🌸Gotanda’s Riverside Pocket of Calm
Gotanda Fureai Mizube Hiroba is a peaceful riverside park in Higashigotanda, Shinagawa Ward, offering a refreshing slice of nature just minutes from the bustling Gotanda Station. Opened on 6 July 2010 as part of the Higashigotanda 2-chome District 2 redevelopment project, it was developed alongside Tokyo Southern Garden. Planning began in 1991, the city plan was finalised in 2005, and construction started in June 2007.
This 1.8-hectare park runs along the Meguro River and features an open grassy plaza where visitors can relax, picnic, or simply enjoy the scenery. Artificial turf covers parts of the area, making it comfortable for leisure activities. While the original Sakura Terrace Gotanda gallery and restaurant was converted into a FamilyMart in 2022, the park continues to serve as a venue for community events such as the Meguro River Minna no Illumination during winter.
Moreover, it is the perfect place for seasonal cherry blossom viewing. Families and couples often spread out picnic mats in the spring, while the riverside steps offer casual seating for lunch breaks. Nearby playgrounds, railways, and convenience stores make it highly accessible and family-friendly. Whether for a lunchtime escape, evening stroll, or seasonal festival, Gotanda Fureai Mizube Hiroba is a delightful urban retreat in the heart of Shinagawa.
Gotanda Fureai Mizube Hiroba – what’s in a name?
It literally means Gotanda Interaction Riverside Plaza but best to think of it as Gotanda Waterfront Plaza,
🌸 Night-time Magic – Winter Illumination
Every winter, the park transforms during the Meguro River Minna no Illumination event. From mid-November to mid-January, the trees and riverside glow with pink LED lights, recreating the feeling of “winter cherry blossoms.” This event is unique because it uses 100% bio-diesel energy, generated from recycled cooking oil collected locally.
The illumination period is scheduled from mid-November to mid-January from 17:00 to 22:00 nightly. Entrance is free. Although the nearby Gotanda station area can get lively, the park itself remains a peaceful and romantic spot to enjoy the glowing lights reflected in the Meguro River.
Visitor Information
Address: 2 Chome-9-11 Higashigotanda, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 141-0022, Japan
Access: 3 minutes on foot from Gotanda Station (JR Yamanote, Asakusa, and Ikegami Lines)
Best Seasons: Spring (for cherry blossoms), Winter (for illumination)
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
Please respect the park environment. Keep noise to a minimum, dispose of rubbish properly, and be mindful during seasonal events.
Where is it?
| what3words | ///include.mini.duck |
| latitude longitude | 35.6240827, 139.7259866 |
| Nearest station(s) | Gotanda Station (JR Yamanote, Tokyu Ikegami, Toei Asakusa Line) |
| Nearest public conveniences | On-site, Gotanda Station or nearby cafés and convenience stores. |
Show me a sign.
Next to the road by the bridge.
Withervee says…
This place really comes alive during hanami season! Families picnic on the artificial turf, kids chase soap bubbles, and the occasional food truck wafts delicious smells across the lawn. If you’re visiting in winter, the soft pink glow of the illuminations reflecting off the river makes for a surreal, dreamlike walk.
Site Character
- Lifestyle 生活 (Seikatsu): ✔️
- Historical Significance 歴史 (Rekishi): ❌
- Atmosphere/Natural Features 風土 (Fūdo): ✔️
Who in their right mind would vote for this?
- Picnickers
- Cherry blossom hunters
- Families with children
- Office workers unwinding
- Winter illumination lovers
Further reading
While you’re there…
Grab a seasonal coffee at one of Gotanda’s growing number of riverside cafés or visit Nemunoki Garden for a poetic detour into imperial memory.
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