Friendship City of Shinagawa
Let’s Get to Know Geneva, Switzerland!

Shinagawa City and Geneva, Switzerland signed a friendship charter on September 9, 1991, and last year marked the milestone thirtieth anniversary of the relationship. Friendship ties started between the two cities after the bell of Honsenji Temple in Minami-Shinagawa, lost after it was taken abroad for an exposition, was discovered in Geneva’s Ariana Park.

Inquiries: Peace and International Affairs, General Affairs Section
(Tel: 03-5742-6691, Fax: 03-3774-6356)

Characteristics of Geneva

Features of the city: The largest city of the Canton of Geneva, Geneva is located on the western end of Lake Geneva and ringed by the Alps and Jura Mountains. The city’s old town, which has a rich history and culture, is situated on the left bank of the Rhone River.
On the river’s right bank are many international institutions, such as the European headquarters of the United Nations and the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Four languages are recognized as official national languages: French, German, Italian, and Romansh. Since many Swiss people speak English as their second language, English is a common language in the country.

■ Area: 15.93 km²
■ Population: About 205,000
■ Time difference with Japan: Minus eight hours (Geneva is eight hours behind Japan).
Note: Between the last Sunday of March (starting date) and the last Sunday of October (ending date), the time difference is minus seven hours in summertime.

Here are some sites in Shinagawa City that are linked to Geneva

Honsenji Temple Bell

The temple’s bell was lost in Europe but later found in Geneva’s Ariana Park and returned to Honsenji Temple.

Location: 3-5-17 Minami-Shinagawa
Nearest station: About a five-minute walk from Aomono-yokocho Station.

Geneva Heiwa-dori Street

Because of the Honsenji Temple bell connection, Geneva gave Shinagawa a sign that says “Avenue de la Paix (‘Peace Street’ in French)” as a gift. Although the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has control over the street, the street was named Geneva Heiwa-dori (Geneva Peace Street) at the request of local residents having friendly ties with Geneva.

Nearest station: About a one-minute walk from Aomono-yokocho Station.

Flower Clock

To commemorate the friendship charter’s tenth anniversary, Geneva presented these clock hands to Shinagawa City. Shinagawa’s flower clock was constructed using the famed Flower Clock in Geneva as a model.

Location: 4-12-6 Higashi-Shinagawa (plaza in front of Aeon Style Shinagawa Seaside)
Nearest station: About a four-minute walk from Shinagawa Seaside Station.

Friendship City of Shinagawa Let’s Get to Know Geneva, Switzerland!

Friendship City of Shinagawa
Let’s Get to Know Geneva, Switzerland!