The Strings by InterContinental Tokyo
by the TopOfHotel team
The Strings sits high above the station with the best views in Shinagawa.
The Strings sits high above the station with the best views in Shinagawa.
In-Depth Review
The Strings by InterContinental Tokyo is a 5-star hotel that occupies floors 26 to 32 of the InterCity building, connected directly to Shinagawa Station. The lobby on floor 26 pulls in daylight through floor-to-ceiling glass, and the Tokyo view stretches wide the moment you walk in. It scores 8.9/10 from real reviews on Agoda and Booking.com, which reflects a steady, consistent standard.
Rooms and decor
Deluxe rooms start at 38 sqm, finished in warm browns with dark wood furniture and good-quality bedding. The large windows give a clear view over Tokyo, and the north-facing rooms catch Tokyo Tower and the Rainbow Bridge on a clear night. Several reviewers said the night view was better than they expected and worth what they paid. The bathroom keeps the tub and shower separate and stocks InterContinental toiletries. Rooms on floor 30 and up get a better view and more quiet, so it is worth asking at booking.
Food and amenities
The breakfast buffet at Strings Cafe is laid out on floor 26 by the glass, with a Japanese station (congee, grilled fish, miso soup) and a Western one (eggs any style, several cheeses, cold cuts, fresh-baked bread) plus good drip coffee — a breakfast reviewers rate among the best in Shinagawa. There is a well-equipped fitness center, and the Sky Lounge bar stays open late for a drink over the city at night. Business and meeting facilities cover work trips fully.
Location and getting there
The strongest card here is the location. The hotel connects to Shinagawa Station through an indoor walkway, so you stay dry. Shinagawa is a major Tokyo hub: you can pick up the Shinkansen straight to Osaka, Kyoto or Hiroshima, ride the Keikyu Line to Haneda Airport in 15 minutes, or take the Yamanote Line to Shibuya, Shinjuku or Akihabara. The station area has department stores, restaurants and convenience stores, and because Shinagawa is an IT and office district for several large companies, there are plenty of solid restaurants at reasonable prices.
Things to know before booking
Rates start at $243 and run up to around $629, higher than most hotels in the same area. Standard rooms are on the compact side for this price tier, so book up if floor space matters. Parking is limited — plan to get around by train rather than by car.
Our take
The Strings by InterContinental Tokyo fits business travelers connecting to the Shinkansen, couples after a romantic high-floor view above the 30th floor, and anyone who wants a convenient base between central Tokyo and Haneda Airport. Rates start at $243 — high, but worth it for a 5-star stay in this spot.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- The Tokyo panorama from floor 26 and up is the headline draw, and it is especially good at night. North-facing rooms can pick out Tokyo Tower and the Rainbow Bridge when the sky is clear.
- The location is hard to beat. It is a 2-minute walk to Shinagawa Station through a covered indoor walkway, so you can connect straight to the Shinkansen without stepping outside.
- The breakfast buffet runs full Japanese and Western stations side by side, from congee, grilled fish and miso soup to eggs cooked to order, several cheeses, cold cuts and fresh-baked bread.
- Service is attentive and the staff speak good English, which makes check-in and requests easy for international guests.
- Rooms are clean and modern with high-quality furniture, and the separate bathtub and shower come with InterContinental toiletries.
- Rates start at $243 a night and climb to around $629, which is higher than most hotels in the same area.
- Standard rooms are fairly compact for this price tier, so book up if floor space matters to you.
- Parking is limited, so plan to arrive and get around by train rather than by car.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Insider Tips
- Book a room on floor 30 or above for the full Tokyo view, especially on the north-east side, and ask at booking to improve your odds.
- The breakfast buffet opens at 6:30; arrive before 7:30 to grab a table by the window.
- Use the indoor walkway through the InterCity building to reach Shinagawa Station without getting rained on.