Tokyo/Meguro
From World travel guide
Meguro (目黒) is a largely residential district of southwest Tokyo, named after the Meguro River.
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Get in
The JR Yamanote, Metro Namboku (N01), Toei Mita (I01) and Tokyu Meguro lines all pass through Meguro station. The Metro Hibiya and Tokyu Toyoko lines also stop at Naka-Meguro (中目黒), the other end of the area.
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See
- 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.
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Do
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.
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Eat
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, [1]. 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.
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Sleep
- Tokyu Stay Meguro-Yutenji. 2-15-7 Yutenji, Meguro-ku (Yutenji station, on the Toyoko Line from Shibuya), Tel: 03 (5721) 1109 Fax: 03 (5401) 1107, [2]. Singles start at JPY 9,450- doubles at JPY 17,850 per night. Slight discounts are offered for extended stays. Part of the Tokyu Stay chain, these hotels are popular with business travelers. The small kitchenettes, washer/dryers, and free LAN access in all rooms makes these a good value.
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