2018-01-12
Living in Gotanda: What is it Like for Foreigners?
- Advice
Gotanda was once the hottest electronic district on earth with Sony’s headquarters. This was in 1982 when Sony was the most successful electronic brand on earth. Things were promising for ‘lucky’ Gotanda with office buildings, hotels, karaoke and beautiful residence scattered everywhere.
The good news is that Gotanda didn’t lose its charm after a decade. It is still very much like it has always been.
It is easy to move around Gotanda if you have a travel guide. We have a guide that will help you find some of the famous places and access the commonest streets.
Gotanda: A Bustling Tokyo Business District
Located in the Shinagawa ward, Gotanda is more than a business home to international brands and numerous shops. It has great hotels and restaurants that have written their exploits in luxury. There are so many interesting places to visit and things to do in Gotanda. You will have no dull moment because Gotanda is not shy about dishing out outdoor activities.
The Gotanda Station that feeds the residence with transport offers is served by the Yamanote line, the Toei Asakusa Line and the elevated Tōkyū Ikegami Line.
Access
- From Tokyo Station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Gotanda Station (around 15 minutes)
- From Shibuya Station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Gotanda Station (around 13 minutes)
- From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Gotanda Station (around 23 minutes)
Famous Destinations
Rinshi no Mori Park
Rinshi no Mori Park is tucked in a calm woodland oasis at the center of Tokyo, decorated with tall trees that are rarely seen in parks located in a city. There are plenty insects and wild birds that give the park a homely feeling of the forest in a city.
The park has a playground for kids, a campsite, an adventure play section and a paddling pond.
The park is a popular place you can visit with your family. You can unwind here after a long day of sightseeing. The park is child friendly even for older kids who can make use of the adventure play area of the park.
Access:
- Address: 2 Koyamadai, Shinagawa, Tokyo
- Directions: 10 minutes on foot from Musashi-Koyama station
Sony Archives
The Sony archives attracts thousands of foreigners with its showcase of the company’s history. You are not allowed to visit the archives without prior reservation, so make sure to do reserve before going.
To control the crowd that always wants to explore the archives of the giant electronics company, there is a strict entrance that requires reservation and an hour of viewing the entire hall.
The Sony edifice is magnificent and the way the archives have been arrangement is simply extraordinary to keep you glued to the archive hall. Entrance is free for everyone.
Access
- Address: 6-6-39 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
- Directions: 16-minute on foot from Gotanda Station
Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
The aqua park is one of the famous destinations in Gotanda. The park is an extraordinary water and aquatic world that is decorated with LED lights and art works.
You can eat at the Coral Café bar that has a tank that is illuminated by luminescent coral. At the ground floor there is the jellyfish ramble, a relaxed section of the park that is created by lights, sounds and bobbling jellyfish.
The Little Paradise is the home of tropical fish that change colour depending on the theme that the exhibit chose. The wonder tube has the manta rays and the raw sawfish that dance romantically in the underwater tunnel.
Access
- Address: 4-10-30 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Directions: 2-minute on foot Shinagawa Station
Why foreigners live in Gotanda
Sightseeing and Shopping
Gotanda is within the district of Shinagawa, a window that gives people the privilege of shopping and seeing some of the things that Tokyo has to offer. Foreigners have the opportunity of seeing so many things in the district.
The international brand offices and shops offer foreigners the choice to buy so many things at an affordable price. The competition among electronic companies has made electronics in the area a little cheaper.
The Cuisine
With the many things to do in Gotanda, there is always a need to refill your stomach with sumptuous meals. Gotanda didn’t disappoint with its numerous restaurants and local eateries scattered around it.
There are shops offering meals like tendon, oyakodon and gyudon and also amazing ramen dishes that you may want to taste.
The Friendly And Experienced Guides
Foreigners see everything that Tokyo has with the support of experienced guides. There is little need to make extensive research on where you want to visit. With these knowledgeable guides, you will spend little money and have enough time to see a lot of things. Personal stories from guides make moving around Gotanda memorable.
Gotanda is one city that doesn’t require you to stress yourself when it comes to tourism. Everything is thrown open for you to discover.
Conclusion
Gotanda is predominantly a residential district that is gradually emerging as an entertainment hub. Foreigners have access to main Tokyo through the intersecting train line. Additionally, there are many temples, cheap hotels, and small shrines that are dotted around Gotanda station.
The district also features plenty international restaurants, such as Korean barbecue restaurants and Indian food.
You will feel at home in no time in Gotanda.
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