Shinagawa Ward in southern Tokyo used to be one of the first stops on the Old Tokaido Road between Tokyo and Kyoto, and as a result has been seen as an important transportation hub ever since. The region holds many surprises, from traditional discoveries, to shopping and nightlife entertainment – and travelling by bicycle can be one of the best ways to explore.
Why cycle in Tokyo?
Cycling in Tokyo is not to be missed – giving you complete freedom to navigate where you want to go. Rental bike schemes are affordable, and often come with electric assist to help you tackle the slopes. Leave behind the hustle and bustle of the main tourist sites or rush-hour trains, and discover a quieter, more authentic Tokyo, by exploring the backstreets and a more local side of the city.
How to cycle in Tokyo?
Japan Travel Bike provides immediate access to over 5,000 share bikes around Tokyo, with over 70 bike ports alone to be found in the Shinagawa area. The One Day Passes available allow you to instantly unlock a bike and freely export Shinagawa on two wheels. Users can borrow and return bikes an unlimited number of times.
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Route #1: Cherry Blossom
This route is best experienced during the Spring, when the cherry trees are blossoming in March and April.
Map of the Route
Route Highlights
| Spot | Duration | Things to see |
|---|---|---|
| Ebara Shrine | 20 min | Carved torii gate over river, plum trees |
| Gogenyama Park | 20 min | Trains passing by close, including Shinkansen, cherry trees, playground |
| Gotenyama slope | 2 min | Cycle downhill, sakura-lined path |
| Meguro River | 20 min | Sakura by river banks |
| Lunch: Bonito Bonito Ramen | 30 min | Bonito-based broth, delicious chashu |
| Musashi Koyama shopping arcade | 45 min | Shopping, food, local experience. More info > |
| Musashi-Koyama Shimizu-yu Onsen | 1 hr | Sento price (460), onsen water, 2 indoor baths (cold water, black onsen water), 2 outdoor baths (black and gold onsen water), sauna |
Route #2: Art / Coffee
Mix culture with coffee on this route that starts near Shinagawa station.
Map of the Route
Route Highlights
| Spot | Duration | Things to see |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Bottle Coffee Shinagawa | 30 min | Start your day right – wide variety of coffee, view of people milling in and out of Shinagawa station. More > |
| Hara Museum | 30 min | Contemporary art. More > |
| Café d'Art (Hara Museum Cafe) | 20 min | Coffee, tea, meals, indoor or outdoor seating with a view of a sculpture garden |
| Jade Ore Museum | 30 min | Jade bathroom, Sri Lankan tea |
| O Museum | 30 min | Exhibits are changed weekly, free admission |
| Cat Cafe Meooow | 1 hr | Adoptable rescue cats, ￥1000 per hour |
| Lunch: Bread & Coffee Ikedayama | 1 hr 30 min | Bakery with drinks and dine-in space |
| Hatakeyama Memorial Museum of Fine Art | 1 hr 30 min | Eastern fine art, tea ceremony, flower arrangement. More > |
| Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum | 1 hr | Art Deco residence in Japanese garden, Art Deco exhibits, garden-only admission at ￥200 |
| Kume Museum of Art | 30 min | Works of father and son, Kunitate (historian) and Keiichiro Kume (pioneering Japanese painter to use the Impressionist style) |
| Little Happiness Meguro | 1 hr | Women’s fashion boutique and cafe |
Route #3: Historical
Explore the museums and temples of Shinagawa along this circular route.
Map of the Route
Route Highlights
| Spot | Duration | Things to see |
|---|---|---|
| Togoshi Park | 30 min | Well-maintained, traditional garden with a pond donated by a Daimyo, approx 350 years old. More > |
| Shinagawa Historical Museum | 40 min | History of Shinagawa Ward and post station, Omori Shell Mound and Jomon history |
| Site of Suzugamori execution grounds | 30 min | Execution grounds of criminals, rebels, Christians during Edo, under the Tokugawa shogunate |
| Lunch: Tachiaigawa Yoshida House | 1 hr | Soba restaurant with a koi pond |
| Nihondo Kampo Museum | 1 hr 30 min | Japanese Kampo Museum, medicinal restaurant, tea, one-seminars 1.5 hr, health products |
| Sengakuji Temple | 45 min | Signages on 47 ronin story, graves of 47 ronin, buddhist temple, teahouse. More > |
