Shimbashi & Shiodome: From A Historic District To A Nightlife Hotspot In Tokyo

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Updated: December 18, 2024

Shimbashi has a long history, and is just as popular today as it was centuries ago.
The area's name literally translates to "new bridge," and refers to the bridge over the Shiodome River, built during the Edo Period (1603-1867), which was later filled in.
As the area is packed with office buildings, Shimbashi is amusingly referred to in Japanese as "hallowed ground for salarymen," and is duly famous for offering plenty of ways to relax, grab a drink, and let off steam after work.

Shiodome is a fascinating area where Tokyo's modern urban landscape merges with traditional Japanese culture. You can look out across the nighttime cityscape from a skyscraper, or enjoy a quiet moment in a historical garden. With a wide range of restaurants and shops, Shiodome is a tourist destination where you can experience both urban sophistication and an authentic, distinctly Japanese atmosphere.

These areas are popular thanks to the convenient transportation. The clean streets and well-developed infrastructure make for comfortable sightseeing.

How to get there

The easiest access point is Shimbashi Station. One of the oldest stations in Tokyo, it opened in 1872, the same year as Japan's first railroad. It's served by the JR Yamanote Line, the Keihin-Tohoku Line, the Tokaido Line, the Yokosuka Line, the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, and the Toei Asakusa Line. It also connects to the Yurikamome Line.
If using the Toei Oedo line, it's easier to get off at Shiodome Station. Shiodome Station is also on the Yurikamome Line.

From the Airport

From Haneda Airport: Take the airport express train on the Keikyu-Kuko Line (30 minutes to Shimbashi Station).
From Narita Airport: Take the Keisei Skyliner to Nippori Station (36 minutes), then transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to Shimbashi Station (15 minutes). Or take the Keisei Access Express directly to Shimbashi Station (around 70 minutes).

From Popular Areas

From Asakusa: Around 14 minutes from Asakusa Station to Shimbashi Station on the Toei Asakusa Line.
From Ginza: Around 2 minutes from Ginza Station to Shimbashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.
From Shibuya: Around 13 minutes from Shibuya Station to Shimbashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.
From Ueno: Around 11 minutes from Ueno Station to Shimbashi Station on the JR Yamanote Line.
From Shinjuku Station: Around 20 minutes from Shinjuku Station to Shiodome Station on the Toei Oedo Line.

The Best Food And Nightlife In Shimbashi & Shiodome

You're certainly unlikely to go hungry, since Shimbashi has dining options available to suit almost any palate. The network of alleyways near the station, always popular with the locals, is packed with places that serve up almost anything you can imagine.
If you really want to rub shoulders with the locals, check out one of the many small tachinomi standing bars in the area.
In Shiodome, you can eat while gazing out at the sparkling cityscape at night. Enjoy a romantic, memorable meal while surrounded by the lights of the city.

A Culinary Tour - From Sushi To Yakiniku

Japanese food options abound in Shimbashi, from popular classics such as sushi, ramen, and yakitori (chargrilled chicken on skewers), to udon noodles and shabu shabu (meat and vegetable hotpot dishes), and even the impossibly refined kaiseki ryori.

Explore Yokocho Alleys For Izakayas And Bars

There are a lot of traditional-style izakaya serving drinks and light meals in the alleyways around Shimbashi Station, such as "Shimbashi-Yokocho," and "Yuraku-Yokocho." Enjoy eating affordable yakitori chicken skewers, Korean BBQ, and Chinese food, then mingle with locals at one of the narrow tachinomi standing bars, which provide cheap beer and small plates. Under the elevated railway tracks between Shinbashi and Yurakucho stations you'll find HIBIYA OKUROJI, a 300 meter-long area of restaurants, cafes, bars, and all kinds of stores.

HIBIYA OKUROJI

Restaurants With Stunning Views At Caretta Shiodome

The restaurants and bars on the 46th and 47th floors of Caretta Shiodome offer incredible views out over the city while you enjoy a meal or a few drinks.
Popular dining options include sushi, and local specialties from Hokkaido.

Dynamic Kitchen and Bar Hibiki (46th floor)

Horizon Tokyo (47th floor)

Top Things To Do

The top places to visit in Shimbashi are a theatre hosting classical Japanese performances, a store specializing in scale models, and the local summer festival. Shiodome is home to an anime-inspired giant clock, and a traditional Japanese garden that showcases the beauty of nature in all four seasons. It's the perfect place to relax and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Shimbashi Enbujo Theatre

If you want to enjoy traditional Japanese performing arts, visit Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre to see a Kabuki performance or play. Originally opened in 1925 for traditional Azuma dance performances, this Kabuki theatre was rebuilt in 1982 and hosts Kabuki performances and plays.
The building houses stores and places to eat, so you can enjoy shopping and dining during the intermission.

Tamiya Plamodel Factory Tokyo

The Tamiya Plamodel Factory houses just about everything to do with scale models: Kits to build, RC toys, and all the tools required to make anything you can imagine. There's even a 1:1 scale mini-4WD model car on display. It's just as much fun for children as it is for the young at heart.

Shimbashi Koichi Festival

Shimbashi Koichi Festival's name is intended to inspire people to take a fleeting moment off, to have some fun in Shimbashi. The event features traditional bon odori dances, music, booths from local businesses, and even a yukata beauty pageant.

Ghibli Clock At Shiodome Sio-Site

Shiodome Sio-Site houses an unusual clock, built as a collaboration between Studio Ghibli and Nippon TV. Designed by Hayao Miyazaki himself, the clock features copper pieces that were handcrafted one-by-one by artisans, such as sculptor Kunio Shachimaru. This impressive timepiece stands 12 meters tall and 18 meters wide. It comes to life several times a day.

Hama-rikyu Gardens

The Hama-rikyu Gardens, originally built in the Edo Period (1603-1867), feature a unique tidal pond around a central teahouse, meaning the scenery changes depending not only on the season, but also on the time of day you visit.

Hotels in Shimbashi & Shiodome

Whether you're in town for business or pleasure, the area around Shimbashi Station has plenty of hotels to suit any budget.
The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome offers many rooms with beautiful views, including the "New York Ambience"-themed rooms on the 26th through 38th floors. You can enjoy even more upscale atmosphere and service on the 38th floor, known as the executive floor. The hotel boasts a luxurious afternoon tea service, along with a buffet breakfast that's 100 meters above the ground.

Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Tokyo Shidome is connected to Shiodome Station via an underground walkway. The Japanese-Western mixed-style rooms, introduced in 2024, offer a high-quality experience.

Candeo Hotels Tokyo Shimbashi also offers guests something unique, in the form of the opportunity to soak your cares away under the stars in their rooftop open-air "Skyspa."