Ōsaki (大崎) is one of the most historically layered and culturally rich districts in Tokyo’s Shinagawa Ward. From shell mounds of the Jōmon period to high-rise towers of the 21st century, this area has been shaped by nature, nobility, war, and reinvention. Ōsaki includes the subdistricts of Kami-Ōsaki (上大崎), Shimo-Ōsaki (下大崎), Gotanda (五反田), Nishi-Gotanda (西五反田), and Higashi-Gotanda (東五反田).
Ōsaki: What’s in a Name?
The name Ōsaki (大崎) means ‘Great Cape’ or ‘Great Peninsula’. Though it lies inland today, archaeological evidence shows that seawater from Tokyo Bay once extended up the Meguro River valley, making the hillsides of Ōsaki resemble a true peninsula.
Ancient Roots and Shell Mounds
Ōsaki is an archaeological treasure trove. The Irukibashi Shell Mound (居木橋貝塚) shows that people lived here over 5,000 years ago. Finds include ten types of shellfish, deer and sea bream bones, pottery, stone axes, and bone tools. Pit dwellings and additional shell mounds have been found in Kami-Ōsaki 3-chome, Kita-Shinagawa 5-chome, and near Seisen University.
Feudal Estates and Historical Villages
During the Edo period, Ōsaki comprised villages like Kami-Ōsaki, Shimo-Ōsaki, Kirigaya, and Umamibashi. These were part of several feudal domains. The Hitotsubashi and Sanada daimyo held estates in Kami-Ōsaki, while the Date daimyo of the Sendai domain held Shimo-Ōsaki.
Temples, Shrines, and Sacred Heritage
Tokuzō-ji Temple in Kami-Ōsaki preserves Edo-period Kōshin monuments and pilgrimage stones, some dating back to 1635. Shōgan-ji Temple, relocated to Kami-Ōsaki in 1661, is one of the few original wooden halls that survived WWII. Iruki Shrine remains active and marks the site of early settlements near the Meguro River.
Remnants, Parks, and Preservation
Ikedayama Park, the former site of the Ikeda Clan’s lower residence, retains features of the Edo-period estate. It also preserves an archaeological site with pottery fragments. A teahouse inscription by Matsudaira Fumai—’Sleep under the moon, dream amid clouds’—once displayed in Ōsaki, is held by the Tokyo National Museum.
Meiji Era to Modern Redevelopment
With the establishment of the Town and Village System in 1889, Kami-Ōsaki, Shimo-Ōsaki, and surrounding areas merged into Ōsaki Village. Ōsaki Station opened in 1901, sparking industrial development. After WWII, the area evolved from a manufacturing hub into a commercial and residential zone.
In 1982, Ōsaki was designated a ‘subcenter’ in Tokyo’s urban plan. From 2002 onward, major redevelopment projects introduced skyscrapers, luxury apartments, and integrated mixed-use buildings like ThinkPark, Osaki New City, and Gate City Ōsaki.
Ōsaki and the Shinagawa Hyakkei
Though known today for sleek towers and transit infrastructure, the Ōsaki area retains and celebrates its cultural and natural heritage through its own entries in the Shinagawa Hyakkei. From cherry blossoms to ancient shell mounds, here are the highlights:
Natural Scenery
Cherry Blossoms along the Meguro River (目黒川の桜)
One of Tokyo’s most famous cherry blossom routes runs right through Ōsaki. Walk the riverside path in spring to see a canopy of pink reflected in the waters of the Meguro River.
Cherry blossom trees on Mt. Hanabusa (花房山の桜並木)
A gorgeous hilltop walkway where cherry blossoms bloom in spring. This peaceful path connects modern residences to an older, slower Shinagawa.
Row of cherry trees in Gotanda Park (五反田公園の桜並木)
Gotanda Park becomes a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring, with seasonal flowers set against a backdrop of towers and trains.
Ikedayama Park (池田山公園)
Once part of a feudal lord’s estate, this is now a tranquil public garden with a pond, bridges, and lush foliage—a perfect oasis in central Tokyo.
Nemunoki Garden (ねむの木の庭)
A serene pocket park named for the “silk tree” (Albizia), this garden features shaded seating, quiet greenery, and occasional blossoms—a favorite of locals seeking calm.
Gotanda Fureai Muzube Hiroba (五反田ふれあい水辺広場)
This “waterfront plaza” is designed for relaxation along the riverbanks, with decks, benches, and seasonal plantings. A modern interpretation of water-centered community space.
Sacred & Historical Sites
Hikawa Shrine and Spring (氷川神社とわき水)
Dedicated to the kami of rivers and purity, this historic shrine is built alongside a natural spring. It’s a rare place where water and spirit still meet in the urban landscape.
Irugi Shrine and Irugihashi Shell Mound (居木神社と居木橋貝塚)
This site preserves evidence of prehistoric settlement in the Ōsaki area. The shrine stands near an ancient shell mound, reminding visitors that this part of Tokyo has been inhabited for millennia.
Architectural & Urban Views
Seisen University (The Former House of Duke Shimazu) (清泉女子大学（旧島津公爵邸）)
This elegant former residence of the Shimazu family blends classical Western architecture with Japanese refinement. Now a women’s university, the building and grounds offer unique historical character.
Landscape of Ōsaki Subcenter (大崎副都心の街並み ☆)
A modern scenic entry in the Hyakkei, this view showcases high-rise offices, transportation hubs, and riverside walkways that define the new face of the district. Especially striking at sunset or when lit at night.
Kamurozaka Slope (かむろ坂)
A charming historical slope lined with trees and older houses. A quieter corner of Shinagawa’s urban sprawl, steeped in everyday nostalgia.
