Shinagawa History and Snack Tasting Walk

Shinagawa is a bustling Shinkansen station surrounded by buildings, but take a local train just a few stops and you will find historical sites and a welcoming atmosphere. Experience old Shinagawa like a true local. This 2-km walking route is perfect for beginners. Walk, learn, and taste your way through this unique part of Tokyo in this self-guided tour.

Get your walking shoes and stomach ready to go

The tour begins with a walk through some of Shinagawa’s most historical areas.

Shinagawa-jinja was built in 1187 and appointed by the Meiji Emperor as one of ten shrines that form a ring around the Imperial Palace—a symbol of the new Meiji era. Learn about the esteemed history of the shrine and admire the architecture and statues. For extra luck, wash your coins before you leave, which is believed to bring good luck and fortune. Walk up to Fuji-zuka, a miniature mound of Mt. Fuji, covered with lava rocks brought from the foot of Mt. Fuji. It’s the largest existing Fuji-zuka mound in Tokyo

And this is just the first stop on your walking tour. From there, get ready to indulge in a variety of iconic hand-made snacks, all of which have been awarded as official Shinagawa omiyage (souvenir gifts).

Try Osho senbei, a shogi-shaped (Japanese chess) pawn piece rice cracker; it has been made the same way for over 50 years. Or perhaps your heart will melt for the kyoan, a small full-moon-shaped cake associated with good luck. This particular item won a local snack competition in 2015, so you know it’s good.

Walking along the Former Tokaido historical street you will see Shinagawa Kouryukan—a visitor center with tourist information and an old-fashioned candy shop.

Back on the main street, at Ippuku Japanese Tea Cafe you can sample the traditional dorayaki (Japanese pancake) with green tea—even watch them being prepared on an iron grill. Then at Akioka, a rice cracker shop established 1895, munch on their original ‘Shinagawamaki’, tube-shaped rice crackers wrapped in dried seaweed. They’re a crunchy, salty, savory treat.

Visit Isshinji Temple where you may be impressed by their cozy garden—a great photo spot. On the way back to Kitashinagawa Station, you’ll pass by boats docked in Shinagawa Inlet, both have a historical background.