More Than Cherry Blossoms! A Travel Guide to Enjoying the Best of the Meguro River
The “Meguro River” is famous as a cherry blossom spot, but in winter you can actually enjoy illuminations, too.
The surrounding area is also dotted with stylish spots with a refined vibe.
Even when people say “Meguro River,” the area it refers to can change depending on the context or situation, so you might get confused about where it is and what’s nearby.
But don’t worry.
In this article, we’ll clearly introduce everything from the basics, like where the “Meguro River” flows from and to, to its highlights and recommended nearby sightseeing spots and food.
What is the Meguro River Like?
The “Meguro River” is a river that runs through Setagaya, Meguro, and Shinagawa wards in Tokyo and flows into Tokyo Bay.
Along both banks of the “Meguro River,” around 800 cherry trees line the river for around 2.5 miles, creating a beautiful tunnel of blossoms in spring.
With unique cafes and restaurants lining the riverside, it’s one of Tokyo’s most stylish areas.
A calm streetscape also spreads out around the Meguro River, with chic shops and museums scattered throughout.
Whether you’re out for a walk, taking it slow at a distinctive cafe or bar, or shopping at stylish stores, you can enjoy a luxurious time as you stroll along the river.
Access to the Meguro River
Because the “Meguro River” flows through central Tokyo, it’s an easy sightseeing spot to reach.
Here’s how to get from “Tokyo Station,” a major hub for getting around Tokyo, to “Meguro Station” and “Nakameguro Station.”
If you want to enjoy a relaxed stroll on your way to the “Meguro River,” use “Meguro Station.”
From “Tokyo Station,” take the JR Yamanote Line, get off at “Meguro Station,” then walk Approx. 10 minutes. Total travel time is Approx. 30 minutes.
If you want to use the station closest to the “Meguro River,” “Nakameguro Station” is recommended.
From “Tokyo Station,” take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, transfer to the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line at “Kasumigaseki Station,” and get off at “Nakameguro Station.” It’s a 1-minute walk from there.
Total travel time is Approx. 20 minutes.
There are many stations with access to the “Meguro River,” but if you’re visiting the spots introduced in this article, “Meguro Station” or “Nakameguro Station” is recommended.
Meguro River: A Famous Cherry Blossom Spot with Beautiful, Classic Japanese Scenery
The “Meguro River” is also one of Tokyo’s top cherry blossom viewing spots.
During cherry blossom season, cherry blossom festivals and nighttime light-ups are held, drawing large crowds of flower-viewing visitors.
The rows of around 800 Somei Yoshino cherry trees in full bloom, softly glowing lanterns, and the blossoms and lights reflected on the river’s surface create a truly special, classic Japanese atmosphere.
The best time to see the cherry blossom tunnel that covers the “Meguro River” is from late March to early April.
Two hidden highlights are “hanafubuki,” when petals blow through the air like a snowstorm, and “hanaikada,” when fallen petals float on the water’s surface like a raft.
At the cherry blossom festival, many food stalls line the riverside, where you can enjoy not only classic festival foods, but also a variety of cherry blossom-themed sweets and drinks.
At riverside restaurants along the Meguro River, you can enjoy serious dining while viewing the blossoms from inside the restaurant or from its terrace.
If you want to see cherry blossoms at the “Meguro River,” head to the area around “Nakameguro Station,” where the cherry blossom festival is held.
Please note that depending on the location, there may be fewer cherry trees, or the festival may not be held.
Cherry Blossoms in Winter? Wintertime Meguro River Illuminations
The “Meguro River” is famous for cherry blossoms, but the winter illuminations that color the “Meguro River” are also not to be missed.
Across Approx. 1.4 miles, it’s decorated with 350,000 cherry-blossom-pink LEDs, creating a scene that looks like cherry blossoms in full bloom in winter.
The illumination area is the “Meguro River” around JR Osaki Station and Gotanda Station.
You can see the illuminations from December to the following January during “Meguro River Minna no Illumination,” but the event period varies each year.
If you want to know the event dates in real time, check the official website.
It’s also gaining attention as an eco-friendly event that recycles used cooking oil collected from households and restaurants in the area and uses it as a power source.
Start Here! 3 Must-Visit Sightseeing Spots Around the Meguro River
The charm of the “Meguro River” isn’t just cherry blossom viewing and illuminations.
Stylish spots are concentrated around the Meguro River, so you can shop and enjoy art while strolling along the riverside.
Since “around the Meguro River” covers a wide area, you might not know where to start.
In that case, start with the recommended sightseeing spots introduced below.
On the way to each spot, if you find a shop or place that catches your eye, feel free to drop in.
That’s sure to make your Meguro River walk even more enjoyable.
1. Yebisu Garden Place
A complex with restaurants and cafes, a department store with popular brand shops, a movie theater, museums, and more scattered across a lush, green site.
From casual cafes to top-class famous restaurants, there’s an impressive lineup of dining options. You can also enjoy shopping for cosmetics and fashion goods.
It also has plenty of facilities where you can experience high-sense culture, such as movies, photography, and concerts.
2. Tokyo Photographic Art Museum
Opened as Japan’s first museum dedicated to photography and video in 1995.
It’s located in a corner of the complex “Yebisu Garden Place.” Exhibitions mainly focus on the museum collection and special exhibitions, and it presents a wide range of photography and video works from Japan and abroad across three galleries and a hall.
The collection includes over 36,000 works (as of March 2022), systematically covering everything from works that convey the dawn of photography and video to the latest works by contemporary artists.
In the collection exhibition “TOP Collection,” curators select and present works from the collection based on a theme. Along with special exhibitions, it holds around 15 exhibitions per year.
3. Daikanyama T-SITE
A complex centered around a large bookstore, with many specialty shops gathered together.
The facility’s core, “Daikanyama Tsutaya Books,” consists of Buildings 1–3 and offers a wide selection of books across themes like literature, art, travel, cooking, and foreign-language titles.
Its selections are curated by specialist concierges, sure to satisfy book lovers’ desire to read.
In addition to books, there are also recommendation corners for movies and music, so you can enjoy all kinds of entertainment.
3 Great Food Spots Around the Meguro River with Style and Character
Around the Meguro River, you’ll find unique, stylish cafes and restaurants scattered throughout.
Here are some food spots to stop by when you’re hungry or tired from exploring the area around the Meguro River.
1. ristorante scintilla (Ristorante Scintilla)
A hideaway-like fine dining restaurant on the basement first floor of “the GARDEN,” a complex facility filled with unique shops across many genres, such as a tasteful flower shop and a bookstore with a unique theme.
In a solid, chic blue-gray space said to minimize visual information so guests can focus their five senses on the food, you can enjoy refined, modern, and gorgeous dishes by Chef Yuichi Takegasa.
2. Queen's Collection Chocolate Cafe DAIKANYAMA
A cafe lined with chocolate-focused items. There are many kinds of chocolate drinks alone.
The signature menu item is the DIY “Queen’s Hot Chocolate.”
You can melt as much of your favorite chocolate as you like over the heat of a candle to make it yourself.
The happy aroma of chocolate is soothing.
3. Tera Cafe Daikanyama
Inside, it has an open atmosphere, with Buddha artwork displayed and real Buddhist statues placed throughout.
It’s a rare cafe where you can actually dine while chatting with a Buddhist monk.
You can experience gentle-on-the-body shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, the meals monks eat) and healthy Japanese dishes made with seasonal ingredients.
3 Recommended Places to Stay Around the Meguro River
With different looks in every season, the Meguro River is one of the most enjoyable areas in Tokyo for a walk.
After strolling along the river and soaking in the atmosphere of the city, you’ll want to relax at a place that fits your travel style.
From easy, casual stays to refined, high-end hotels, here are recommended accommodations to choose around the Meguro River.
1. The Westin Tokyo
“The Westin Tokyo” is a luxury hotel located inside Yebisu Garden Place.
With well-being (health and happiness of mind and body) as its theme, it offers high-quality guest rooms and attentive service.
It’s also an environmentally conscious hotel that has received international “Green Key Certification.”
2. Hotel Mid In Meguro Ekimae
A conveniently located hotel, just a 3-minute walk from Meguro Station along Gonno-suke Slope, making it great for sightseeing around Tokyo.
From Meguro Station, you can access popular spots like Roppongi, Shibuya, and Harajuku within 10 minutes by train.
Guest rooms are simple yet prioritize functionality and design. With beds, bedding, and furniture created in collaboration with “Nihonbashi Nishikawa,” a brand with over 440 years of history, you can spend a comfortable time in a calm atmosphere.
3. The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
A luxury hotel with 245 rooms, located on floors 45–53 of “Tokyo Midtown,” a complex directly connected to Roppongi Station in Tokyo.
The guest rooms are refined spaces blending Eastern and Western styles, and the large windows offer sweeping views of the Imperial Palace Outer Gardens, the Tokyo Bay area, Mt. Fuji, and more.
Meguro River Reviews
4.68
Some reviews are AI-translated.
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During the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival, 800 cherry trees bloom all at once—it's absolutely beautiful and impressive. But the crowds are also huge! At night, the illuminated cherry blossoms are a whole different kind of gorgeous.
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There are tons of cherry trees planted along the Meguro River. At the end of March, the cherry blossoms form a spectacular pink tunnel. The best way to enjoy the 4-kilometer stretch of blossoms is by taking a river cruise. At night, the crowds get bigger, and there are lots of food stalls along the way, so you won't go hungry. The nighttime cherry blossom lights are on until 9 p.m.
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Both sides of the riverbank are covered with cherry blossoms. The pink and white flowers are especially beautiful.
FAQ about the Meguro River
Q
When is the best time to see cherry blossoms along the Meguro River?
A
From late March to early April.
Q
When is the Meguro River cherry blossom festival?
A
It’s held every year during the peak cherry blossom season.
Summary
So, what did you think of this introduction to the highlights of the “Meguro River” and nearby sightseeing spots?
By now, you should have a good idea of what’s appealing about the “Meguro River,” where to go, and what you’ll find in the area.
Use this article as a guide and enjoy the Meguro River’s cherry blossoms, winter illuminations, and stylish spots around the neighborhood.
If you want to discover more popular places in Tokyo, check out this article too.