10 things to do around Omo5 Tokyo Gotanda hotel
For this new series of neighbourhood guides, Time Out Tokyo is collaborating with Omo by Hoshino Resorts to inspire you to get out and explore our beloved cities across Japan. Here you’ll find cafés, restaurants, bars and attractions recommended by each property’s Omo rangers, who are familiar and passionate about the neighbourhood which the hotel calls home.
In this feature, we’ll explore Gotanda, a vibrant business district in southern Tokyo’s Shinagawa ward. Often eclipsed by its more prominent neighbours, Osaki and Mejiro, Gotanda stands as a major train hub famous for being the birthplace of Sony.
Historically, Gotanda has attracted a steady stream of workers since the Meiji era (1868-1912). Its strategic location along the Meguro River, which served as a convenient water transportation system back in the day, facilitated the construction of factories in the area. In the ensuing years, an entertainment district emerged to cater to the needs of these workers, providing a much-needed outlet for relaxation and indulgence. As a result, Gotanda witnessed a surge in population as it transformed into a thriving hub of commerce and leisure.
Today, this bustling area still beckons with a plethora of affordable eateries and bars. As such, it’s a haven for weary salarymen seeking casual meals and drinks after work. In recent times, however, Gotanda has reinvented itself to become ’Gotanda Valley’, thanks to an influx of IT and tech companies setting up offices here.
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