MEGUROKU

cherry blossoms along Meguro River. Picture by Gsd2000

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.

The Meguro Parasitological Museum (目黒寄生虫館, 4-1-1 Shimomeguro) is 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.

Meguro Gajoen is 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.

Meguro Teien is a small park with Japanese and Western gardens and outdoor sculptures. The adjacent art museum is a classic Art Deco style structure. Five minutes from the East exit.

-Ootori Shrine

-Himonya Hachimangu Shrine

Meguro Fudoson
Meguro Fudoson is a nickname of the temple for Tendai Buddhism. Its formal name is Taieizan Ryusenji Temple. It is one of the top five Fudos in Edo. It was named after the main image Achala’s black eyes. Some people believe that Meguro, the area name, was also named after Achala.
It is said that Jikakudaishi Ennin opened the temple, but the fact is still unknown. The main hall was burned in 1615, but Iemitsu Tokugawa rebuilt it in 1624, after which it became prospered under the protection of Tokugawa Shogunate.

-Yutenji Temple

-Entsuji Temple

-Salesio Church

Meguroku Embassies and Consulates

There are many African embassies within Meguro Ward.

-Embassies
-Bangladesh (Meguro)
-Uzbekistan (Shimo Meguro)
-Kyrgyzstan (Shimo Meguro)
-Poland (Mita)
-Algeria (Mita)
-Egypt (Aobadai)
-Kenya (Yakumo)
-Djibouti (Shimo Meguro)
-Uganda (Himonya)
-Nigeria (Shimo Meguro)
-Gabon (Higashigaoka)
-Senegal (Aobadai)
-Cuba (Shimo Meguro)
-Honorary Consulate-General of Republic of Iceland in Tokyo

Meguroku Restaurants and Food

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.