In Nakameguro, Tokyo
The Meguro River flows through Tokyo and is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring. The city holds an annual Meguro River Sakura Festival when the river is lined with cherry blossom trees that bloom during late March to early April. There are roughly 800 trees that stretch along ~ 3 kilometers of the river, and the area near Nakameguro holds yozakura (cherry blossom illuminations) at night. There are a few drink and food stalls on the side of the streets next to the river where you can pick up some sakura champaign and treats!
My experience
We visited during the end of March this year, once briefly during the day and again later at night. When we went during the day, the area was relatively not too crowded, but when we went again on Friday night, the area was quite packed! There were policemen stationed by Nakameguro station to direct the flow of foot traffic. We spent a little less than an hour mainly around the Nakameguro area. The cherry blossom trees actually extend down the river until the Gotanda area, but we unfortunately didn't have time to walk all the way down. The Nakameguro yozakura is probably one of the most beautiful yozakura areas in the Tokyo area that I've been to! The river looks so stunning at night with the red lanterns and pink cherry blossoms. There are crowds of people trying to take pictures!
There were some small food and drink stalls on the streets near the river, although you weren't allowed to sit down and picnic near the river. People were mostly standing and walking around. There are many trendy restaurants and bars in Nakameguro though, so finding a place to eat is not a problem! They also have a cherry blossom cruise down the river, but you need to need to book tickets well in advance. Next year I think we will try to walk down a bit farther to see if it's less crowded away from Nakameguro station!
Address
Around 2-choume of Meguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0044
Date
Late March to Early April (Illuminations from March 18 - April 9 in 2023)
Time
Illuminations are from 17:00 - 20:00
Access
Nakameguro Station (Hibiya/Toyoko Lines): 1 minute walk
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