Shrines, gardens and teahouses paint a picture of essential Japanese traditions in this leafy and cultural corner of the Minato district.
With its towers and temples, Shiba typifies Tokyo’s blend of modern, glassy architecture and old-world customs. Its sleek skyscrapers crowd the edges of traditional Japanese gardens, while shrines and sake tastings introduce local practices. Embark on a pleasant walk through the various parks of this enchanting neighbourhood.
Nowhere is the district’s blend of old and new more evident than at the entrance to the Zōjōji Temple. Capture photos of its Main Gate that dates back to the 1600s, with the bright-orange 20th-century Tokyo Tower forming a striking backdrop. Enter the temple for the Treasures Gallery and the Mausoleum of the Tokugawa Shoguns and admire the nearby Shiba Tōshōgū Shrine.
Head to the tower itself and ride the elevator up to its viewing platform, 820 feet (250 metres) high. Find your favourite attractions in the Tokyo skyline from this great height you may see as far as Mount Fuji on a clear day. Another towering highlight of Shiba is the World Trade Centre Building, whose Seaside Top viewing deck provides spectacular vistas of Tokyo Bay.
Attend a concert or dine at one of the restaurants in the impressive multi-purpose Mielparque Tokyo building. A short walk east will lead you to the JR EAST Performing Arts Centre, which puts on plays and family musicals. Relax in the adjacent Hamarikyu Garden and admire the quaint bridges and teahouses. One highlight is the Nakajima Teahouse, which dates back to 1707 and overlooks a pond.
The neighbourhood is on the eastern edge of Minato, in the southern portion of Tokyo. Ride the train to Tamachi Station. You can also arrive at the Mita and Shibakoen stations. While you’re in the area, check out the nearby districts of Odaiba and Koto.
A place of contradictions, Shiba is at once edgy and modern, while remaining leafy and traditional.
