Meguro is a beautiful district in southwestern Tokyo that has a lot to offer visitors. The special thing about this place is its good atmosphere, for example, you can wander endlessly through the various streets and along the Meguro River. Spring is considered the most beautiful time to visit, as it is then that all the trees along the waterside are full of seasonal blossoms.
The name “Meguro”, meaning “black eyes”, comes from the Fudō statue near the Ryūsenji temple. This sculpture is one of 5, placed at strategic points in what is now Tokyo during the Edo period. Each of these statues had different coloured eyes, with the one in Meguro being black. This area was originally two separate cities also consisting of Hibusuma. In 1932, they were merged to make the present-day district and have remained the same since.
The area around the main train station is the heart of the district, with skyscrapers and high-end apartment buildings making up the skyline. There are also many shops and eateries here. Another place to find these facilities is around the Naka-Meguro Station, which is idyllically located along the river. The neighborhood is located in a great spot within Tokyo, with good connections to other parts of the city. Meguro station is a major public transit hub as the Yamanote line stops here, providing easy access to all places.
What to See
Meguro river: Picture by Susann Schuster on Unsplash
The Meguro River
The Meguro River is one of Tokyo’s most beloved and famous sightseeing spots, attracting thousands of visitors every year, both local and international. The biggest reason for this is the numerous Cherry Blossom trees that line the waterside. During the Sakura Season, usually March or April, the thousands of trees open in full bloom along the riverbank, creating a site you simply can’t miss. This creates a breathtaking tunnel of pink that stretches across and along the river. People gather along the bank to relax and enjoy the enchanting atmosphere created by the Sakura. The best place to view this is Nakameguro although it can get very crowded here. You can book a tour with us to make sure to enjoy Meguro Hanami the local way!
Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jw7uzZSDcF44c4hx8
Meguro Parasitological Museum: Picture by Tim Brons
Meguro Parasitological Museum
In the Meguro Parasitological Museum, you will enter the world of parasites and the science of parasitology. If you are interested in these things, this place is a must-visit. It is a small museum but don’t let that stop you as they have an incredibly large collection. It gives a nice insight into the life of parasites. Even the ones that fatten themselves on humans are covered, with examples including the tapeworm, trematode and nematode. It is interesting to see the effects of these on the human body. There is also a research library where you can find many different papers and books on parasitology and also a lot of specimens. There is a shop in the museum, located on the second floor. Here you can buy postcards, T-shirts and phone straps with actual parasites embedded in acrylic.
It is free to visitors and depends on donations so make sure to not miss it!
Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dq5UNVAKZLq4ho4EA
The Tokyo Photographic Art Museum: Picture by Tim Brons
Tokyo Photographic Art Museum
Located in Yebisu Garden Place in Meguro, the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum (also known as the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography) is where you can find the largest collection of photography in Japan. It opened its doors in 1995 and has galleries spread over three floors. The place organizes its exhibitions according to different themes, historical periods and individual photographers. The Museum does not really have a permanent exhibition, instead constantly rotating through its extensive collection, changing every three or four months. It has a store and a café, the shop has many books for sale, however, most are in Japanese. True photography fans can visit the library or the print study room. There is also a studio for workshops related to taking photos, a film room and computers that visitors can use to search the gallery’s collection.
Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hwTymX5oLdtQL4Yx6
The Ryusenji Temple: Picture by Tim Brons
The Ryusenji Temple
The Ryusenji Temple also known as Meguro-fudō, is a large Buddhist place of worship. Rather than being named after the area around it, the temple is actually the origin of the name of the district. Founded in the year 808, Ryutenji got its more famous name of Meguro-fudō which translates to black eye. The grounds are beautifully serene, and there are no tall buildings towering over the grounds, making it unique in Tokyo. The temple can be reached by a 20-minute walk from Meguro Station or a slightly shorter walk from Meguro Fudō-mae Station.
Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BwjnvmLoMoGLpSFA
Where to Eat
The Peanut Cafe: Picture by Mia de Jesus on Unsplash
Peanut Cafe Meguro
The “Peanut Cafe” is an eatery in the Meguro district of Tokyo, Japan. The cafe is known for the Snoopy theme it adheres to, making it great for seasoned fans. But it is also fun for all kinds of people, as it creates a fun and playful atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. There is also a gift shop in the building where you can buy Snoopy gifts.
It is highly recommended to make a reservation as it is a small cafe and can get very crowded.
Google maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xEYX9cq4hCUwZWY1A
Ramen Break Beats: Picture by beatsby_yanase on Instagram
Ramen Break Beats
Ramen Break Beats is a well-known restaurant that is known for its delicious ramen and the high quality of the products from which its food is made. It is a small eatery with about 10 places to sit, but this makes for a very pleasant atmosphere. For anyone who likes high-quality ramen, this restaurant comes highly recommended! It is recommended to make a reservation, due to being very popular and the limited seating. You can do this starting at 9:45 in the morning through the restaurant.
Google maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NZGnU8NQcGsRYRD4A
Johann Cheesecake: Picture by Tim Brons
Johann Cheesecake
Johann Cheesecake is a famous and beloved bakery and patisserie in Meguro. This patisserie is known for its delicious and carefully prepared cheesecakes, which are a culinary sensation for locals and tourists alike. The bakery offers many different types of this cake, so you are sure to find one that suits you. If you are a cheesecake lover and you are in Meguro then a visit to this place is definitely worthwhile. You can enjoy these top-quality pastries in a friendly and welcoming environment. Don’t forget to take some extra to enjoy at home!
Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cQz6B8VMFrPzLRoPA
Stand Kiyosugu restaurant: picture by Mos Design on unsplash
Stand Kiyosugu
Stand Kiyosugu restaurant is an idyllic place near Naka-Meguro station that serves both lunch and dinner. There is a lively atmosphere in the restaurant that makes you quickly tempted to go inside. However, this is not the only reason to go in, as the food is also delicious. They have Japanese cuisine, specializing in raw fish that they can prepare incredibly deliciously.
Google maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/x83AfMfmgmxbxQ1DA
Make Sure You Don’t Miss Meguro
In short, Meguro is a district you definitely shouldn’t skip when visiting Tokyo. It will surprise you with its beauty and atmosphere and the many museums it has to offer will not bore you. In the spring months, the place is definitely a must-visit with cozy eateries placed among the beautiful Sakura trees of the Meguro River. It’s great to walk around here! Don’t miss this place!
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