Osaki Station

Located fives minutes by train from Shinagawa station, the Osaki area gained popularity in 2012 when the Saikyo, Shonan-Shinjuku and Rinkai lines were added. Osaki is developing into an up-and-coming transportation hub with some structurally impressive tourist spots and a “city-within-a-city” feel.

Osaki station has the advantage of being one of the best locations for watching MariCar street drivers, a nearby tourist activity starting in Shinagawa. A recent trend in Japan, MariCar offers a real-life Mario Kart experience. Racers dress up in Mario-themed costumes and maneuver go-karts in the streets of Tokyo.

Photo by: Benzoyl Osaki is a great spot to watch MariCar racers zoom by.

After snapping a few photos of the racers, tourists can check out easily accessible shopping, art spaces and even a “sunken” garden.

Architecture and shopping

Osaki New City is connected to the station by a walkway and is host to office buildings, a shopping mall and an art museum. The shopping mall, among other things, has ¥100 items like chopsticks and stationery great for souvenir shopping. The O Museum is located on the second floor and offers up the latest in contemporary art exhibits.

An architectural eye pleaser, Art Village Osaki includes View Tower and Central Tower. Located two minutes from the station, the set of towers house residential and shopping areas that boast stunning designs worth checking out (and taking photos of).

Photo by: Aimaimyi The Gate City Ohsaki

The newer Gate City Ohsaki (Yes, it’s official title includes with an “h.”) is located one minute away from the station and has an atrium for quick and relaxing meals located near a sunken garden filled with elegant scenery and water fountains. For more open spaces, visit the north garden and rooftop plaza for a panoramic view of the Tokyo bayside.

Beyond these main tower complexes and the station, Osaki has a mellow atmosphere for those looking to escape the mainstream hustle and bustle of most stops along the Yamanote line.