Things To Do
in Meguro
Meguro is a residential and commercial district located in central Tokyo, Japan. It is known for its upscale residential neighborhoods, trendy shopping streets, and diverse dining options. The district is also home to several parks and gardens, providing a peaceful escape from the bustling city life.
Meguro River, which runs through the area, is famous for its scenic cherry blossom views during the spring season.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Meguro River, known for its beautiful cherry blossoms. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, enjoying the serene atmosphere.
Head to the Meguro Parasitological Museum for a unique experience about parasites and their impact on humans and animals. This quirky museum offers fascinating insights that can be quite surprising.
Conclude your day with dinner at a local izakaya, where you can enjoy traditional Japanese dishes. Sample various small plates, and soak in the lively ambiance.
Start your morning with a walk around Ikedayama Park, where you can capture stunning photos of nature. The lush greenery and tranquil surroundings make it a perfect spot for photography.
Visit the Meguro Museum of Art, which showcases contemporary artworks and provides an insight into local culture. Enjoy the beautiful exhibits and take some great shots.
Find a quaint café to enjoy a refreshing beverage while organizing your photography for the day. This is also a great time to reflect on your explorations.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful residential area with a mix of traditional and modern architecture.
- Great access to parks and nature, including the Meguro River which is famous for cherry blossoms.
- Vibrant culinary scene with numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars.
- Well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to access central Tokyo.
- Community-oriented with various local events and activities.
- Can be expensive to live in due to its desirable location in Tokyo.
- Limited nightlife compared to more famous districts like Shibuya and Shinjuku.
- Crowds during hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season can be overwhelming.
- Some areas may be noisy due to traffic and local events.
- Less international presence compared to other parts of Tokyo, which may be a drawback for expats.
Best Activities in Meguro
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Meguro River during cherry blossom season, usually in late March to early April.
Visit this rooftop garden to enjoy panoramic views of the city and take part in outdoor yoga sessions.
Explore the unique outdoor exhibits on parasitology, including the garden with various specimens embedded in resin.
Tours
Uncover the best of Meguro with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Meguro
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of the city and a relaxing atmosphere for photography.
Great for cherry blossom views in spring and picturesque canal shots throughout the year.
Scenic park with beautiful gardens and walking paths for capturing natural landscapes.
Historic temple with traditional architecture and serene gardens, perfect for capturing peaceful moments.
Food in Meguro
Meguro Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rich and creamy pork bone broth with fresh ramen noodles, tender chashu pork, and a seasoned soft-boiled egg. Don't miss the savory, comforting bowl offered at Meguro Ramenya.
Must-Try!
Juicy skewers of grilled chicken, often seasoned with smoky tare sauce. Experience the best of Yakitori at Toriki, a renowned spot for this classic Japanese dish.
Fresh, expertly crafted sushi featuring the finest cuts of fish. Indulge in Omakase sushi at Sushi Yuu, known for its impeccable quality and artful presentation.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore a bustling market offering a wide array of street food delights such as takoyaki, yakisoba, and freshly prepared tempura. The market is an ideal spot to savor authentic local flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Meguro and Japan as a whole, bowing is a common form of greeting and showing respect. It is important to bow when meeting someone for the first time or when expressing gratitude or apology.
When entering someone's home, traditional ryokan, or certain restaurants and temples, it's customary to remove your shoes. This shows respect for the cleanliness of the space and the hospitality of the host.
Using polite language and honorifics when speaking to others, especially to those who are older or in higher positions, is a sign of respect in Japanese culture. It's important to be mindful of language choices to show proper respect.
Safety
Tipping in Meguro
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is generally not practiced in Japan, including Meguro. It is not expected or required in restaurants, hotels, or other service establishments.
In Meguro, as in the rest of Japan, cash is the most common form of payment. Many places do not accept credit cards, especially smaller establishments. However, larger stores and hotels may accept credit cards. Contactless payments like IC cards and mobile payment systems are also increasingly popular.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for cherry blossoms and enjoyable weather.
Expect warm weather and vibrant summer festivals.
Great for colorful foliage and comfortable temperatures.
Ideal for enjoying winter illuminations and hot springs in nearby areas.
Meguro at Night
Hiking in Meguro
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large park located just a short distance from Meguro. It offers wide paths for walking and jogging, along with beautiful greenery and quiet spots for contemplation.
Located about an hour from Meguro, Mount Takao offers a variety of hiking trails and stunning views of Tokyo from the summit. The trails are well-maintained and accessible for hikers of all levels.
This area features a lovely walking path surrounded by ginkgo trees, ideal for a leisurely hike or walk. It's a peaceful retreat within the city.
While mainly a landscaped garden, Shinjuku Gyoen offers extensive walking paths and beautiful scenery that can make for a pleasant hiking-like experience.
A hidden gem in Setagaya, this lush, green valley offers a unique hiking experience with a peaceful stream and beautiful nature trails, just a short distance from Meguro.
Aiports
How to reach Meguro by plane.
Tokyo's primary airport located in Ota, about 13 km from Meguro. It is one of the busiest airports in the world, primarily serves domestic flights and international destinations.
Located in Chiba Prefecture, approximately 70 km from Meguro. It mainly serves international flights and is the major airport for long-haul international travelers in the Tokyo area.
Located in Osaka Prefecture, about 400 km from Meguro. It serves as a major hub for international flights to and from Japan and is known for its unique offshore construction.
Located in Aichi Prefecture, approximately 350 km from Meguro. It serves international and domestic flights and is known for its modern facilities and services.
Located near Sapporo in Hokkaido, about 1000 km from Meguro. It is the busiest airport in Hokkaido, serving both international and domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant demographic group consisting of citizens of Japan.
Includes expatriates and immigrants living in Meguro, contributing to the multicultural aspect of the area.
Young individuals, primarily from universities and colleges, living in Meguro for education.
A growing demographic group, consisting of older adults who are retirees or living in care facilities.
Households comprising parents living with their children, representing a significant part of the local community.
Individuals in their 20s and 30s who work in various industries and choose to reside in Meguro for its commercial and cultural offerings.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is a widely popular sport in Japan, with a strong following in Meguro. Local teams and schools compete in various leagues, and the sport is enjoyed by both players and spectators.
Soccer has seen tremendous growth in popularity in Japan, including Meguro. Community leagues and events attract many participants and fans, fostering a vibrant soccer culture.
Basketball is also a popular sport in Meguro, with many schools and local clubs offering programs for various age groups. The sport enjoys a strong following among young athletes.
Running is embraced by many in Meguro, with parks and paths that provide excellent spots for jogging and participating in local running events and marathons.
Various forms of martial arts, such as judo and kendo, have a significant presence in Meguro. Dojos and training centers offer classes for all ages, emphasizing discipline and respect.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Meguro.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Japanese cuisine heavily features meat and seafood, some restaurants in Meguro offer vegetarian and vegan dishes like vegetable tempura and tofu-based dishes. Popular spots like Ain Soph Journey and Brown Rice Canteen cater specifically to these dietary preferences.
Finding gluten-free options can be challenging in Meguro due to the prevalent use of soy sauce and wheat-based ingredients. However, some establishments like Cityshop Meguro and Little Bird Cafe provide gluten-free choices and are open to customizing dishes to accommodate gluten-free requirements.