When in Tokyo, where should you go? What shouldn’t you miss? If you are looking for something special, head to Shinagawa. Here, you can try fishing at a Japanese fishing pond or go on a luxurious boat tour around Tokyo Bay.
Fishing in the city?
In Japan, people love eating fish ー therefore all the sushi and sashimi ー but they also love fishing. There are even fishing ponds in the middle of the city. If you want to try one of these fishing ponds for yourself, head to “Shinagawa Fishing Garden” which is located near Shinagawa Station behind a hotel. You might have guessed it, but they used the hotel pool to build a fishing pond!
Shinagawa Fishing Garden
Admission is set according to the time you want to fish. A set of bait and a fishing rod can be rented at the shop, so you don’t need to bring anything.
One big plus is the roof around the poolside that allows you to fish in every weather. It will protect you from the harsh sun as well as rain. Fishing alone is fun, but fishing with friends and family is also a great bonding experience. So why don’t you start a little fishing contest?
After you catch a fish, you gently remove the hook and release the fish back into the pool. These fish won’t be on anyone’s plate for dinner!
Shinagawa Fishing Garden
http://fishinggarden.com
3-13-3 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Backyard of the SHINAGAWA GOOS HOTEL)
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/m6yp2TQrS66QCnXF6
Nearest station: Shinagawa Station
Watch our video about Shinagawa Fishing Garden:
Dining on a traditional restaurant boat
Shinagawa Funasei
A “yakatabune” is a boat on which you can cruise around while enjoying dinner. Usually, the traditional longboats are furbished with tatami mats and low tables. One of Tokyo’s most famous yakatabune piers is located South of Shinagawa. “Shinagawa Funasei” is a 15-minute walk from Konan Exit of Shinagawa Station.
The staff wearing Japanese-style jackets called “happi” with the name of the company written in Japanese.
“Shinagawa Funasei” offers seasonal and basic tours around Tokyo Bay and parts of Sumida River. The view of Tokyo’s skyline seen from the seaside is exceptional!
During your cruise, you will pass under the Rainbow Bridge, the symbol of Tokyo Bay.
When going on a yakatabune trip, you will usually share the boat with other groups. Staff will do their best to bring everyone together and create a mood where everyone can relax and enjoy their time together.
So how about the food? Funasei offers Japanese meal courses. Among various dishes that are served, the “sashimi boat” and tempura are definitely two highlights!
Sashimi is served on a small wooden boat!
A yakatabune cruise is an extraordinary experience. If you want to try something really special, be sure to book a tour. Yakatabune tours aren’t super cheap, but they are definitely worth every yen!
Shinagawa Funasei
http://funasei.sakura.ne.jp/funasei (booking in many languages available!)
1-16-8 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/nmegSC9zpY3TRNyu6
Nearest station: Shinagawa Station, Kitashinagawa Station, Tennozu Isle Station
Watch our video about Shinagawa Funasei:
How did you like our introduction of activities around Shinagawa in three parts? We hope you found something that interests you and that will make your Japan trip even better!
Read part 2 here!
*Please note that the facilities introduced in this article may not be open due to measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Please refer to each facility’s website for the latest business hours.
*All photos are taken before 2020
