The ecute shopping complex inside Shinagawa Station is currently celebrating its 4th Anniversary. The complex has a nice mix of shops for people who are waiting to board Shinkansen trains. There are bentos, cakes and gifts to be bought as well as a nice mix of small restaurants.
The anniversary fair is celebrating by showing some of the history of the area and products with connections from past times. The fair is on until 18 October, 2009. Be aware, you have to access the shops from inside the station. If you are not traveling anywhere you can buy a platform ticket (nyujouken, 入場券).
It is interesting to see below how the shape of the bay has changed over time. The left frame is from Edo times. The right is the present. By filling in an shaping the bay, land has been created. On the far right, the kanji says Odaiba. You can also see the rivers are much narrower today.
Shinagawa-ken
One interesting point of history is that Shinagawa-ku used to actually be designated as a ken 県. It was known as Shinagawa-ken 品川県 for a period of 2 years from Meiji 2 to Meiji 4.
The fair is open until the middle of October. If you are in the area it may be worth taking a look. It is more of an shopping atmosphere than a museum display so make sure you go on an empty stomach.
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Latest: RT @Shibuya246: Shinagawa Ecute Anniversary, Japan shopping | Shibuya246 http://bt.io/FtL A great place to shop eat “Then All Aboard.”