable rates. It’s recommended. - Park Hotel Tokyo
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
This art-themed hotel atop a tower in Shiodome offers interesting rooms, good views and reasonable rates. - The Blossom Hibiya
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
If you’re looking for a great mid-range hotel close to transport, you’ll love the Blossom Hibiya. It’s rare to find this level of style and comfort so close to Tokyo Station and the Loop Line. - Hotel Mystays Hamamatsucho
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Well-located in Hamamatsucho, near tons of restaurants, this competent hotel offers small but comfortable rooms and reasonable rates, sometimes dipping into the budget range. - Shinagawa Prince Hotel
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
This large business hotel near Shinagawa Station offers decent rooms and competitive rates. - Tokyo Prince Hotel
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
This large old-school hotel in Shiba-koen Park is a decent place to stay if your business calls you to this part of town.
Budget Hotels In Shimbashi, Shiodome, Hamamatsucho And Shinagawa
- Hotel 1899 Tokyo
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Hotel 1899 Tokyo is clean, comfortable and reasonably priced hotel in a convenient location in the dining and entertainment district of Shimbashi. - Hotel Villa Fontaine Shiodome-Tokyo
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Very conveniently located in Shiodome, this efficient business hotel stands out from others in this class. It’s a great choice in this bracket. - Mitsui Garden Hotel Gotanda – Tokyo
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
If you’re looking for a good hotel value and you don’t mind being a little out of the way, the Mitsui Garden Hotel Gotanda - Tokyo is a great choice. It’s not that far from Tokyo’s major hubs and the price is hard to beat. - Sotetsu Fresa Inn Hamamatsucho Daimon
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
This small business hotel in Hamamatsucho offers decent rooms at seriously competitive rates. - Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Italia-Gai
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Located between Shiodome and Hamamatsucho, this hotel offers very low rates to make up for its slightly inconvenient location. - Shiba Park Hotel
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Located in Hamamatsucho near Shiba-koen Park, this old-school business hotel offers acceptable rooms at reasonable rates. - Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado Tokyo Shimbashi (male only)
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Right across from Shimbashi Station, this male-only capsule hotel is a great place to sample the Japanese capsule hotel experience.
Nightlife in Shimbashi, Shiodome, Hamamatsucho and Shinagawa
Apart from the bars up in Caretta Shiodome, some of which offer great views of Tokyo Bay, Shiodome is not much of a nightlife district. But both Hamamatsucho and Shimbashi are office towns, so the areas around both stations are packed with bars and izakayas.
- TwentyEight (hotel bar with view)
This elegant bar in the Conrad Tokyo also does afternoon tea. The views over Tokyo Bay are well worth the price of the drinks. It's a very sexy spot for a drink. - Drunk Bears (beer bar)
This small bar on the 2F level of the Pedi Shiodome complex is a decent spot for a drink while in the area. They also serve filling pub grub. - Devil Craft (beer and pizza)
This branch of the Devil Craft chain in Hamamatsucho is a great place for some tasty pizza and awesome beer. It's a great spot for an evening out in Hamamatsucho.
Where Are These Places Located?
See these places on the Truly Tokyo Google map:- Open the Tokyo map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help