Naka Meguro

Naka Meguro Station is located in Meguro Ward of Tokyo. It is served by the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and the Tokyo Kyuko Electric Railway Toyoko Line. Both the Lines share the same platforms at Naka Meguro Station, which is a convenient transfer point between the two lines. Hibiya Line connects Yokohama with the districts of Roppongi, Ginza, and Tsukiji in Tokyo and beyond. The Toyoko Line continues towards Yokohama to the districts of Minato Mirai 21, Chinatown, and Motomachi via Minato Mirai Line.

Naka Meguro is a beautiful neighborhood with the Meguro River running through it. Cherry trees line both sides of the river, starting from Naka Meguro Station all the way to Ikejiri-Ohashi Station. During spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the area celebrates the Naka Meguro Cherry Blossom Festival, which attracts people from all over the city and beyond.

During the Naka Meguro Cherry Blossom Festival, the cherry trees lining the river are illuminated. Paper lanterns are also hung on the trees, giving a traditional feel to the festivities. The scene is beautiful in the evenings when the lights from the trees are reflected in the Meguro waters. People come early during the day and picnic close to the river bank, hoping to savor the beauty of the river at night. Festivities of the Matsuri (Festival) include folk music and dances, clown and other entertainment performances.

River Museum of Meguro is another attraction of Naka Meguro. Located along the river, the free museum explains the technology and the management of the river, as well as its flora and fauna. On the first floor of the museum, one can look down on the actual structure of the retarding basin that prevents flooding. On the second floor is a multimedia display demonstrating the workings of the basin. Various other displays and exhibits explain the history and nature of the river – like how once a water wheel was constructed on the river to hull and polish rice, or how kimono fabrics were dyed and rinsed in the river. The museum is well worth a visit.

A number of parks also add to the beauty of Naka Meguro. Two of the most frequented parks are Naka Meguro Park and Sugekari Park.

Naka Meguro Park, opened in March 2002, is a beautiful park with a large variety of plants and flowers. Located within the grounds is a "Flower and Greenery Learning Center" where visitors can learn about the flowers and plants in the park. Various activities are also held in the park throughout the year by volunteer groups.

Sugekari Park is the other popular park in Naka Meguro. Formerly the residence of Judo Saigo during the Meiji Era (1868-1912), it was restored to its original form with a pond and two waterfalls. This beautiful Japanese garden also includes an exhibition hall with paintings and calligraphy treasured by the Saigo family, and a Japanese room where the traditional tea ceremony can be enjoyed.