Shimbashi: 7 Things to Do in Tokyo's Leading Business District

Shimbashi: A Journey Through Showa-Era Tokyo

Located in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, Shimbashi is a vibrant "business professionals' district" where Showa-era charm meets modern skyscrapers.

Centered around Shimbashi Station, the area offers a unique blend of cultural landmarks like Karasumori Shrine and the Shimbashi Enbujo Theatre, a famous venue for kabuki shows.

Its proximity to Ginza and Asakusa makes Shimbashi a strategic sightseeing base. By day, it serves as a corporate hub; by night, its legendary izakaya alleys draw a mix of locals and tourists. Just east, you can explore the historic gardens of Hibiya Park.

Served by Seven Lines! One of Tokyo's Most Convenient Areas

Shimbashi Station is a major transit hub served by seven different lines across four railway companies:

- JR East: Yamanote, Tokaido, Keihin-Tohoku, and Yokosuka Lines
- Tokyo Metro: Ginza Line
- Toei Subway: Asakusa Line
- Private Railway: Yurikamome (New Transit Waterfront Line)

Its exceptional connectivity makes it one of the most convenient areas for accessing all corners of Tokyo.

This article explores the top attractions in and around Shimbashi, along with recommended hotels for your stay.

• Table of Contents
• 1. Shimbashi Station SL Plaza
• 2. The Shimbashi Ekimae Building and New Shimbashi Building
• 3. Karasumori Shrine
• 4. Ginza: One of Japan's Leading Entertainment Districts
• 5. Hibiya Park
• 6. Toranomon Hills
• 7. Hama-rikyu Gardens
• Excellent Hotels Around Shimbashi

1. Shimbashi Station SL Plaza

Right outside the west exit of Shimbashi Station is the SL Plaza.

To commemorate 100 years since the opening of railways, a steam locomotive was loaned from Japanese National Railways to Shimbashi — the birthplace of railways in Japan — and was installed in the current station square in 1972.

Nearby are railway-related monuments such as a railway history exhibition room and the driving wheels of a steam locomotive. SL Plaza is also famous as a popular spot for interviews.

2. The Shimbashi Ekimae Building and New Shimbashi Building

Located a short walk from Shimbashi Station, the Shimbashi Ekimae Building and the New Shimbashi Building were constructed during the 70s and 80s, Japan's high-growth era.

The Shimbashi Ekimae Building is directly connected to the station via an underground passage.

The basement of the buildings, which are divided into Building No. 1 and No. 2, is lined with standing bars, small eateries, and other shops where you can enjoy a Showa-era (1926-1989) retro atmosphere.

At the New Shimbashi Building, you'll find long-standing Western-style restaurants that often have queues, cafés that you can casually visit with a bar-like vibe, and onigiri (rice ball) shops popular with overseas tourists.

The unique atmosphere is worth experiencing, so consider stopping by.

Shimbashi Ekimae Building
Address:
2-20-15 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Building No. 1)
2-21-1 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Building No. 2)
Business hours: Varies by store
Closed: Varies by store
Official website: http://www.shinbashi.net/13/

New Shimbashi Building
Address: 2-16-1 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Business hours: Varies by store
Closed: Varies by store
Official website: http://www.shinbashi.net/01/

3. Karasumori Shrine

Karasumori Shrine is located about a 3-minute walk from Shimbashi Station (Karasumori Exit). Famous as a power spot believed to grant protection against cancer, this shrine attracts many worshippers every day.

It is also known for the beauty of its goshuin (shrine stamps), which feature a crest with four tomoe motifs in red, yellow, blue, and green at the four corners (*1) and the shrine emblem in the center (*2).

*1: Tomoe motif (hamon) — an emblem with curved lines drawn along a circle
*2: Shrine emblem (shamon) — a decorative emblem used by a shrine

Karasumori Shrine
Address: 2-15-5 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Office hours for talismans/stamps: 9:00–16:00 (the shrine is open for worship 24 hours)
Official website: http://karasumorijinja.or.jp/

4. Ginza: One of Japan's Leading Entertainment Districts

Photo by PIXTA

Ginza is a neighborhood where you can enjoy a wide range of options, from luxury brand shops to stylish restaurants and cafés. It is about a 10–15 minute walk from Shimbashi Station.

The streetscape, which blends historic buildings with modernity, is also attractive, and the area becomes even more glamorous when lit up at night.

The memorable clock tower featured in the hit movie "Godzilla 1.0" is the Ginza landmark, the Wako Building.

Official website: https://www.ginza.jp/

5. Hibiya Park

Photo by PIXTA

Hibiya Park, located about a 10-minute walk from Shimbashi Station, is a spacious park where you can enjoy seasonal scenery throughout the year.

There are open-terrace cafes and restaurants in the park, perfect for taking a break after a stroll and relaxing in a natural setting.

This site was originally the grounds of a feudal lord's residence, later used as an army training ground, and then opened in 1903 as Japan's first Western-style park.

Hibiya Park is also close to Kasumigaseki, where many central government ministries are located, and serves as an oasis in the big city, providing a soothing spot for many people.

Hibiya Park
Address: 1-1 Hibiya Park, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Official website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/hibiya/index.html

6. Toranomon Hills

Photo by PIXTA

Toranomon Hills, a mixed-use complex housing offices, commercial facilities, and hotels, is about a 15-minute walk from Shimbashi Station. Like Roppongi Hills, it is centered around several high-rise buildings and forms a distinct urban district.

If you travel from Shimbashi Station by subway, take the Tokyo Metro Asakusa Line bound for Shibuya — it takes about 2 minutes to reach the nearest Toranomon Station. From Toranomon Station, it's about a 5-minute walk to Toranomon Hills.

Toranomon Hills
Address: 1-23-1–4 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Mori Tower)
1-17-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Business Tower)
2-6-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Station Tower)
Business hours: Varies by store
Closed: Varies by store
Official website: https://www.toranomonhills.com/

7. Hama-rikyu Gardens

Photo by PIXTA

Located a 15-minute walk from Shimbashi Station (Shiodome Exit), Hama-rikyu Gardens is a historic landscape that evolved from a prominent Edo-period daimyo garden into an imperial villa, eventually being gifted to Tokyo in 1945.

Today, it is a popular cultural landmark known for its traditional aesthetics. A primary highlight is the 300-Year Pine, a massive, iconic tree originally planted during the Edo era.

Hama-rikyu Gardens
Address: 1-1 Hama-rikyu Teien, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Opening hours: 9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30)
Official website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/hama-rikyu/index.html

Excellent Hotels Around Shimbashi

Shimbashi, with its easy access to various parts of Tokyo, offers a wide range of hotels suitable for both business and leisure travel.

1. Imperial Hotel: A Leading High-Class Hotel in Japan

Photo by PIXTA

One of Japan's top three hotels, the Imperial Hotel opened in 1890 as Japan's state guesthouse. It is located about a 10-minute walk from Shimbashi Station.

This historic hotel houses a range of dining options from authentic Japanese cuisine and teppanyaki to casual bars, allowing guests to enjoy a luxurious experience in an elegant setting.

For breakfast, you can choose a Japanese-Western buffet at the restaurant, an American breakfast, or Japanese set meals, and room service is also available if you prefer not to worry about time. The hotel also offers extensive facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, massage salon, and fitness gym.

Access: About a 10-minute walk from Shimbashi Station
Address: 1-1-1 Uchisaiwaicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Check-in / Check-out: 14:00 / 12:00

2. Tokyu Stay Shimbashi: For Business Travel

Tokyu Stay Shimbashi is a lifestyle-oriented hotel designed for both comfort and convenience.

Many rooms feature in-suite kitchens, washer-dryers, and microwaves, allowing guests to maintain their daily routines during extended stays.

With complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi included, the hotel is an ideal choice for business travelers and long-term visitors alike.

Access: About a 3-minute walk from Shimbashi Station
Address: 4-23-1 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Check-in / Check-out: 15:00 / 11:00

3. Hotel 1899 Tokyo: A Tea-Themed Hotel

At Hotel 1899 Tokyo, you can experience traditional Japanese culture related to tea.

During your stay, you can enjoy tea brewed at the tea counter ("cha-varie") as many times as you like. In addition, guest rooms are stocked with four different kinds of Japanese tea that change daily, a distinctive service befitting a tea-themed hotel.

At the breakfast buffet, you can also try original tea-flavored dishes such as matcha bread and tea sausage. This hotel is recommended for those who are interested in Japan's tea culture.

Access: About a 10-minute walk from Shimbashi Station
Address: 6-4-1 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Check-in / Check-out: 15:00 / 12:00

4. Karasuma Hotel Premier Tokyo Ginza: A City Hotel

Karasuma Hotel Premier Tokyo Ginza is a city hotel whose concept is "enjoying the afterglow with an important partner," offering a relaxing space.

In the complimentary lounge exclusive to guests, you can enjoy alcoholic beverages and seasonal drinks. For breakfast, a specially prepared delivery box is served featuring colorful dishes with a Japanese touch.

Access: About a 6-minute walk from Shimbashi Station
Address: 1-6-6 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Check-in / Check-out: 15:00 / 11:00

Shimbashi: Ideal for Both Business and Leisure Travel

As one of Japan's leading business districts, Shimbashi also offers many sightseeing spots.

With easy access to Ginza, where historic buildings and modernity intersect, and to Hibiya Park, often called an oasis in the city, Shimbashi is a convenient base for both sightseeing and business trips.

MATCHA shares the latest sightseeing and event information from around Japan on Instagram. Please follow us there too!

Written by Cakutama editorial team