The cherry blossoms along Meguro River are a famous and particularly popular cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo.

Approximately 800 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees are planted along the 4km road along the river, and the beauty of the cherry blossoms stretching out toward the water is spectacular, making this a popular area that is bustling with tourists and locals every year.

What is Meguro River?

The Meguro River flows through Setagaya, Meguro, and Shinagawa wards in Tokyo and connects to Tokyo Bay.

It has a history of being used for agricultural water during the Edo period (early 17th century to mid-19th century), and as industrial water from the Meiji period to the early Showa period (mid-19th century to mid-20th century).

In particular, as the river began to play a key role in industrial water supply, construction work was carried out to straighten it so that it could be used as a canal for ships.

It is said that every time construction work was carried out to straighten the river banks, local volunteers would plant cherry trees as a commemoration of the work, which led to the creation of the magnificent cherry blossom trees that line the Meguro River today.

Characteristics of Meguro River Cherry Blossoms

The Meguro River cherry blossoms are popular because you can enjoy the beautiful sight of Somei-Yoshino cherry blossoms blooming all at once along a 4km stretch of the river.

There are 15 small bridges along the 4km stretch, and the sight of the Japanese-style bridges and cherry blossoms gives it a very elegant feel, making it a popular photo spot.

There are stylish general stores and restaurants lined up on both sides of the cherry blossom-lined street and river, so you won't have any trouble finding food and drinks to eat while you're walking around.

Highlight 1: The cherry blossom tunnel that covers the Meguro River

The Somei-Yoshino cherry trees currently planted along the Meguro River are the third generation, having been planted in 1987 at 15 years old.

The Somei-Yoshino cherry tree is thought to have a lifespan of about 70 years, but the Somei-Yoshino trees along Meguro River are around 50 to 55 years old. When the trees grow large and are in full bloom, their branches extend towards the surface of the Meguro River, creating a sight that looks like a tunnel of cherry blossoms covering the Meguro River.

Not only is the sight of the cherry blossoms in full bloom beautiful, but the sight of cherry blossom petals that are a little past their peak being blown around in the wind, creating a snowstorm of falling petals, and floating flower rafts on the water, are also said to be particularly beautiful.

Highlight 2: Spectacular night cherry blossoms

While the daytime view is naturally beautiful, the cherry blossoms along Meguro River shine most beautifully during the illumination hours, which usually run from after sunset until around 8 p.m.

The cherry blossoms along the Meguro River are brightly lit up by bonbori (paper lanterns).

Local shopping districts and people all over Japan can order one of these lanterns for 4,000 yen and can include a message, the name of their store, or an individual's name.

In addition to information about nearby restaurants, there are also lanterns with the names of popular Japanese idols, allowing you to experience Japanese culture while gazing at the cherry blossoms at night, creating a very charming space.

Highlight 3: Viewing cherry blossoms on a cruise

Meguro River is a canal, so during cherry blossom viewing season, cherry blossom viewing cruises are organized.

Viewing the tunnel of cherry blossoms illuminated by the sunlight from a boat during the day is a spectacular sight, but we recommend an evening cruise.

The Somei-Yoshino cherry trees illuminated by the soft sunlight of the sunset and the lights of the boats exude a fleeting beauty, allowing you to truly enjoy the charm of the Meguro River cherry blossoms.

It is recommended to make reservations early for a cherry blossom cruise on the Meguro River, as the cherry blossoms often reach their peak before they begin to bloom.

Meguro River cherry blossom viewing season

The cherry blossoms along Meguro River are mainly Somei Yoshino varieties, so the best time to see them is usually from late March to early April.

The peak bloom in 2024 will be around April 5th to April 9th, and in 2023 it will be around March 21st to March 25th.

The Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival and the East Area Cherry Blossom Festival are usually held around the last Saturday and Sunday of March.

The lanterns are lit from the day the cherry blossoms bloom in the Tokyo area until about two weeks later.

Location of Meguro River

2-3 Nakameguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo

Access to Meguro River

It takes about 30 minutes by taxi from Haneda Airport to Meguro River.

If you are traveling by train, take the Airport Line Express for about 20 minutes to Shinagawa Station, then transfer to the JR Yamanote Line and get off at Meguro Station, about 15 minutes away.

Meguro River is about a 10-minute walk from Meguro Station.

Nearby tourist attractions

Tourist Spot 1: Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo

Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo, located along the Meguro River, is an experiential facility that serves premium-class, high-quality coffee and also has an attached roasting factory.

As it is the fifth Starbucks Reserve Roastery in the world and the first in Japan, it is bustling with tourists from both Japan and abroad.

During the cherry blossom season, reservations can be made online for the store's terrace seats, making it a popular tourist spot where you can enjoy the finest coffee, freshly baked bread, and delicious sweets while gazing down at the cherry blossoms along the Meguro River.

Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo location

2–19 Aobadai, Meguro-ku, Tokyo

Tourist spot 2: Yutenji

Yutenji is a Jodo sect temple located about a 15-minute walk from Meguro River.

Yutenji Temple was founded at the request of a monk named "Yuten" during the Edo period, and since many people claim that their illnesses were cured after being purified by Yuten, the temple is said to grant good health and protection from disasters.

It is a popular spot visited by many celebrities during cherry blossom season and autumn festivals.

Within the grounds of Yutenji Temple, there are many cherry trees that bloom at the same time as the Somei-Yoshino cherry trees in Nakameguro, making it the perfect tourist spot for those who want a quieter cherry blossom viewing experience than the Meguro River, or for those who want to capture the beauty of the cherry blossoms together with the historic temple in one photo.

Location of Yutenji

5-24-53 Nakameguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo

Tourist spot 3: Chosen-in Temple Contemporary Sculpture Museum

Located about a 20-minute walk from Meguro River, Chozen-in Temple Contemporary Sculpture Museum is a rare museum attached to a temple, even in Japan.

Part of a temple in a quiet residential area, the museum exhibits works by contemporary sculptors, with many nude female statues on display both inside and outside the building, making for an impressive sight.

Chosen-in Temple Contemporary Sculpture Museum Location

4-12-18 Nakameguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo

summary

Meguro River is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that it is the most popular in Tokyo, and in Japan.

The Somei-Yoshino cherry trees planted on both sides of the Meguro River that runs through the middle of the road all bloom at once, and the sight of them lit up by sunlight during the day and lantern lights at night is said to be incredibly beautiful.

In addition, there are about 15 bridges between the 4km-long row of cherry trees, making it a very popular cherry blossom viewing spot for tourists looking to take spectacular photos.