Top 10 Things to Do in Shimbashi in 2025: Where Old Tokyo Meets Modern Vibes

Shimbashi is a district in Minato in the heart of Tokyo. It’s a great place to start your city tour. Shimbashi is well-connected to other districts. You can easily reach places like Ginza and Odaiba by train or subway. Because of this, it’s known as a major transportation hub and a great base for exploring the many Things to do in Shimbashi and nearby areas.

The Shimbashi Station is one of Japan’s oldest railway stations. It’s very important because of its central location. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the Ginza shopping district and south of Tokyo Station.

Shimbashi is a historical and tourist area with a rich background. It’s a popular spot for many visitors. Tourists come here for entertainment, famous landmarks, easy transportation, and more. For this, there are plenty of things to do in Shimbashi that are worth stating and mentioning.

Top 10 Things to Do in Shimbashi

1. Visit the Ad Museum Tokyo

Discover the only museum in Japan dedicated to advertising and learn an interesting lesson in Japanese history and culture. It’s one of the unique things to do in Shimbashi for anyone interested in media and culture.

2. Walk through Shimbashi Anime Street

Discover a fascinating area filled with murals of every color, character statues, and shops with anime- and manga-specific themes. It’s a must-see spot and one of the fun things to do in Shimbashi, especially for anime fans.

3. Explore Wing Shimbashi

Navigate this typical underground shopping mall beneath the railway station, featuring a variety of shops and restaurants. It’s one of the convenient things to do in Shimbashi, especially if you enjoy local shopping and casual dining.

4. Go shopping around Shimbashi

While not a principal shopping district, there are many stores and businesses, particularly in and about the station and the New Shimbashi Building. Exploring these local spots is among the relaxed things to do in Shimbashi for visitors who enjoy discovering hidden retail gems.

5. Take a Tokyo Mizube Crusing Line boat trip

Departing from the adjacent area, the cruise offers you very pleasant views of Tokyo from the water, such as Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. For something scenic and different, it’s one of the top things to do in Shimbashi and the surrounding waterfront area.

6. Stroll through Hamarikyu Gardens

A short walk from Shimbashi, these beautiful traditional Japanese gardens feature an interesting tidal pond and a warm tea house.

7. Catch a performance at Shimbashi Enbujo Theatre

Watch classic Japanese performing arts such as Kabuki or other stage productions staged at this historic theater.

8. Check out the Ghibli Clock at Shiodome Sio-Site

Marvel at this whimsical giant clock, designed by Hayao Miyazaki, that comes alive in mechanical movement at scheduled times.

9. Dine with a view at Caretta Shiodome

Head to the 46th and 47th floors of Caretta Shiodome for restaurants and bars with gorgeous panoramic views of the city and Tokyo Bay.

10. Relax at Shiba Park

Walk through the greenery of this old park just next to Tokyo Tower, perfect for a leisurely promenade.

Where to Stay in Shimbashi?

A comfortable stay is often a big deal for some people. If you’re in Shimbashi, go ahead and book a stay at these hotels where luxury meets hospitality.

1- Tokyu Stay Shimbashi

Tokyu Stay Shimbashi is in the south of Shimbashi Station, with a bus stop right in front. Rooms here are air-conditioned, and some offer a city view. You’ll also find an in-room washing machine, dryer, microwave, and refrigerator. The hotel has an outdoor pool and serves meals at its on-site restaurant.

2. Hotel Sunroute Shimbashi

Hotel Sunroute Shimbashi is a three-star, reasonably priced hotel in the city center and very close to Shimbashi Station. Its rooms are clean and comfortable with free Wi-Fi. It’s surrounded by restaurants, bars, and stores.

Food in Shimbashi

Shimbashi boasts a diverse food culture, with many restaurants and cafés offering a variety of dishes and special services. This makes it a great spot for tourists to discover new flavors and culinary experiences. Here are some restaurants that offer both excellent service and delicious food.

1. The Grand Tokyo

The Grand Tokyo is located just a minute from Shimbashi Station, on the third floor of the Grand Hammer building, directly across from Shimbashi SL Square.

This restaurant offers a unique dining experience with entertainment. It features non-smoking seating, online booking, an English menu, and English-speaking staff. Guests can enjoy various shows on a large stage surrounded by a ceiling-high LED screen, creating an immersive atmosphere. Performances are scheduled daily, with each day featuring a special show such as jazz, animation, dance, stand-up comedy, illusions, or live music.

The restaurant offers pasta, Japanese beef, Kobe beef sirloin, fillet, and red meat.

For reservations, you can call: 03-3547-0028.

3. Fish Bank Tokyo

If you love seafood, this is your spot! Fish Bank Tokyo offers a variety of hand-picked fish from around the world. They also serve US beef steaks and Japanese Wagyu. This restaurant beautifully blends French, Italian, and Mediterranean flavors.

The main dining area boasts a stunning view of Tokyo Tower and Roppongi Hills, while another room offers a view of the Rainbow Bridge.

You’ll find it in the Shiodome City Center, just 3 minutes from JR Shimbashi Station.

For booking, call: 03-3569-7171

Shopping in Shimbashi

Shimbashi offers a variety of shopping experiences with its numerous malls and shopping areas.

Wing Shimbashi This is an underground shopping center located within Shimbashi Station. It houses various small shops selling items like cheesecakes, socks, and a few clothing selections.

New Shimbashi Building This building is like a world unto itself. It features numerous shops, restaurants, hair salons, and even hospitals. You’ll also find a real estate store. The upper floors are residential. A notable feature is the “Showa Book Café,” a quiet space designed for adults to read without distractions.

Location: 2-16-1, Shimbashi, Minato 105-0004 Tokyo Prefecture

Culture and Entertainment in Shimbashi

Shimbashi offers many fun things to do, and its rich history makes it a popular destination. Visitors come to experience a place that has transformed through different eras, from the Edo period to modern times. The area also boasts art museums and galleries, including the Panasonic Shiodome Museum and the Shiodome City Center Gallery.

Given Japan’s long history in cinema, Shimbashi also has numerous cinemas and small theaters.

A key landmark is the Shimbashi Enbujo Theater, where you can enjoy traditional Japanese arts, Kabuki, Shakespearean plays, and other performances.

Other entertainment options in Shimbashi include the Shimbashi Koichi Festival, where you can dance to diverse music, and Tokyo Joypolis, the largest indoor amusement park. Joypolis features over 20 attractions enjoyable for both children and adults.

Shimbashi is truly more than just a business and transportation hub; it’s a district that seamlessly blends history, entertainment, and culture. Whether you’re there for tourism, work, or just a brief stay, you’ll discover a variety of things to do in Shimbashi. So, next time you’re in Tokyo, don’t miss the chance to explore it; it might just become your favorite hidden gem.

Is Shimbashi worth visiting?

If you’re wondering if Shimbashi is worth a visit, let me tell you, yes, Shimbashi is definitely worth visiting, especially if you want to experience the real, everyday life in Tokyo—away from the busy tourist spots. You’ll find lots of simple, delicious Japanese food here, like yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and takoyaki (fried octopus balls), and the prices are usually very affordable. Shimbashi also has a bit of history—it was home to Japan’s very first train station, and you can still see a small steam locomotive monument near the current station.If you’re looking for things to do in Shimbashi, this area offers a true local experience and a more authentic taste of Tokyo, especially in the evening.

Is Shimbashi safe?

You’re wondering about safety in Shimbashi, and that’s a completely fair question when you’re visiting somewhere new. You’ll be happy to hear that Shimbashi is incredibly safe. Seriously, it’s pretty remarkable.
Just like the rest of Tokyo, Shimbashi benefits from Japan’s super-low crime rates.
You’ll often see people out and about quite late, and walking around alone, even after dark, is generally no problem at all.
The streets are well-lit, and the locals just go about their lives without a second thought about personal safety. Of course, it’s always smart to be aware of your surroundings, just like you would anywhere, but serious crime is just incredibly rare here.

Whether you’re a foodie, a culture lover, or just passing through on your Tokyo adventure, there are so many unforgettable things to do in Shimbashi. From exploring anime-themed streets and catching Kabuki shows to relaxing in scenic gardens or enjoying a boat cruise—Shimbashi truly blends the spirit of old Tokyo with modern energy. Ready to experience the best of Tokyo like a local?
At Washoku Club Culture and Food Tours, we offer authentic food and culture tours that take you off the beaten path and into the heart of Japan’s traditions. Our expert local guides are here to help you discover Tokyo’s hidden gems—starting from neighborhoods like Shimbashi, all the way to the flavors of Osaka and Kyoto.

Book your next Tokyo experience now at Washoku Club Culture and Food Tours and let your journey begin where history, flavor, and discovery meet.

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