Tokyo - Meguro

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

Travel to Tokyo - 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.

Tokyo - Meguro tourist attractions and sightseeing

• Meguro Parasitological Museum (目黒寄生虫館), 4-1-1 Shimomeguro, [1]. One of a kind and oddly 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. A compact two-story building, the most famous exhibit inside is an 8.8 meter-long tapeworm, with a matching string for you to take the measurement. Entrance is free, though donations are appreciated.

• 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.

Tokyo - Meguro 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.

Tokyo - Meguro Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

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.

Tokyo - 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.

Tokyo - Meguro cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

• The Westin Tokyo, 1-4-1 Mita, Meguro-ku, ☎ (03)5423-7000. One word describes the Westin Hotel : Luxury. Rooms are elegant and well furnished with over-sized bathrooms and workout areas. Their in house spa offers a variety of services. Rooms start at ¥33,000/night. 

• 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 ¥9,450, doubles at ¥17,850. 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.

• Princess Garden Meguro Hotel, 23 Kami-Osaki, 2 Chrome. Princess Garden offers rooms that are very comfortable and reasonably priced. Rooms start at $90/night. The beautiful garden and Japanese Tea Room on the hotel grounds add a level of beauty and serenity.  

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