One of the newest precincts in Tokyo, Shiodome was entirely developed after the year 2000. Once a derelict railway yard, it is now a gleaming city of glass and stone skyscrapers, sitting above a network of shops, offices, and subways.
There is a wealth of trendy places for shopping and dining, as well as several museum-style attractions, including the Panasonic Living Showroom and the ADMT Advertising Museum. One of the focal points of the precinct is the faithful reconstruction of the original Tokyo rail terminus, now known as Old Shimbashi Station. Japan’s first rail service — from Tokyo to Yokohama — commenced here in 1872. Shimbashi Station was later moved westward during the construction of the Yamanote Line in the early 1900s.
The Shiodome City Centre is a popular and stylish spot for shopping and dining, with dozens of fancy eateries lining its aisles.
Major companies like Air Nippon, Fujitsu, Nippon Television, and SoftBank have their headquarters at Shiodome. The Caretta Shiodome complex features 51 floors, mostly occupied by Dentsu, one of Japan’s largest advertising firms. The upper floors are home to a musical theatre and a stunning selection of “Sky Lounges” and restaurants.
For those wanting to stay at one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, the Conrad Tokyo fits the bill. Although it opened in 2005 (not 1985), it has quickly become a symbol of high-end accommodation in the city, with rooms starting at over ¥50,000 per night.
In front of the Shiodome complex, along the waterfront, lies the Hamarikyu Gardens. These beautifully landscaped gardens feature a series of ponds surrounded by moats and are home to a teahouse where traditional tea ceremonies are regularly performed.
Shiodome is within walking distance of Shimbashi and Ginza, and Tokyo Bay and Hamarikyu Gardens are just a 15-minute walk away.
Shiodome is served by Shiodome Station on the Yurikamome Line (U02) and Toei Oedo Line (E19). It’s also close to Shimbashi Station, which connects to the JR Yamanote Line, Asakusa Line, and Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (G08). All of these concourses are interlinked through a vast underground walkway system, making navigation between them convenient and sheltered from the elements.
