Top 10 Tourist Spots in the Meguro and Nakameguro Area

Located in the southwest of the Yamanote Line circle, Meguro Ward might be a bit hard to visualize, especially since JR Meguro Station is technically in Shinagawa Ward.

However, Meguro has been a popular tourist destination since the Edo period! It's also famously the setting for the rakugo story "Meguro no Sanma". The "Meguro no Sanma Festival," held annually in early September, is now one of Tokyo's iconic events. The aroma of grilled Pacific saury attracts throngs of tourists.

Here are 10 recommended spots in Meguro, a hidden gem for sightseeing! Just a heads-up: JR Meguro Station and Tokyu Nakameguro Station are about 2 kilometers apart, so plan accordingly.

1. Ryusenji Temple (Meguro Fudo-son)

Ryusenji Temple (Meguro Fudo-son), officially called Ryusenji, is a Tendai sect temple housing one of the five Edo Fudo-son statues, Meguro Fudo-son. During the Edo period, it became a popular sightseeing spot for locals and visitors, celebrated in the rakugo story "Meguro no Sanma". The tea houses catering to temple visitors are said to be the story's setting.

Even today, the temple holds bustling fair days on the 8th of every month, with numerous stalls lining the grounds. The temple is also home to Aizen Myo-o, a deity believed to bring blessings for love, making it a great dating spot.

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=35.628639,139.708073&z=16&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&cid=12300460880775607999

2. Meguro Gajoen

Meguro Gajoen is synonymous with Meguro tourism and is known as Japan’s first all-inclusive wedding hall, established in 1931.

In addition to weddings, it offers lodging, restaurants featuring Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine, and spaces for elegant dates. Visitors can admire its luxurious architecture or relax in the stylish, modern café lounges. Located just a short walk from Meguro Station, it’s perfect for a mid-day visit or a last stop on your sightseeing journey.

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=35.631788,139.713794&z=15&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&cid=3420185787641866716

3. Meguro Parasitological Museum

For those seeking a unique spot in Meguro, the Meguro Parasitological Museum is unmatched. This small museum is packed with specimens of parasites that coexisted with various creatures throughout history. The highlight is an 8.8-meter-long tapeworm preserved in formalin, displayed alongside a string of the same length for scale—an unforgettable experience.

Though it may seem unsettling, this museum is surprisingly popular as a quirky date spot. Open most days except Mondays and Tuesdays, it’s worth a visit for the curious traveler.

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=35.631681,139.706666&z=14&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&cid=8882724416167131336

4. Meguro River Cherry Blossoms

The cherry blossom-lined Meguro River has recently gained fame as a prime spot for hanami (flower viewing). About 800 cherry trees line a 4-kilometer stretch of the river from Ikejiri Ohashi to Kame-no-ko Bridge near Meguro Station, with 30 bridges offering perfect viewpoints.

Visitors flock to capture the branches arching gracefully over the river, creating a dreamy, photogenic scene. With relatively little traffic along the riverbanks, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll while admiring the blooms. The route from Nakameguro Station to Meguro Station spans 2 kilometers, ideal for combining cherry blossom viewing with nearby sightseeing.

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=35.635879,139.708555&z=14&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&cid=6217470048122371304

5. National Museum of Nature and Science Annex: Institute for Nature Study

Known as a green oasis in Meguro, the Institute for Nature Study preserves precious untouched nature due to its history as a former imperial estate. Once the site of the Takamatsu Domain’s villa, the area features scenic ponds and majestic pines, offering visitors a tranquil escape into nature.

Located just a 10-minute walk from Meguro Station, this site is perfect for leisurely walks surrounded by seasonal flora and fauna, making it a must-see spot during your visit.

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=35.638791,139.719707&z=15&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&cid=17252772155542726313

6. Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum

Located next to the Institute for Nature Study, the Teien Art Museum is a unique gallery housed in a former imperial residence from the Shirokane Goryochi era. Its elegant Art Deco-style main building is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Unlike typical museums, it doesn’t have a permanent collection but instead hosts five to six special exhibitions annually within its historic setting.

The museum also boasts stunning gardens—Japanese, Western, and a lawn garden—offering different seasonal blooms. Separate tickets are required for the main building and the gardens, so visitors can choose to explore the gardens alone, making it flexible for various sightseeing plans.

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=35.636947,139.719041&z=16&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&cid=15887147537231276792

7. Hatakeyama Memorial Museum of Fine Art

If you’re exploring Tokyo’s museums, the Hatakeyama Memorial Museum of Fine Art is a must-visit, especially renowned for its tea ceremony utensils and calligraphy collections. Founded by Kazutsugu Hatakeyama, the founder of Ebara Corporation, the museum features changing exhibitions, so be sure to check the website for details.

Situated on a hilltop, the museum and its tranquil garden offer a serene sightseeing experience. The wooden statue of Kazutsugu Hatakeyama, crafted by Denchu Hirakushi, is also a highlight. It’s accessible from several stations, including Takanawadai Station, JR Meguro Station, Gotanda Station, and Shirokanedai Station on the Namboku Line.

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=35.632356,139.726872&z=14&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&cid=15991776961356964188

8. Happo-en

Happo-en, located in the upscale Shirokanedai area, is a premier wedding venue rivaling Meguro Gajoen. Established in 1950, its name means "beautiful from every angle," which perfectly describes its exquisite gardens. The elegant architecture and spacious grounds also attract many visitors for dining or sightseeing.

There’s a stylish café overlooking the gardens, perfect for a relaxing break during your visit. Adjacent to the Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo, you can even consider a luxurious overnight stay to complement your sightseeing.

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=35.638195,139.727959&z=14&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&cid=1380891332407569472

9. Yutenji Temple

Yutenji Temple, founded by the Jodo sect monk Yuten, is a grand temple that reflects its deep connection to the Tokugawa shogunate. Located near Yutenji Station on the Tokyu Toyoko Line, it’s also about a 15-minute walk from Nakameguro Station.

Many of its buildings, including the main hall and gate, are registered tangible cultural properties. The expansive temple grounds and vibrant commercial streets leading to the station provide a mix of traditional and modern experiences, with quaint cafés nestled along the way.

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=35.636611,139.696926&z=15&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&cid=8608958404018403643

10. Rinshi no Mori Park

Southwest of Meguro Fudo-son and near Musashi-Koyama Station on the Tokyu Meguro Line, Rinshi no Mori Park began as the Meguro Experimental Nursery in 1900 and was transformed into a metropolitan park in 1989.

The park features a variety of rare and giant trees from its forestry research history, along with abundant birdlife, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. Visitors can enjoy serene walks accompanied by birdsong. The park also has a splash pond, streams, and a playground, making it ideal for families with small children.

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=35.625032,139.703267&z=14&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&cid=15069447592786915449

◎ Summary

From lush nature and historic sites to unique museums, Meguro offers a treasure trove of hidden gems for all types of visitors. Whether you're planning a romantic date or a casual stroll, Meguro’s charm makes it a top Tokyo destination. Conveniently accessible from both JR Meguro Station and Tokyu Nakameguro Station, just two stops from Shibuya, it’s the perfect blend of culture, history, and modernity.

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Top 10 Tourist Spots in the Meguro and Nakameguro Area