🕓 2024/5/15
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Shimbashi, located in Tokyo's Minato Ward, is a unique area where business and entertainment districts converge. Shimbashi Station is historically significant as the site where Japan's first railway line opened, and it is now a major transportation hub served by JR East, Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, and the Yurikamome line. Known as a "salaryman town," Shimbashi is surrounded by numerous office buildings and is bustling with businesspeople. Additionally, Shimbashi is famous for its diverse food culture and entertainment facilities, making it a lively area both day and night.
In this article, we will explore the history of Shimbashi, its attractive gourmet spots, and entertainment facilities. We hope this guide will be a helpful reference when you visit Shimbashi.
Shimbashi, located in Tokyo's Minato Ward, is an area where business and entertainment districts merge seamlessly. Shimbashi Station, known as the site of Japan's first railway line, is now a crucial transportation hub served by JR East, Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, and the Yurikamome line. This station is particularly popular among salarymen, and the surrounding area is filled with office buildings and businesspeople.
Known as the "sanctuary for salarymen," Shimbashi hosts the headquarters and offices of many large corporations. The redevelopment of the Shiodome area has led to the construction of numerous high-rise buildings, further enhancing the business environment. In front of Shimbashi Station, there is the SL Square, a popular spot often featured in media reports.
Another charm of Shimbashi lies in its diverse food culture. The area around the station is packed with a wide variety of restaurants that are busy day and night. From popular lunch spots for businesspeople to izakayas (Japanese pubs) for after-work drinks, and restaurants that delight tourists with gourmet experiences, Shimbashi offers a rich culinary scene. Especially, Shimbashi Station Front Building and New Shimbashi Building house many unique eateries and bars, providing various dining pleasures to visitors.
Cultural and entertainment spots are also abundant in Shimbashi. Shimbashi Enbujo Theater offers traditional Kabuki and theatrical performances, while numerous cinemas and small theaters are scattered around. Additionally, art museums and galleries, such as the Panasonic Shiodome Museum and Shiodome City Center Gallery, provide diverse cultural experiences.
Shimbashi is a distinct area where business and modernity intersect with history. Centered around Shimbashi Station, the area offers a mix of business, gourmet food, and entertainment, attracting a wide range of visitors with its multifaceted charm.
The history of Shimbashi dates back to the Edo period. In 1604, a bridge named "Shimbashi" was built over the Shiodome River, giving the area its name. During this time, Shimbashi served as a crucial transportation hub and the starting point of the Tokaido road. The area was lined with samurai residences and merchant houses. In 1710, the Shibaguchi Gate was established, and the bridge was also known as "Shibaguchi Monbashi," but it eventually reverted to being called "Shimbashi."
Shimbashi's development surged in 1872 with the opening of Japan's first railway, connecting Shimbashi and Yokohama. The original Shimbashi Station was located where Shiodome Station stands today. This made Shimbashi an essential site in Japan's railway history. In 1882, a horse-drawn railway opened, linking Shimbashi Station to Nihonbashi, further solidifying its status as a key transportation hub.
In 1914, Shimbashi Station was renamed Shiodome Station, and the current Shimbashi Station opened as "Karasumori Station." The 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake heavily damaged the Shimbashi area, but it quickly recovered. By 1925, a new Shimbashi Station had opened, reestablishing the area as a central hub.
In 1934, the Tokyo Underground Railway (now Tokyo Metro Ginza Line) extended to Shimbashi Station, significantly improving its accessibility. After World War II, Shimbashi rapidly developed into a "salaryman town," with numerous restaurants and commercial establishments. By the 1950s, the area around the station had become a prominent business district, with SL Plaza serving as a popular gathering spot for workers.
From the 1990s to the 2000s, Shimbashi underwent extensive redevelopment. The Shiodome area, in particular, was transformed into a modern business district with high-rise buildings. Many companies established their offices here, and the area became well-equipped with commercial facilities and restaurants, supporting various lifestyles.
Today, Shimbashi blends its historical heritage with modern developments, making it a beloved area for many. Centered around Shimbashi Station, it offers a mix of business, gourmet dining, and entertainment, providing a diverse array of attractions for visitors.
Located on the west side of Shinbashi Station, this area is known as a nightlife district spreading around Sakurada Park. The area is filled with eateries and bars, especially those exuding a retro Showa-era atmosphere, attracting both local residents and office workers.
Shinbashi Nishiguchi Street, which developed from post-war stalls and black markets, still retains buildings and shops that convey a sense of history. Narrow alleys are packed with small izakayas (Japanese pubs) and standing bars, offering delicious food and drinks at reasonable prices. Standing bars, in particular, are popular spots where office workers can casually drop by after work.
A representative eatery in the area is "Yakiton Makotchan," founded in 1970. It's renowned for its yakiton (grilled pork skewers) marinated in a secret sauce and is beloved by locals. Another popular spot is "Nandokiya," a 24-hour izakaya offering dishes like beef bowls and meat tofu. Its early morning hours attract customers even in the early hours.
Located within walking distance from Shinbashi Station in the Hibiya area, this gourmet spot opened in July 2020 under the viaduct between Yurakucho and Shinbashi Stations. This new gourmet area, characterized by its distinctive brick arches, hosts a variety of eateries, offering visitors a rich culinary experience. From Japanese and Western cuisines to Chinese and ethnic dishes, a wide range of food can be enjoyed, making it a bustling spot at any time of day.
Stylish restaurants and cafes abound, making it an ideal place for dates or meals with friends. For instance, Schmatz Beer Hall offers modern German cuisine paired with craft beers. Sausages and rotisserie chicken are particularly popular, and the selection of seasonal beers ensures new flavors with each visit.
Additionally, DRA Stand/UraDRA offers a standing bar experience with craft beer and Neapolitan pizza, perfect for a casual visit. Meanwhile, the hidden Italian bar "UraDRA" provides a cozy ambiance with special course meals, making it perfect for dates.
The Shinbashi Guard Underpass, an area under the station's tracks, is famous for its dense concentration of standing bars and izakayas. This area is extremely popular among office workers looking to enjoy tasty and affordable food after work.
Popular dishes include yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), kushiyaki (grilled skewers), and oden (Japanese hot pot), with many establishments retaining a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere. The Shinbashi Guard Underpass offers a wide range of options. For example, "The Akachochin" is a place where you can enjoy hormone mix grill and fresh tuna chunks, offering both standing and seated dining styles. Another popular spot, "Makotchan Guard Underpass Tavern," is known for its grilled skewers like kashira (pork cheek) and pork skewers, and it even has an open terrace.
The "Shinbashi Guard Underpass Alley," opened in 2018, features ten eateries offering various dishes like kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), jingisukan (grilled mutton), and gyoza (dumplings). For example, "Kushikatsu Sho" offers a wide range of skewers from classics to unique creations, while "Ozawa Farm Beef◯" serves meat dishes like pound steak and beef tataki. At "Kyushu Cuisine Tsukushi," you can enjoy Kyushu cuisine, with yakitori as the main dish, paired with shochu, a popular choice.
Located between Shinbashi and Yurakucho Stations, this area under the tracks has become a popular dining district following recent renovations. The area is now known as an adult playground with stylish eateries and bars. Featuring a variety of dining styles, from Japanese and Western cuisines to bar-style restaurants, many establishments stay open late into the night. For instance, "YuBAR," a bar themed after a public bathhouse, offers a unique experience where you can enjoy drinks while soaking your feet in a foot bath. Another notable spot is "Kusuo," offering delicious Kyushu cuisine.
Shinbashi is a unique area where business and gourmet dining converge, attracting visitors with its diverse charm. With its historical background, Shinbashi has continuously evolved to provide a conducive environment for businesspeople and a delightful destination for tourists seeking delicious food and entertainment.
The variety of gourmet spots is one of Shinbashi’s major attractions. Whether it's the everyday retro vibe of Shinbashi Nishiguchi Street, the sophisticated dining experience at Hibiya Gourmet Zone, the bustling izakayas under the Shinbashi Guard Underpass, or the hidden bars and restaurants in Ginza Corridor, there are plenty of options to enjoy.
When visiting Shinbashi, use this guide to fully experience its diverse charm. Whether enjoying a delicious meal during a business break or immersing yourself in its history and culture, Shinbashi promises to exceed your expectations with its variety of experiences.