It is often said that spring begins with the cherry blossoms blooming in Japan, as the cherry blossoms sweep across the long and narrow country from south to north like a pink whirlwind that is accompanied by the spring breeze from mid-January to late May every year during the Japanese Sakura months. Visiting various cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo with friends and family has become an essential springtime activity for many people. Here we recommend the Meguro River Cherry Blossoms Promenade for you to enjoy the Tokyo Sakura and if you hope for the Meguro River Cherry Blossoms tour in detail, please leave us a message at any time.
Table of Contents
1. Enjoy the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival
2. Must-See Nakameguro Cherry Blossom
3. Cannot-missed Nighttime Meguro River Sakura
4. Plan a 4-Day Tokyo Cherry Blossom Tour in 2024
1. Meguro River: A Must-see Spot for Sakura in Tokyo
Does Meguro River still have cherry blossoms? Meguro River is a spot that is often overlooked by the average Tokyo traveler during Japan trips. It's hidden in the midst of Tokyo's many buildings, and it's so understated. But that's what makes it a favorite cherry blossom viewing spot in Japan for many people. Convenient transportation, few tourists, no entrance fee, and the romantic cafes and restaurants on both sides of the river make it a glittering jewel that attracts many tourists to take a visit during the Japan Sakura dates in late March, and according to the 1st announcement of Japan meteorological agency cherry blossom forecast 2024 on January 10, 2024, the best time to view the Meguro River cherry blossom is likely during March 23 to March 30.
The Meguro River is an 8-kilometer long river that runs from Tokyo's Setagaya Ward through Meguro and Shinagawa Wards, and eventually empties into Tokyo Bay. On both sides of the Meguro River, there is the Meguro River cherry blossoms promenade with rows of up to 800 Japanese cherry blossom trees for about 3 kilometers. At regular intervals, there is a small bridge across the river, and the bridge is the best place to enjoy the Meguro River Sakura. The pinkish-white cherry blossoms instantly turn red against the light yellow light of the street lamps on both sides of the river. The pink cherry petals are reflected in the river, forming beautiful scenery of the Japan cherry blossom festival. And the river water is also more and more clear in the light of the lamps. With the spring wind blowing, the river surface ripples, and pieces of cherry blossom petals spin and jump in the air as if they were pink elves, and finally fall into the river. And the water's edge is full of clusters of petals as if the whole Meguro River is embroidered with pink lace, making the scene so mesmerizingly beautiful and intoxicating.
Unlike other cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, Meguro River cherry blossom is located in a residential area, overlapping with houses. As night falls, couples, who are in love with each other, stroll around under the bright moonlight with the scent of the Sakura flower in Japan and talk about their love. Stores lined up on both sides of the river sell a variety of snacks and beer for people to celebrate the Meguro River cherry blossom festival. When more than 800 cherry blossom trees on both sides of the Meguro are in full bloom, it creates a pink sky over the clear and beautiful river, and you will be shocked by the scene that the Meguro cherry blossom is so dominant and exaggerated.
2. Nakameguro Cherry Blossom: Enjoy the Cherry Blossom Road in the Heart of the City
When it comes to Sakura viewing in Tokyo, Nakameguro has to be on the list. Nakameguro refers to the area along Yamate-dori, where countless cherry trees are planted along the Meguro River. The area is home to many fine cafes, fashion stores, and general stores, making it a great place for shopping and relaxation during the Tokyo Sakura Season as it is a good place to take a break at a cafe or walk along the river.
The subway lines that pass through Nakameguro are the Tokyu Toyoko Line and the Satsuki Nippori∙Shiren Line. The Tokyu Toyoko Line runs from Shibuya to Yokohama via Nakameguro, and the Satsuki Nippori Shiren Line runs to Roppongi, Kasumigaseki, and Ginza, making it easy to get to the station with only a short transfer. Because of its favorable location, a wide variety of stores are located here. Many of Tokyo's famous cafes and restaurants are also located here, making it a popular place for friends and lovers to make a date.
In spring, cherry blossoms bloom along the stretch of the Meguro River, creating the world-famous Meguro River cherry blossoms promenade. It attracts many tourists from all over the world and they come here in droves. The scenery of Nakameguro Sakura blooming along the river is different from that of in Ueno Park and other places, as it is unique and distinctive. Visitors can enjoy viewing Sakura and shopping at the same time, which is one of the reasons why Nakameguro stands out from other famous Japanese Sakura spots.
Every day during the period of the best time to see Nakameguro cherry blossoms in the end of March, vendors sell various kinds of food, and people busily record the beauty of the cherry blossoms on their cell phones, and enjoy the cherry blossoms with a glass of champagne by the river. The tall cherry blossom trees along the Tokyo Meguro River cover the sky. It's really shocking to see the blue sky only through the cracks of the cherry blossoms when you are standing under the trees. The stone bridge is crowded with people who want to see the cherry blossoms from the best spot. Therefore, you'd better go there earlier to avoid the crowds and enjoy the Sakura quietly and leisurely if your Japan cherry blossom trip includes visiting Nakameguro.
3. Nighttime Cherry Blossom Viewing on Meguro River
The combination of pink cherry blossom and blue sky is the hallmark of the spring season in Japan. But in fact, the night of the Meguro River cherry blossom season is also equally wonderful, especially when the tour schedule is very rushed. Sparing time to see the cherry blossoms at a crowded spot may not be a good experience, so some people tend to choose to enjoy the nighttime cherry blossoms. Japanese cherry blossom in full bloom is already the most beautiful scene in many people's minds, and nighttime cherry blossoms have another charm when compared to daytime cherry blossoms. In other words, nighttime cherry blossom can better reflect the Japanese aesthetic. As the Sakura season Japan 2024 is approaching, why don't you plan a Japan Sakura tour to enjoy the beauty of nighttime cherry blossoms? Let's go to the Meguro River in Tokyo to enjoy the best Sakura viewing in Japan at night.
Meguro River is not only a popular cherry blossom spot, but also one of the most favorite nighttime cherry blossom spots in Tokyo. During the Kyoto cherry blossom season, the Meguro River is illuminated on both sides of the river around 18:00 p.m. every day with cherry blossom festival lanterns sponsored by nearby businesses. The red and white lanterns are reflected in the quiet water of the river, and together with the cherry blossoms that close over the river, they form a colorful masterpiece of nighttime cherry blossoms. The nighttime Sakura here are really beautiful, and they look especially charming against the light and the night color. The best way to enjoy the nighttime cherry blossoms on Meguro River is to take a boat ride. As the popularity of the nighttime cherry blossom cruise is growing, there are more and more boats that specialize in cherry blossoms cruises at night, but it's best to make a reservation in advance and not go to the Meguro River cherry blossoms promenade too late, as the lights turn off at 21:00 p.m., so you should make sure to schedule your time well.
●Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival Info:
Best Viewing Time: March 25 - April 3
Lighting Time: Sunset - 21:00 P.M.
Address: 3-1 Higashiyama, Meguro-ku, Kyoto, East Kyoto, 2-9 Shimomeguro, Kyoto
Access: 2 minutes walk from Nakameguro Station or 5 minutes walk from Meguro Station.
4. Plan a 4-Day Tokyo Cherry Blossom Tour in 2024
If you hope to explore more about Tokyo in addition to viewing the Meguro River Sakura in 2024, you can consider the 4-Day Tokyo Cherry Blossom Tour. Or you can check the 10-day itinerary of Japan Cherry Blossom Tours 2024 if you are interested.
Day 1: Dive into the bustling Tsukiji Market for fresh sushi delights. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of teamLab's Borderless Art Museum. End your day at the majestic Sensoji Temple in Asakusa.
Day 2: Start today's tour with a serene visit to Meiji Jingu, then explore the tranquil Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Later ascend Tokyo Tower for breathtaking city views. Finally, enjoy the Chidorigafuchi cherry blossom by strolling along the moat.
Day 3: Experience the magical moments with a full day of enchantment and wonder at Tokyo Disneyland.
Day 4: Today's activities will include crossing the iconic Shibuya Crossing amidst the cherry blossoms, paying homage to Hachiko, taking a picturesque walk along the Meguro River's cherry blossom promenade, and enjoying Tokyo's nightlife at cozy Golden Gai in Shinjuku.
Conclusion
Meguro River is currently the best place to see cherry blossom as voted by Tokyo residents. During the Sakura month in Tokyo, white and pink cherry blossoms bloom along the Meguro River. When the cherry flowers are in full bloom, they cover the entire sky, and the branches of the cherry blossom trees reach out to the water's surface, where the cherry blossoms echo with the flowing water. The Meguro River is a place where you can enjoy the romantic splendor of cherry blossoms in full bloom, as well as the sight of petals flying over the entire Meguro River as a pink velvet carpet when the blossoms fall. Cherry blossom viewing on the Meguro River is basically a standard itinerary of Sakura viewing in Tokyo.