Shiodome, once a tidal marshland separating the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Bay, is now redeveloped as a business and leisure district near Tokyo Bay that opened in 2002. In 1872, Shiodome was chosen as the site of Shimbashi Station, the Tokyo terminal of Japan’s first railway line. When the railway tracks were extended to the current Tokyo Station, Shimbashi Station was moved to its current location in Minato City, Tokyo, and the former Shiodome site was converted into a freight yard until the 1980s. The district now features modern city planning with divided motorized and pedestrian traffic on different levels, elevated walkways, and underground passages connecting buildings to one another.
Italian Town – Photo by Zekkei Japan
Where To Eat
Italian Town
Italia Street, or “Itaria-gai,” located in Shiodome Sio-Site District 5, is dedicated to resembling an Italian square, littered with cobblestone streets, Italian cafes and restaurants, and Italian-inspired architecture. It’s a perfect “little Italy” in Tokyo for when you’re craving pasta or just want to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Address: Italian Town
Open Hours: 24/7
Website: https://www.sio-site.or.jp/
Cafe Paulista – Photo by timeout
Cafe Paulista
Opened in 1911, Cafe Paulista is the oldest cafe still in business in Tokyo. The cafe was founded by Mizuno Ryo to sell Brazilian coffee he received from the Brazilian government after emigrating from Brazil to Japan. Today, the brand has expanded to over 20 cafes across Japan and Shanghai, developing one of the first coffee chains in the world. This two-story cafe is an icon; go here to enjoy rich Brazilian coffee in an old-style cafe.
Address: Cafe Paulista
Open Hours: 9 am – 8 pm, Monday – Friday, 9 am – 7:30 pm, Saturday, 11:30 am – 7 pm, Sunday
Phone: +81335726160
Website: https://www.paulista.co.jp/
Toripota Restaurant – Photo by TripAdvisor
Toripota Ramen THANK
A small ramen shop in Shibadaimon is known for its rich chicken potage ramen. They’re known for their velvety soup made from chicken and vegetables, with the intention that people from all over the world can enjoy their food without fear of religious or dietary restrictions. This is a must-try place wherever you go in Shiodome!
Address: Ramen Thank Daimon
Open Hours: 11 am – 3 pm & 6 pm – 10 pm, Monday – Friday, 11 am – 4 pm & 5 pm – 9 pm, Saturday – Sunday
Phone: +81354001350
Website: https://thanktank.jp/toripota
Gotojin Hamamatsucho – Photo by tabelog
Gotojin Hamamatsucho
A relaxing izakaya highlighting the special cuisine of the Goto Islands, a remote archipelago in Kyushu. It shares the culture of the islands through its unique and flavorful food. Whether it’s the Goto udon noodles or the fresh catch of the day, their food is not only mouth-watering in taste but is also presented beautifully. The shop’s beautiful interior, friendly staff, and tasty food are not to be missed when visiting Shiodome.
Address: Gotojin Hamamatsucho
Open Hours: 5 pm – 11 pm, Monday – Friday, 3 pm – 11 pm, Saturday – Sunday
Phone: +81364023538
Website: https://www.dd-holdings.jp/shops/gotojin/hamamatucho/?utm_source=mybusiness&utm_medium=google
The street view of Caretta Shiodome – Photo by Caretta Shiodome
Shopping
Caretta Shiodome
A commercial shopping complex full of restaurants, cafes, shops, and entertaining facilities, such as “Dentsu Shiki Theatre” and the Ad Museum. You can choose from a wide variety of food and drinks to enjoy as you walk the halls full of stores for everyone’s enjoyment. If you go to the observation deck on the 46th floor, you’ll get a free view of Tokyo Bay!
Address: Caretta Shiodome
Open Hours: 10 am – 11 pm, 7 days a week
Phone: +81362182100
Website: https://www.caretta.jp/
The modern era of ads exhibited in the Ad Museum – Photo by Navitime
Things to See and Do
Ad Museum Tokyo
Within Caretta Shiodome is Japan’s only museum dedicated to advertising. The museum is full of vintage Japanese ads, posters, and commercials from around the world, which are available to explore for free. The interactive and beautiful exhibits make it a must-see stop, complete with a small library inside where you can browse through 30,000 archives of design books and ads. For those curious about marketing or simply interested in history, this is a perfect stop to make.
Address: Ad Museum Tokyo
Open Hours: 12 pm – 6 pm, Monday – Friday
Phone: +81362182500
Website: http://www.admt.jp/
The teahouse located in Hamarikyu Gardens – Photo by Japan Guide
Hamarikyu Gardens
Once a Tokugawa shogun’s duck hunting grounds, the area has since transformed into an oasis of pine trees, seasonal flowers, and tidal ponds. After entering through a massive wooden gate, follow the winding paths and watch the city noise disappear as you’re transported to a peaceful haven. The garden is complete with a teahouse on an island, where you can enjoy matcha and sweets surrounded by cultural history.
Address: Hamarikyu Gardens
Open Hours: 9 am – 5 pm, 7 days a week
Phone: +81335410200
Website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/hama-rikyu/
An exhibit featured in the NHK Museum of Broadcasting – Photo by KNDY です
NHK Museum of Broadcasting
Just a short walk from Shibadaimon lies a museum for history and technology enthusiasts. It showcases vintage cameras, microphones, and TVs from the early 20th century. The museum has many fun and interactive exhibits for everyone to enjoy, from being a news reporter in front of a green screen to exploring how broadcasting impacted post-war Tokyo. A true hidden gem for those interested in the analog era of broadcasting.
Address: NHK Museum of Broadcasting
Open Hours: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm, Tuesday – Sunday
Phone: +81354006900
Website: http://www.nhk.or.jp/museum/
Whilst it may be small, there is certainly no limit to the things you can try in this Tokyo Neighborhood. Whether you’re interested in museums, shopping, food, cafes, or scenery, Shiodome has something for everyone. This wonderful city is full of historical and modern areas for everyone to enjoy!
Featured Photo Credit: Shino Nakamura on Unsplash
