10 Photogenic Destinations in Shinagawa

Shinagawa in Tokyo is home to various embassies, business headquarters, and other offices, but it's also the location of many Insta-worthy tourist attractions that are perfect for snapping some aesthetically pleasing shots. If you're headed to this part of the city, this guide covers 10 photogenic destinations to add to your travels.

Shinagawa Aquarium

With almost 500 species of marine animals on display, Shinagawa Aquarium is a comprehensive venue for those interested in underwater life. The aquarium originally opened in 1991, with the intent to continue Shinagawa's longstanding connection with the sea and waterways. Only cash is accepted for admission, so keep that in mind if you plan to visit.

3 Chome-2-1 Katsushima, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 140-0012

Tokyo Mega Illumination

Held on the grounds of the Oi Racecourse, the Tokyo Mega Illumination is the largest lights event in the city. The event includes a wide variety of stunning photo spots to stop at, including the likes of the Twinkle Tunnel, Aurora Forest, and the Edo Cherry Blossom Tunnel to name just a few. You can get a more rounded idea of what to expect on the event's website here.

2 Chome-1-2 Katsushima, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 140-0012

Tennozu Isle

Originally developed as a fort in the Edo period, Tennozu Isle now serves as a stylish retail and restaurant area of the city. It's also a must for fans of street art, with an impressive array of murals such as "The Shamisen" by Spanish artist Aryz. One of the annual highlights in the area is the annual Tennoz Art Festival, which is described as a meeting of Japanese art and culture with the waterside.

2 Chome-3 Higashishinagawa, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 140-0002

Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa

Although it's technically in neighboring Minato Ward, Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa is a facility which combines light and sound displays with marine life. Stop by during winter to enjoy their Snow Aquarium event in collaboration with digital art collective NAKED – it runs until late February.

4-10-30 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8611

Oimachi Yokocho

You may have already heard of other yokocho (side streets) in Tokyo, such as Shinjuku's well-known Omoide Yokocho or Kichijoji's Harmonica Yokocho. In Shinagawa, Oimachi Yokocho is where it's at when it comes to atmospheric izakaya – pick a place and grab something to eat and drink while you enjoy the step-back-in-time ambience.

5-5-10, Higashioi 5-chome, Shinagawa, Tokyo, 140-0011

Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street

Spanning a length of around 1.3 kilometers, Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street is one of the longest shopping streets in the entire Kanto region. Approximately 400 shops can be found along the route, with a wide variety of retail stores to peruse and eateries to dine at. You can see a little more of what to expect at Togoshi Ginza via a recent Japan Travel & Friends podcast episode here.

1 Chome-15-16 Togoshi, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 142-0041

Shinagawa Shrine

If you're looking for a more spiritual spot for some snaps, Shinagawa Shrine is worth visiting. With a history dating back to 1187, the shrine is renowned for its welcoming guardian dogs and a large torii gate with dragon motifs carved into it. Several annual festivals are held on the grounds, including a new year's mochi pounding festival, a spring festival, and an autumn equinox festival.

3 Chome-7-15 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 140-0001

Tokyo Marriott Hotel

If you're the kind of person who appreciates photogenic food, checking out the Tokyo Marriott Hotel's afternoon tea offerings is a must. They host a variety of events throughout the year, and many of them focus on seasonal events such as Christmas, or seasonal produce such as strawberries. You can check out what afternoon tea themes are available at any given time on the dining section of their website.

4 Chome-7-36 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 140-0001

Pigment Tokyo

Serving as a one-stop-shop for art supplies, Pigment Tokyo sells a variety of unique painting items that can only be found at their store. One highlight is their array of pigment shades (they have around 4,500 of them!), and the feature wall with some of them on display is incredibly eye-catching.

2 Chome−5−5 TERRADA Harbor One Bldg. 1F, Higashishinagawa, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 140-0002

Meguro River

For the natural beauty fans, why not take a stroll along the Meguro River? The waterway passes through several areas of Tokyo, with Shinagawa seeing the last stretch of it before it empties into Tokyo Bay near Tennozu Isle Station. The banks of the river are dotted with sakura trees, making the area particularly popular during the spring months.