A Snapshot Guide to Nakameguro, Tokyo’s Ever-Evolving Leafy Suburb
Once a quiet residential suburb, Nakameguro is a Tokyo neighbourhood that has reinvented itself over the years. Low-rise residential buildings live harmoniously between unique coffee shops, immaculately designed lunch spots and niche independent retailers – all adding to the charm of this ever-evolving neighbourhood.
Walking distance from Shibuya and nestled between Daikanyama and Ebisu, Nakameguro is the perfect neighbourhood to wander and one of the main destinations that inspired my latest travel guidebook, Views from Japan. Whether it’s strolling down Meguro River and enjoying some of Tokyo’s best cherry blossom, or exploring unknown side streets, there is a hidden gem around every corner.
Meguro River
One of Tokyo’s famous hanami spots, Meguro River comes to life in the spring. Lined with independent shops and boutiques, art galleries and eateries, there is always something new to be discovered.
Meguro Sky Garden
Quite literally a garden in the sky, Meguro Sky Garden sits 9 stories high and is home to over 1,000 trees, cherry blossom, a Japanese garden and bamboo grove. If you’re lucky, on a clear day you will be rewarded with views of Mt Fuji.
Discover more about Tokyo and hundreds of other unique destinations in my brand new guidebook, Views from Japan.
Onibus Coffee
Take a short walk down the newly redeveloped Nakameguro Koukashita and find yourself at Onibus Coffee. Tucked away amongst the trees and set back in a traditional-style build, Onibus serve up their own roasts in custom designed porcelain cups and interiors inspired by Japanese craftsmanship.
Artless Craft Tea & Coffee
As well as serving the best in Japanese roasted tea and single-origin coffee, Artless Inc. is a multidisciplinary design and architecture practice and appointment gallery. With Japanese aesthetics and ultimate attention to detail running through every aspect, expect only the best from Artless.
Blue Bottle Coffee
Undoubtedly one of the big players in the global coffee scene, Blue Bottle Coffee Nakameguro offers a take from the other side of the coffee world. Inspired by the area’s love for creativity and design and housed in a former (triangular-shaped) industrial building, find the same high-level consistency and craft that goes with the Blue Bottle name.
Vendor
Founded by Nonnative, Vendor stocks brands from Japan and further afield across clothes, music, magazines and selected homeware. After browsing the store head next door for their take on a coffee stand (yep, more coffee!), also selling craft beer and Nakameguro’s best Reuben.
Visvim WMV
Visvim WMV is housed in a converted Japanese townhouse and meticulously designed to create a physical representation of the brand’s core values. With a traditional Japanese garden out the back and a takeout stand serving specialty coffee – what more could you want?
Looking For More Lesser Known Neighbourhoods?
1LDK & 1LDK Apartments
Named after the classic Tokyo-style apartment format, 1LDK and 1LDK Apartments live opposite one another. Housing a curated selection of lifestyle-oriented homeware and design items, as well as both menswear and womenswear, expect to see brands like Story MFG, Universal Products and Studio Nicholson. Grab a coffee at Taste & Sense while you’re there, the brand’s coffee space next door.
Afuri Ramen
Afuri Ramen has gained somewhat of a cult status over the years. With carefully selected ingredients, notably the use of yuzu, and aiming for something a little more refined. You might not need to head home for a nap after eating a bowl.
Savoy Pizza
When the Japanese do it, they do it right, so don’t hesitate to head for pizza when in Tokyo. With its roots firmly set in Naples, Savoy Pizza takes a Japanese approach to the four seasons to serve what is commonly known as the best pizza in town.
Bonus: Daikanyama T-Site
A short walk from Nakameguro, Daikanyama T-Site is a mecca for print lovers. Spend hours discovering book titles and magazines from around the world. The three buildings are arranged in themes, so if design, art, architecture, travel, food or fashion are your thing, you’re in luck.
Looking for somewhere to stay? Check deals and availability for hotels in Nakameguro here.
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Discover Japan Like Never Before. Tried & Tested by a Local.
You’ve watched countless YouTube videos, endlessly trawled outdated blogs and are lost in a sea of TikTok trends. You’re not sure where to start when it comes planning your Japan trip. Why not let me do the work for you? In Views from Japan I share everything I have learnt from travelling extensively in Japan over five years. Inside, I give you all the tools you need to create a truly meaningful Japan itinerary, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
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