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Tokyo/Meguro

Meguro (目黒) is a largely residential district in southwest Tokyo, named after the Meguro River.

Travel to Meguro, visa requirements

The JR Yamanote, Metro Namboku (N01), Toei Mita (I01) and Tokyu Meguro lines all pass through Meguro station. The Metro Hibiya and Tokyu Toyoko lines also stop at Naka-Meguro (中目黒), the other end of the area.

Meguro attractions and sightseeing

Meguro Parasitological Museum (目黒寄生虫館), 4-1-1 Shimomeguro, [1]. One of a kind and actually popular with couples on dates, although you might want to skip lunch before (or after) your visit here as the exhibits and pictures can be rather graphic. Entrance is free, though donations are appreciated. The building is two-storied and small, may not taking much of your time. The most famous exibition is an 8.8m-hight tapeworm(さなだむし), with an 8.8m string for you to take the measurement.
Meguro Gajoen. (目黒雅叙園) A luxury hotel and wedding hall, with restaurants, cafes, and banquet rooms. One of the most popular attractions, though, is the spectacular public restroom. It's a five minute walk from the West exit of JR Meguro station, adjacent to the hulking Arco Tower office building.
Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum (東京都庭園美術館), five minutes from the East exit [2]. Art museum housed in a classic Art Deco style structure, connected to a small park with Japanese and Western gardens and outdoor sculptures.
Institute for Nature Study （自然教育園）, adjacent to Teien Art Museum, [3]. A 200,000 square meter nature preserve in the heart of the city, with birds and waterfowl, insects and marine life.

City tours

During cherry blossom season, the trees by the normally rather drab Meguro River bloom pink and Japanese congregate to picnic and drink by the riverside.

Good restaurants and cheap meals

Meguro is famous throughout Japan for sanma (さんま), or Pacific saury, a type of ocean fish. It's obviously not fished in the area; rather, its fame comes from an old story. In September, there's a sanma festival where you can try it grilled by local vendors.

Ichariba (いちゃりば). Aobadai 1-30-11, tel. 03-5722-4778. Excellent izakaya serving up very authentic and tasty Okinawan food, try the goya champuru (bitter gourd stirfry) and the Okinawan-style raw spring rolls. Occasional free live performances of Okinawan music. Open every day for lunch and dinner, most dishes ¥500-800.

Ju, near Nakameguro Station. Yakitori (chicken kebab) and kimuchi chahan (fried rice with Korean pickles — tastes better than it sounds!).

Tonki (とんき). Shimo-meguro 1-1-2 (Meguro West exit, down the hill on the left), 03-3491-9928. Possibly the best place in all of Tokyo for tonkatsu (breaded deep-fried pork cutlets), and popular with foreigners. Closed Tuesdays and third Monday of the month.

Tuk Tuk. Kami-Osaki 2-13-22 (Meguro East exit, on the corner opposite Sederhana, above), 03-3444-5150. Only in Japan: Italian and Thai on the same menu. Fortunately they don't actually mix the tom yum kung and gnocchi, and both are good.

Sederhana. Kami-Osaki 3-5-4, (Meguro East exit, follow the large road on right for 3 min, on the corner by the highway), 03-3473-0354, [4]. This Indonesian restaurant opened in 1955, and though it looks a bit run-down from the outside, it's full of atmosphere, the food is good, and the staff is friendly. Weekends and lunch by reservation only.

Meguro nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.

Rakuya (楽屋), Kami-Meguro 2-15-6 (3 min from Naka-Meguro station), 03-3714-2607, [5]. Spacious, classy but casual restaurant-bar with live music every night.

Hotels, youth hostels, lodging

Tokyu Stay Meguro-Yutenji. 2-15-7 Yutenji, Meguro-ku (Yutenji station, on the Toyoko Line from Shibuya), Tel: 03 (5721) 1109 Fax: 03 (5401) 1107, [6]. Singles start at JPY 9,450- doubles at JPY 17,850 per night. Slight discounts are offered for extended stays. Part of the Tokyu Stay chain, these hotels are popular with business travelers. The small kitchenettes, washer/dryers, and free LAN access in all rooms makes these a good value.

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