Tokyo Apartment Guide: Overview and Rental Prices in Meguro
If you're considering starting a new life in Tokyo, Meguro is a highly recommended area. It offers a perfect balance of urban convenience and abundant greenery, as well as supermarkets stocked with imported goods, making it a comfortable environment for people from abroad.
In spring, the Meguro River boasts around 800 cherry blossom trees, and in autumn, the traditional "Meguro Sanma Festival" allows you to fully experience Japan's seasonal culture. Meguro Station provides excellent transportation access to major Tokyo areas such as Shibuya and Shinjuku, all while offering apartment rental prices that are more reasonable compared to neighboring districts.
This article delves into the charms of Meguro, a neighborhood where you can realize your ideal Tokyo lifestyle.
What is Meguro Like?
Meguro is known as one of Tokyo's upscale residential areas, yet it also features bustling shopping streets and numerous eateries, showcasing its diversity. In addition to being safe and clean, the area offers international schools and healthcare facilities, making it popular among families. A major redevelopment completed in 2017 introduced modern skyscrapers like Meguro Central Square near the station, adding a contemporary touch to its traditionally sophisticated image.
Interestingly, Meguro Station is located within Shinagawa Ward, meaning residents could belong to either Shinagawa or Meguro Ward depending on their address. Known for its serene living environment and exceptional convenience, the area is also home to many celebrities and public figures. It ranked sixth in a nationwide survey for the most desirable places to live, reflecting its widespread appeal.
Accessibility and Convenience in Meguro
Meguro boasts excellent access to Tokyo's key districts. With frequent train and bus services, you’ll rarely need to wait more than five minutes. Business hubs like Shinagawa and trendy areas such as Shibuya, Ebisu, and Shirokane are close by, with many residents opting to commute by bike or even on foot.
This outstanding location makes it a comfortable area, particularly for those living in Tokyo for the first time.
Train Information
Meguro Station is serviced by four lines: JR Yamanote Line, Tokyu Meguro Line, Tokyo Metro Namboku Line, and Toei Mita Line, offering high convenience with direct access to major stations in Tokyo.
Travel times to key stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area are as follows:
The Tokyo Metro Namboku Line runs from Akabane-Iwabuchi through Meguro to key business areas like Azabu, Roppongi, and Nagatacho. Meanwhile, the Toei Mita Line connects Nishitakasago in Itabashi Ward through Meguro to Shibaura near Tokyo Tower. These features make Meguro Station not only convenient for accessing central Tokyo but also for reaching other regions.
Bus Information
Meguro Station also has a robust bus network.
Since March 2024, the new "Sanma Bus" began experimental service between Meguro Ward General Government Building and Meguro Station, making intra-district transportation even more convenient. The bus operates 12 times a day at 45-minute intervals and plays a crucial role in supporting residents' daily lives.
Additionally, Toei Buses offer routes to Tokyo Tower and Oi Keibajo-mae, while Tokyu Buses connect to Nakameguro, Sangenjaya, and Futako-Tamagawa, providing travel options to areas less accessible by train. This comprehensive transportation system of trains and buses is one of Meguro’s key advantages.
Is Meguro a Livable Area? 8 Key Points
Meguro offers a calm residential environment despite being located in central Tokyo. Its commercial and public facilities are well-developed, and its rich natural surroundings make daily life comfortable. Here are eight key points that make Meguro a highly livable area.
Abundant Shopping Facilities
Meguro Station's surroundings are filled with various shopping facilities, making daily errands convenient.
Atre Meguro, directly connected to the station, has two buildings offering fashion, home goods, bookstores, and more. The food section is particularly well-stocked, featuring premium supermarkets like "Seijo Ishii" and "The Garden Jiyugaoka," offering high-quality groceries and imported goods.
The Tokyu Store Meguro branch near the station is also convenient for everyday shopping, staying open until 11 p.m., making it ideal for after-work shopping.
Diverse Dining Options
Meguro is a gourmet spot offering a variety of dining choices. The Gonnosuke-zaka area near the station's west exit features an array of affordable restaurants serving Japanese, Italian, ramen, and more, making it popular with local workers.
Popular café chains like "Starbucks," "Tully's Coffee," and "St. Marc Café" have multiple locations near the station, ideal for working or studying. Many cafés also offer free Wi-Fi, making the area suitable for digital nomads.
The east exit has a quieter ambiance with refined restaurants and cafés. Crossing the expressway leads to Shirokane, where upscale dining establishments create a sophisticated atmosphere.
Famous Meguro River Cherry Blossoms
The cherry blossoms along Meguro River are one of Tokyo's iconic spring attractions, drawing visitors from around the world. A five-minute walk from the station leads to a picturesque 800-meter-long stretch of cherry blossoms creating a stunning canopy over the river.
Spring’s "Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival" features food stalls and nighttime illuminations, offering a quintessential Japanese spring experience. Weekday evenings are less crowded, perfect for a quiet stroll. The riverside promenade is also ideal for jogging or walking year-round.
Meguro Civic Center
A 10-minute walk from Meguro Station, the Meguro Civic Center serves as a hub for community activities and sports.
The public library inside the center allows users to borrow up to 20 books or magazines for two weeks. Visitors without a library card can apply on-site with ID showing their name, address, and date of birth.
The center’s sports facilities are affordable compared to private gyms, offering the following rates:
- Fitness Gym: ¥300
- Indoor Pool: ¥400
- Outdoor Pool (summer only): ¥200
The outdoor pool includes a 50m pool and a children's pool with a water slide, making it family-friendly during summer.
Nature-Rich Parks
Meguro boasts several parks offering lush greenery uncommon in urban Tokyo. The National Museum of Nature and Science's Annex Botanical Garden preserves rare natural woodlands, hosting 1,473 plant species and about 2,800 animal species. Admission is just ¥310, and its serene paths and traditional landscapes provide an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Rinshi-no-mori Park, spanning Meguro and Shinagawa Wards, offers forest bathing with trails ideal for observing seasonal changes. Its facilities include a wading pool, barbecue areas, and sports grounds, attracting families on weekends.
Historic Power Spots
The most famous spiritual site in Meguro is "Otori Shrine," the oldest shrine in Meguro Ward with over 1,200 years of history. It’s believed to bring prosperity in business and draws large crowds during the annual "Tori-no-Ichi" fair each November.
The fair, rooted in the Edo period, features "Kumade," bamboo rakes symbolizing prosperity. Visitors can purchase these decorative rakes as lucky charms, offering a unique cultural experience appreciated by locals and tourists alike.
Meguro Ward Festival in Autumn
The annual Meguro Ward Festival is the area’s largest community event, highlighted by the "Meguro Sanma Festival." Fresh Pacific saury from Kesennuma City, Meguro Ward’s sister city, is grilled over charcoal and offered for free.
The fish, considered a symbol of autumn in Japan, is served with citrus fruit from Oita Prefecture, delivering a delicious seasonal flavor. The event also features regional specialty exhibitions, performances by local groups, and kids’ activities, making it a fun cultural experience for newcomers.
Quiet Residential Areas Beyond the Station
While Meguro Station's vicinity is bustling with shops, restaurants, and high-rise apartments, moving slightly away reveals peaceful, tree-lined residential neighborhoods.
The "Chojamaru" area, including Kamiosaki 2-chome in Shinagawa Ward and Mita 1-chome in Meguro Ward, is one of Tokyo’s most prestigious residential districts. Its history dates back to the Muromachi period, and today, the area features luxury homes and upscale apartments, all within a beautifully maintained environment.
Rental Apartment Prices in Meguro
Rental prices for apartments in Meguro are relatively high within Tokyo's 23 wards, though often more affordable than nearby areas like Shibuya and Ebisu. Larger units show more significant price differences.
Note that these figures are average estimates and actual rents vary depending on factors such as building age and proximity to the station.
For apartment searches, consider consulting real estate agencies familiar with the area to find a rental property that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Dec 17, 2024