Meguro Travel Guide

Discover Meguro, a beautiful district in Tokyo, Japan. This comprehensive travel guide includes the best things to do, where to stay, how to get there, and more.


Introduction to Meguro

Travelers who opt for the less touristy neighborhoods of Tokyo often discover the hidden gems of this cosmopolitan city. Meguro, located in the southwestern part of Tokyo, is one such district. This fashionable and sophisticated neighborhood combines traditional Japanese culture with modern amenities.

A blend of stylish restaurants, cafes, and bars sit alongside serene parks and shrines. Meguro is also famous for its cherry blossom-lined Meguro river, which attracts crowds of visitors during the blooming season. With its fusion of nature and modernity, Meguro is a must-visit destination in Tokyo, Japan.

List of Places to Visit in Meguro

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Meguro Parasitological Museum: A unique museum with the world’s largest collection of parasites. The museum is dedicated to educating the public about the importance of parasitology in medicine, ecology, and society as a whole.

  • Meguro Gajoen: A luxurious artistic hotel and museum featuring authentic Japanese art and architecture. Artistic and cultural events are also held here throughout the year.

  • Sugimotodera Temple: This is one of the oldest temples in Tokyo with a beautiful garden and an ancient pagoda that offers an impressive view of the mountains.

Natural Attractions of Meguro: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Meguro River: A beautiful river which is famous for its cherry blossom trees. A walk along the river can be a perfect way to enjoy the scenery and relax during your trip.

  • Meguro Sky Garden: This rooftop garden, located on top of the Meguro Station, offers stunning views of the city below.

  • Rinshi no Mori Park: A peaceful park that is off the beaten path, with plenty of walking trails and natural scenery to enjoy.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Meguro

  • Mount Takao Hiking Trail: Located at the western end of Tokyo, Mount Takao has various hiking trails for all levels of hikers. The trail offers amazing views of the city skyline and can be quite a challenging hike.

  • Tamagawa Cycling Road: A scenic 32-km bike trail that runs along the Tamagawa River, from the western suburbs of Tokyo to the south of the city.

Best Things to Do in Meguro: Activities and Tours

  • Cooking Classes: Try a cooking class experience to learn the art of Japanese food. There are plenty of classes that cater to tourists.

  • Shopping: Meguro is known for its variety of shopping experiences, from trendy boutiques to traditional artisan stores.

  • Traditional Tea Ceremony: Experience the art of tea-making and appreciate the simple pleasures found in traditional Japanese culture. Visitors can participate in ceremonies throughout the year.

Week-Long Itinerary for Meguro

| Day | Activity | | — | — | |1| Stroll around Meguro River, visit the Parasitological Museum, and explore local shops and cafes. | |2| Hike the Mt.Takao trail, and enjoy the stunning views from the top.| |3| Visit temples, like Sugimotodera Temple or Horaijisanji Temple, and enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch or dinner. | |4| Join a cooking class, and prepare authentic Japanese dishes while learning about local ingredients.| |5| Rent a bike and ride along the Tamagawa Cycling Road or explore the parks around Meguro. | |6| Visit museums like Meguro Gajoen or Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum, and enjoy an evening in one of the local bars. | |7| Head to the Sky Garden, enjoy the panoramic views from the top, and try some unique Japanese ice cream flavors. |

Food and Drink Scene of Meguro

Must-Try Dishes

  • Shabu-shabu: A Japanese hotpot dish, where thin slices of meat and vegetables are cooked in a simmering broth at the table. A healthy and delicious meal that is widely available in Meguro restaurants.

  • Soba noodles: A popular Japanese soba restaurant called Sarashina Horii serves handmade, high-quality soba noodles in a tranquil Japanese-style setting.

  • Sushi: Kado, located in the Ikejiri-Ohashi district, serves some of the highest quality sushi in Meguro.

Local Beverages

  • Plum wine: A sweet, tart, and fruity traditional Japanese wine made from plums which is available in many local bars in Meguro.

  • Matcha: Visit a traditional tea house to try matcha, a popular and healthy green tea with a unique and earthy flavor.

  • Sake: Masumi is a Japanese sake brewery located in Meguro. Visitors can take a guided tour of the brewery and taste a variety of sake.

Where to Stay in Meguro: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Meguro has a variety of accommodation options that cater to travelers of all budgets:

  • Hotel Gajoen Tokyo: A luxuriously designed hotel with a spa, salon, and fitness center. A stay here is like an art and cultural experience wrapped in luxury.

  • Marroad Inn Tokyo: A budget-friendly hotel with modest rooms and a centralized location.

  • Meguro Guesthouse: A cozy and affordable guesthouse that offers a homely experience at a fraction of the cost of a hotel.

What to Buy in Meguro: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Traditional Crafts: Visit the Meguro Parasitological Museum to buy fun and unique souvenirs like plush parasites and parasite-themed merchandise.

  • Matcha: Bring back high-quality matcha tea from the restaurants and tea shops in Meguro.

  • Japanese Sweets: Tokyo Hiyoko, a sweet shop located near Meguro Station, sells traditional Japanese sweets like Hiyoko and Wagashi that make for great souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Meguro

Japan is known for its unique culture, and Meguro has its own distinctive customs, such as:

  • Cherry Blossom Festivals: Meguro is famous for its cherry blossoms, and during the blooming season, many festivals and events are held to celebrate the arrival of spring.

  • The Art of Tea: The tea ceremony is an important part of Japanese culture, and visitors can participate in traditional tea ceremonies at various tea houses around Meguro.

  • Etiquette: Japanese culture places great emphasis on respect and manners. When visiting local shrines, it’s important to follow proper etiquette and show respect towards the customs.

Best Time to Visit Meguro

Meguro is an excellent destination to visit year-round, and you can experience different seasonal charms. The cherry blossom season runs from late March to early April, and fall is a great time to enjoy the colors of autumn leaves. Summer is usually hot and humid, but visitors can enjoy the fireworks festivals and other summer events.

Do’s and Don’ts of Meguro

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine at traditional restaurants and cafes.
  • Take off your shoes when entering a traditional Japanese restaurant or tea house.
  • Respect the customs and etiquette when visiting shrines and temples.

Don’t:

  • Be loud and disruptive in public places. Japanese culture values quiet and reserved behavior in public spaces.
  • Forget to carry enough cash as many restaurants still prefer cash payment only.
  • Wear shoes inside temples, shrines, and traditional restaurants.

Safety and Health

Safety in Meguro

Meguro is generally a safe area to travel in. However, always be aware of your surroundings and belongings in crowded areas.

Health in Meguro

Japan is one of the healthiest and safest countries in the world. Visitors can drink tap water, and the food hygiene regulations are strict.

Getting to Meguro: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Meguro

  • Haneda Airport: The closest airport to Meguro, located around 15 km away from Meguro. It offers a variety of domestic and international flights.

  • Narita Airport: The main international airport in Tokyo, located around 80km away from Meguro.

Bus Stations Near Meguro

  • Meguro Bus Terminal: Offers long-distance Bus services to various destinations in Japan.

  • Shibuya Station Bus Terminal: Accessible from Meguro station, offers bus services throughout Tokyo and several other cities.

Other Options

  • Train: Meguro Station is served by the JR Yamanote, Tokyo Metro Namboku, and Toei Mita lines, making it accessible to most major districts in Tokyo.

  • Taxi: Taxis are easily available throughout the city, but are relatively expensive compared to other modes of transport.

How to Get Around in Meguro

Meguro is an easy district to explore on foot or by public transport, but the best way to explore is by bike.

Public Transport

  • JR Yamanote Line: Runs in a loop and connects Meguro to major Tokyo districts.

  • Tokyo Metro Namboku Line: Runs through Meguro from north to south.

  • Toei Mita Line: Runs through the east part of Meguro.

Bicycle

  • Meguro Bicycle Rental: Visitors can rent bikes and explore the district while also experiencing local nature and attractions.

Where to Go Next from Meguro: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Shimokitazawa: A trendy and bohemian neighborhood located south of Meguro, well known for its vintage shops, coffeehouses, and live music venues.

  • Daikanyama: Located a short walk from Meguro, Daikanyama is a stylish and laid back district with high-end designer shopping and trendy cafes.

  • Setagaya Park: Located in Setagaya, a quiet residential district south of Meguro, it boasts extensive sports facilities, a bird sanctuary, and a large pond, making it an ideal picnic spot.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Meguro district is a perfect location for those wishing to experience a traditional Japanese culture in a modern setting, with accessible transportation systems, delicious food, and unique shopping experiences. Plan a trip to this hidden gem in Tokyo and discover the charm of Meguro.

Cherry blossom petals in the Meguro River Cherry blossom petals in the Meguro River