Conveniently located on the JR Yamanote line, Meguro may surprise many Tokyoite visitors because, well, parts of it don’t look like Tokyo at all. Meguro retains a unique mix of urban streets packed with restaurants, stores, apartments and the usual city fare, as well as hilly, beautiful parks that will make you feel like you’re far away from the hectic Tokyo scene. Close enough by train to the busy areas of Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinagawa to make getting there easy, while still maintaining its own image and plethora of activities, Meguro is a convenient and enjoyable location. Whether you’re searching for intriguing new cuisines, classic Japanese restaurants, rich culture or beautiful scenery, Meguro should find a way to please just about anyone who chooses to explore it.
Caribbean Pirates
2F, 1-5-16 Meguro, Meguro-ku Tel: 03-5434-1884
An instantly recognizable Spanish restaurant due to the large Pirates of the Caribbean sign overlooking the street below it, Caribbean Pirates is only a few minutes from Meguro station and is great for adults and kids of all ages. Along with set courses of finger foods, salad, a main course and dessert, Caribbean Pirates offers a variety of pinxtos, or Spanish snack foods (similar to tapas). An elegant Spanish-style interior and tapas bar coupled with menu selections such as jamón ibérico, garlic shrimp and various cheeses and salad choices provide a traditional Spanish dining experience in a modern restaurant.
Tonki
1-1-2 Shimo-Meguro, Meguro-ku Tel: 03-3491-9928
Possibly the most famous tonkatsu restaurant in all of Tokyo, Tonki is located extremely close to the main exit of Meguro station and has spent years earning praise from Japanese and foreigners alike. Despite unconventional hours (Wed–Mon, 4–10:45pm), Tonki produces what has been called the best of the classic breaded pork cutlet in Tokyo and maybe all of Japan, so don’t be surprised to see some pretty big lines. However, don’t let crowds and dinner-only hours turn you away from Tonki—the food and reputation should be enough to please even the most finicky eaters.
Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum and Meguro Teien
5-21-9 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku Tel: 03-3443-0201 www.teien-art-museum.ne.jp
This park is the perfect example of the beautiful scenery that accompanies Meguro’s urban location. Located only about five minutes from the east exit of the station station and in busy Tokyo territory, Teien is an oasis in the form of cherry blossom trees, calm streams and an art museum that has been around for almost 80 years. The Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is well-known throughout Tokyo, and until September 5 visitors can enjoy the exhibit Toshio Arimoto: A Celestial Music, which is made up of beautiful mural paintings.
Map
View Tokyo Weekender Map in a larger map
