Shinagawa is located in the south-eastern area of Tokyo City and faces Tokyo Bay. There has been a marked transformation to Shinagawa City since the end of the Second World War, when much of the area was reduced to rubble.

It is now a vibrant city with commerce and industry split between manufacturing and service provision including electricity generation, machinery, optical glass manufacture (Nikon) and telecommunications.

The standard of living and concern for the quality of life, including the environment has seen the development of open green parks for leisure and recreation. In addition, the city is making a number of changes in the provision of welfare services, especially for the elderly, disabled and children.