| Minato (Tokyo) | |
 | |
Location  | |
Coat of arms and flag   | |
| State | Japan |
|---|---|
| Region | Kantō |
| Website | Official site |
Minato (港区) is a district of the city of Tokyo.
To know
The name means "port", referring to its position on the sea, even if due to the reclamation many areas of the district are far from the sea today.
Geographical notes
| Orientation | ||
| Shinjuku | Chiyoda | |
| Shibuya |  | Chuo |
| Shinagawa | Tokyo Bay | |
Minato is a fairly large district without a single center located south of Chūō, Minato is the favorite neighborhood of diplomatic representations and also of the most famous Japanese industries. Honda, Mitsubishi, NEC, Sony and Toshiba have their headquarters here. The Tokyo Tower, strikingly resembling the Tour Eiffel of Paris, is one of the main attractions in the area.
How to orient yourself
Minato: full screen map.Neighborhoods
Tokyo - The Rainbow Bridge between Minato and Odaiba and in the foreground the replica of the Statue of Liberty
- 1 Roppongi (六 本 木) - A neighborhood best known for its many nightclubs, once controlled by the Yakuza, the powerful Japanese mafia.
- 2 Odaiba (お 台 場) - Another man-made island in Tokyo Bay packed with large shopping malls and plenty of entertainment opportunities. Odaiba is connected to Minato by the Rainbow Bridge near which stands a replica of the Statue of Liberty.
- 3 Akasaka - a business district and a nightlife area near the government center.
- 4 Shiodome - a growing area with brand new skyscrapers.
- 5 Shinbashi - an old commercial and business district.
How to get
By train and metro
- 1 Hamamatsuchō Station (浜 松 町). Terminus of the
Tokyo monorail from Haneda airport; also the lines pass through it 
. The station is close to Tokyo Tower (10 minute walk) and Roppongi (25 minute walk). 
- 2 Shinagawa Station. Lines
, Narita express 
(75 min, ¥ 3,110), 
, Odoriko, 
Tōkaidō Shinkansen for Kyoto is Osaka.
Tokyo monorail from Haneda airport; also the lines pass through it 
. The station is close to Tokyo Tower (10 minute walk) and Roppongi (25 minute walk).
, Narita express 
(75 min, ¥ 3,110), 
, Odoriko, 
Tōkaidō Shinkansen for By bus
- 3 Hamamatsuchō Bus Terminal (浜 松 町 バ ス タ ー ミ ナ ル, hamamatsuchō basu tāminaru). Exway buses come from Chiba and the region of Tohoku.
- 4 Shinagawa bus terminal, 3 Chome-24-3-24 Takanawa (5 minutes walk from Takanawa Exit of JR Shinagawa Station), ☎ 81 3-3449-4890.
Ticket office: 09: 00-18: 00. Several hotels in Shinagawa, as well as the station, are connected to Narita Airport via the "Airport Limousine" bus (85 min, ¥ 3,000)
Ticket office: 09: 00-18: 00. Several hotels in Shinagawa, as well as the station, are connected to Narita Airport via the "Airport Limousine" bus (85 min, ¥ 3,000)- Tohoku - Hirosaki, Gosyogawara, Morioka, Miyako
- Kansai - Fukuchiyama, Ayabe, Maizuru
- Chugoku - Tsuyama, Okayama, Kurashiki, Tottori, Kurayoshi, Yonago
- Shikoku - Tokushima, Anan, Yoshinogawa, Niihama, Saijo, Imabari
- Tohoku - Sendai
- 5 Takeshiba Ferry Terminal (竹 芝 桟 橋, Takeshiba Sanbashi), ☎ 81 3-3432-8081. By ship from the islands Izu and Ogasawara.
- 6 Hamarikyu, 1-1 Hamarikyu-teien, Chuou-ku,. Connections with Asakusa and Hinode Pier
- 7 Hinode Pier, Minato-ku, Kaigan, 2 Chome − 7, 東京 都 港区 海岸 ２ 丁目 ７－１０４, ☎ 81 120-977-311. Connections with Asakusa, Palette town, Tokyo Big Sight, Odaiba seaside park.
| Connections |
| Ueno ← Akihabara ← Chiyoda ← | No.  OR | → Shinagawa → Gotanda → Shibuya |
| Kawaguchi ← Akabane ← Ueno ← | No.  S. | → Kamata → Kawasaki → Tsurumi |
| Shibuya ← | OR  No. | → Ginza → Suehirocho → Ueno |
| Naka Meguro ← Ebisu ← | OR  No. | → Ginza → Tsukiji → Ueno |
| Meijijingumae ← | OR  No. | → Nijubashimae → Yushima → Kitasenju |
| Nishi Magome ← Gotanda ← | OR  IS | → Higashi Ginza → Asakusa → Oshiage |
| Meguro ← | OR  No. | → Jinbocho → Kasuga → Sugamo |
| Toshimaen ← Higashi Nakano ← Shinjuku ← | OR  No. | → Tsukiji market → Kiyosumi-Shirakawa → Ryogoku |
| end ← | OR  IS | → Daiba → Toyosu |
| end ← | No.  S. | → Hippodrome → Haneda Airport |
How to get around
- 8 Daimon station (大門 駅, daimon-eki). On the lines
- 9 Akabanebashi Station. Line
- 10 Onarimon Station. Line
- 11 Sengakuji Station. Line
What see
The Rainbow bridge at night
Tokyo tower
- 1 Rainbow Bridge. Completed on August 26, 1993, this bridge to Odaiba is among the most beautiful modern bridges in Japan. Decorated with 444 lights, which change according to the seasons. The bridge has appeared in several films.
- 2 Tokyo Tower (東京 タ ワ ー Tōkyō Tawā) (the nearest station is Akabanebashi (5 minutes walk), although Hamamatsucho and Daimon are accessible via several lines and only slightly further away).
Entrance to the Main Observatory (150m) is ¥ 820, while ascension to the Special Observatory (250m) is an extra ¥ 600. Mon-Sun 09: 00-23: 00. This was Japan's reindustrialized 1958 response to the Eiffel Tower in Paris - more modern and 9 meters taller. It also includes a themed entertainment area. Note that the Tokyo SkyTree tower, which opened in 2012 and located in the Sumida district, is twice the height. You will also get better and higher views if you visit the Shinjuku Metropolitan Government Building Observatory for free.
Entrance to the Main Observatory (150m) is ¥ 820, while ascension to the Special Observatory (250m) is an extra ¥ 600. - Tip: For a good view and image with the tower, try the courtyard in front of Zojoji (close), or the second floor bridge outside the Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills (further away but more scenic).
The Zojoji temple
The Teien museum
- 3 Zōjō-ji Temple (増 上 寺), Shibakoen 4-7-35 (Onarimon Station or Akabanebashi ), ☎ 81 3-3432-1431. 9:00-17:00. This ancient Buddhist temple is the headquarters of the Jōdo-shū sect and houses the tombs of 6 of the Tokugawa shoguns, but it's a little off the beaten track and rarely visited by tourists. Especially beautiful around the time the cherry blossoms. It hosts a variety of religious and non-religious festivals throughout the year.
- Religious buildings were represented by Hiroshige Utagawa in the famous ukiyo-e prints One Hundred Famous Views of Edo.
- 4 Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Teien Art (東京 都 庭園 美術館), 5 Chome-21-9 Shirokanedai (five minutes from the park's east exit), ☎ 81 3-3443-0201. Art museum housed in a classic Art Deco structure, connected to a small park with Japanese and Western gardens and outdoor sculptures.
The Catholic Church
The Sengakuji temple
- 5 Sengaku-ji Temple (泉 岳 寺), Takanawa 2-11-1 (Sengakuji Station exit A2), @[email protected]. 7:00-17:00. A temple most famous as the resting place of the 47 Rönin, a famous group of samurai who came together to avenge their unjustly killed master. After obtaining the offender's head, they took it to this very temple and then were condemned to commit a ritual suicide, like their master. The story is told in Chūshingura, the best known of all Kabuki comedies. History aside, there isn't much to see in the temple, but the small museum has exhibits relating to the event and after, including the wooden statues of all Ronin, the banner the Ronin used during the raid, the original letters and the receipt that the priests had written for their heads. The tombs are a famous pilgrimage site to this day.
- 6 Takanawa Catholic Church, Takanawa 4-7-1 (A few minutes on Zakurozaka Street past the Outback restaurant on the left), ☎ 81 3-3441-5556. This modern church rebuilt on a historic site is accessible to the handicapped and has Sunday Mass in English on the fourth Sunday of each month at 1pm.
- 7 Italian town (Italian city), Higashishinbashi, 2-chōme − 9−５. It is a neighborhood within the Shiodome district characterized by Italian-style buildings and a typical Italian square.
What to do
The Institute for Natural Studies
- 1 Institute for Natural Studies (自然 教育 園), 5-21-5 Shirokanedai (near the Teien museum), ☎ 81 3 3441-7176, fax: 81 3 3441-7012, @[email protected]. Adults ¥ 300, seniors and children free. Tue-Sun from 1 Sept to 30 Apr 09: 00-16: 30, 1 May to 31 Aug 09: 00-17: 00. A 200,000 m2 nature reserve in the heart of the city, with birds and waterfowl, insects and marine life.
- 2 Maxell Aqua Park, Takanawa 4-10-30 (Behind Takanawa Wing West, just past the Prince Hotel Executive Tower), ☎ 81 3-3440-1111. Adults ¥ 1,800; Elementary and middle school students ¥ 1,000; Children over 4 years old ¥ 600. Mon-Sun 10: 00-22: 00. Aquarium with dolphin and seal shows and hundreds of species of fish. There is also a carousel.
- 3 Shiba Park (Next to the Zojo-ji temple). The park is located between the municipal offices of Minato and the Tokyo tower. Many of the park's trails offer excellent views of Tokyo Tower, making the park a popular place for romantic dates, while also appearing in many movie sequences.
Shopping
- 1 Azabu-Jūban (麻布 十 番). A quiet commercial district southeast of Roppongi Hills, and a good place to spend a lazy afternoon browsing shops and enjoying local cafes. The surrounding residential area is popular with professional expats, so expect to see many international families as you walk.
- 2 Japan Sake and Shōchū Information Center, 1-1-21 Nishi-Shinbashi (10 min from Shimbashi station), ☎ 81 3-3519-2091. Mon-Fri 10: 00-18: 00. This four-story complex run by the Central Brewers Union sells anything and everything related to sake, including mugs, glasses, books, hydrometers, and of course the sake itself. 315/515 yen give you a taste of 3/5 sake which change every day.
- 3 Coffee Roast Sai (roasting), Takanawa 1-21-3 (15 minutes walk from Shinagawa), ☎ 81 3-3449-7007. Toast the beans while you wait, usually with a wonderful free cup of coffee.
- 4 Atre Shinagawa (ア ト レ 品 川), 2 Chome-18-１ Konan, Minato (Konan Exit of Shinagawa Station), ☎ 81 3-6717-0900. 07:00-24:00. Shopping center
How to have fun
Night clubs
- 1 Muse, 4-1-1 Nishi-Azabu (Follow the freeway from the Roppongi intersection after Roppongi Hills and keep an eye on the left), ☎ 81 3 5467-1188. Cover charge ¥ 3,000 with 2 drinks for men and free drinks for women (Fri and Sat); students can get drinks discounts (except Friday and Saturday evenings) with ID. Many expats argue that "you can't miss the Muse," a multi-level underground facility that, in addition to the bar, dance floors and VIP lounges, also has karaoke, ping-pong, and pool tables.
- 2 [link not working]Virgin Cafe, Kōnan, 1 Chome − 9−３２, ア レ ア 品 川 別 館 (Cross the elevated walkway to the left of the Shinagawa Konan exit), ☎ 81 3-6718-2466. 1,000 yen for a pint of beer. Mon-Fri 07: 00-24: 00, Sat 11: 00-24: 00, Sun 11: 00-21: 00. This cafe always looks very smoky, but it's an easy place to stop for light food and imported draft beers like Kilkenny and Guinness.
- 3 82 Ale House, 東京 都 港区 港 南 2 Chome − 4, ２ 丁目 ４−18, 港 南 ル ネ ッ サ ン ス ビ ル 2 1F (Leaving Shinagawa Station from the Konan Exit, get off the escalator and walk down the street directly in front. It is near the end on the right hand side), ☎ 81 3-5460-8682. Very convincing Victorian style English pub. Extensive drinks menu including single malt whiskeys, lager beer and Guinness on tap for ¥ 900 per pint.
Where to eat
Moderate prices
- 1 Minatoya (そ ば 処 港 屋), Nishi-shinbashi 3-1-10, ☎ 81 3-5777-6921. ¥600. 11:30-17:00, 17:30-20:00. A soba shop that looks like a trendy club. On the opposite corner of Toranomon Hills, it's one of the most futuristic places to eat soba. Out of zero advertising, only a 10 cm high horizontal window running along the facade, and a small plaque the size of a business card, just read "Minatoya". Enter to discover the black interior and a basin of water around which customers eat, standing. Expect a long queue. Free raw eggs to put in the soup.
Supermarket lunch boxes (bento) are another good option to save some money.
- 2 Gourmet City, Azabujuban 2-5-9 (Between Azabujuban station and the hills, in the middle of the Azabu Juban shopping street). 00:00-24:00. The cheapest supermarket in the whole area. Two stores for food, drinks and more.
- 3 [link not working]eCute, 3 Chome-26-２７ Takanawa, ☎ 81 3-3444-8910. A small food court and restaurants on the first level with a couple of dozen food stands and bakeries or sweet shops. This is also a very comfortable air-conditioned place to wait for a train connection. There are three full service restaurants on the top floor. Some examples include:
- Kongariya, ☎ 81 3-5421-0431. 07:00-22:00. Choose from a wide range of onigiri with interesting fillings such as squid and kimchi, the miso or the grilled rice balls shoyu, or even those wrapped in naan Indian and baked.
- Paul, ☎ 81 3-3440-5021. Sandwiches on real baguettes.
- Kongariya, ☎ 81 3-5421-0431.
- 4 Yoshinoya (吉野 家 品 川 駅 港 南口 店), 2 Chome-2-１５ Kōnan (One block to the right from the Takanawa Exit of JR Station), ☎ 81 3-5495-7306. 00:00-24:00. Fast food chain with Japanese style food.
Average prices
- 5 [link not working]Worldstar Cafe, 5-1-3 Roppongi, building 1, 1st floor, ☎ 81 3-6459-2046. 11:00-05:00. Recently popular with businessmen or singles during lunch time. Meals are ¥ 980-1200, with main course, salad, drink; they make spaghetti. Handy for a late night spot since they are open until 6am.
- 6 Gonpachi (権 八), Nishi-Azabu 1-13-11 (Nishi-Azabu intersection, 5 min. from Roppongi station), ☎ 81 3 5771-0170. This restaurant izakaya lively and popular, with a spectacular and spacious interior, it served famous characters such as George W. Bush and former Prime Minister Koizumi, and was the model for the battle scene of Tarantino's "Kill Bill". (The owner refused the director's request to use the place himself.) On top of that, it is a chain, so the prices are reasonable, with offers for all appetizers from ¥ 1500, noodles and flat rice under ¥ 1000; 6 courses from ¥ 3500. Book and expect to see many foreign visitors.
- 7 Sarashina (麻布 永 坂 更 科 本店), ☎ 81 3-3584-9410. 2000 ¥ for a lunch. One of the most famous restaurants for soba (buckwheat noodles). Try the various types of pasta they have, for example egg pasta, with different colors. Their kitchen is still across the street, despite the real estate prices.
- 8 Tony Roma's, 5-4-20 Roppongi (near the Hard Rock Cafe), ☎ 81 3 3408-2748. Bilingual staff and English-only menus may make you forget you're in Tokyo. The restaurant features brand name ribs, worth the price approaching ¥ 2000. Texas Mud Pie is the cure for small Japanese desserts.
- 9 Kushinobō (串 の 坊), Mori Tower 5th floor, ☎ 81 3 5771-0094. ¥5000. 11:00～23:30. Restaurant for "kushiyaki" (fried skewers).
- 10 Nodaiwa (野 田 岩), 1-5-4 Higashi-Azabu (The closest subway stops are Kamiyachō, 550 meters to the north and Akabanebashi, 400 meters to the south), ☎ 81 3-3583-7852. About ¥ 4000 for lunch, ¥ 6000- ¥ 10,000 for dinner. 11: 00 ～ 13: 30, 17: 00 ～ 20: 00, closed on Sundays. Perhaps the best place in Japan to be served "unagi" or freshwater eel. In business for 160 years, Nodaiwa remains as popular as ever.
- 11 Nantsuttei Shinagawa, Takanawa 3-26-20 (Turn left from the west entrance of the JR station, 1 minute walk south), ☎ 81 3-5791-1355. Ramen restaurant
- 12 Devi Corner Shinagawa, 3-24-21 Takanawa (5 minutes. north of Shinagawa station), ☎ 81 3-5793-7595. 11:30-23:00. Excellent Indian cuisine.
- 13 Royal Host, Takanawa, 4 Chome − 10, 港区 高 輪 ４ 丁目 １０−８ 京 急 第 7 ビ ル 1F (Close-up of the Takanawa Keikyu Hotel), ☎ 81 3-5792-5777. Mon-Sun 06: 00-04: 00. Popular chain of "family restaurants" with surprisingly good coffee.
- 14 Tsubame Grill (つ ば め グ リ ル 品 川 駅 前 店), 高 輪 4-10-26, Minato (across the street, near the bus entrance to the Prince Hotel Shinagawa), ☎ 81 3-3441-0121. Mon-Sun 11: 30-22: 30. Tsubame is famous for its "hamburg" dish. Contrary to popular belief, the special lunch only costs ¥ 1150 - a bargain for the excellent quality of the food. The "hamburg" plate is completely covered with an aluminum foil.
- 15 Salma Tikka & Biryani, 4 Chome-22-11 Takanawa, Minato (take the Prince Hotel exit of Shinagawa Station, turn left after crossing the street. It is about a 7 minute walk on the freeways, take the lane next to Riken kiki co. Ltd. building), ☎ 81 3-3449-5302. It has an excellent Indian Mughal Biryani.
High prices
- 16 Daigo (醍醐), Atago 2 chome 3-1, Atago Green Hills Forest Tower, 2nd floor, Atago (From Ginza-sen Toranomon Station, Exit 10, east 60m along Sotoboridori to Shimbashi 1chome intersection, then south (right) 500m along Iwada-dori), ☎ 81 3-3431-0811. Lunch ¥ 10,000 - Dinner ¥ 20,000-25,000 per person. Mon-Sun 11: 30-14: 00, 17: 00-20: 00. Exquisite vegetarian or vegan "shojin ryori" cuisine. This is the traditional Buddhist thread on "kaiseki". Well served by an attentive staff in kimono. Small private dining rooms overlook Japanese gardens. Very expensive, but a first class experience.
- 17 Narisawa, 2-6-15 Minamiaoyama, ☎ 81 3-5785-0799. ¥20,000. Ranked among the best restaurants in the world and with two Michelin stars. Except a blend of classic French techniques with the best Japanese ingredients. Narisawa also has a commitment to sustainability, which is expressed at the table.
- 18 Petit Point, 4-2-48, Minami-Azabu (3 min south of Hiroo station), ☎ 81 3-3440-3667. Expect to pay around ¥ 15,000 for a full dinner. Superbly prepared French cuisine.
- 19 Da Nino restaurant, Grande Maison Nogizaka 1st floor, 1-15-19 Minami Aoyama, ☎ 81 3 3401-9466. Lunch from ¥ 1400 (Saturdays from ¥ 2800); dinner from ¥ 8000. Mon – Sat 11: 30–14: 00, 18: 00–23: 00. Within walking distance of both Tokyo Midtown and Roppongi, chef Antonino Lentini offers fresh and refined Sicilian dishes. Good wine selection.
Where stay
Moderate prices
- 1 Guesthouse Shinagawa-shuku, 1-22-16 Kita-Shinagawa Shinagawa-ku (Shinagawa Station), ☎ 81 3-6712-9440, fax: 81 3-6712-9443, @[email protected]. dormitory ¥ 3,000; single ¥ 3,500. Small and cozy "backpacker" guesthouse in a very "local" location.
- 2 Toyoko Inn Shinagawa, Takanawa, 4 Chome − 23−２ (Takanawa exit). Fixed rates from ¥ 6,720. A little cheaper than the rest, and can be booked quickly.
Average prices
Tokyo Prince Hotel
- 3 Somerset Ginza East Tokyo, 4-1-12 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, ☎ 81-3-3549-7111, @[email protected]. This property contains 124 apartments. Offers weekly cleaning services.
- 4 Tokyo Prince Hotel, 3-3-1 Shibakoen (300 meters from Akabanebashi Station on the O-Edo Line), ☎ 81 3 3432-1111. From ¥ 13,500. Check in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. If you insist on staying in a "western" hotel near Roppongi and need to stay on a budget (less than ¥ 20,000 per night), the Tokyo Prince Hotel is one of the few options available. The hotel is almost at the base of Tokyo Tower and is located in a quiet tree-lined neighborhood just a 15-minute walk from Roppongi. The hotel staff speaks English and the hotel offers the comforts of its modern competitors. But it's a bit of a throwback. The beds are small, the decor is tacky, and everything looks a little dated.
- 5 Keikyu EX Inn Shinagawa-Ekimae, Takanawa, 3 Chome − 13−３, シ ナ ガ ワ グ ー ス 内 (Takanawa exit). Formerly known as 'Meridien Pacific' , since it has been refurbished it has been converted into a Keikyu EX Inn.
- 6 New Takanawa Grand Prince Hotel, 3 Chome-13-１ Takanawa (near the Takanawa exit). Fares from ¥ 15,500.
High prices
- 7 Okura hotel, 2-10-4 Toranomon, ☎ 81 3-3582-0111, fax: 81 3-3582-3707. Luxury hotel that has hosted many celebrities since its opening in 1962.
- 8 Sheraton Miyako, 1-1-50, Shirokanedai, ☎ 81-3-3447-3111. Trendy hotel. Good for a stopover with its back garden and cigar bar downstairs. Probably a poor choice for a tourist unless you have business in the area as it is about a ten minute walk to the nearest means of transport and further away from the attractions.
- 9 The Strings Hotel, Kōnan, 2 Chome − 16−１, 品 川 イ ー ス ト ワ ン タ ワ ー 26F-32F (Konan exit). Fixed rates from ¥ 31,000. A top-notch hotel near Shinagawa station that is worth visiting for a drink or meal to admire the bay and Rainbow Bridge. It is part of the intercontinental chain.
How to keep in touch
Internet
- At the Shinagawa Prince Hotel you can use the wireless hot spot on the 2nd floor. Just buy a ¥ 500 card at the front desk, which will give you access for one day. There are also power plugs along the side of the window. It is not allowed to eat or drink at the tables.
