Enjoy Cherry Blossoms and Sweets at Meguro River

Cherry Blossoms near Naka-Meguro Station

Two stops from Shibuya, Naka-Meguro is home to one of Tokyo's premier cherry blossom spots. Exiting the station’s main gate leads directly to the Meguro River, where 800 cherry trees line a 3.8 km stretch.

The blossoms peak in late March, accompanied by a local festival. While the full bloom is iconic, many visitors prefer the later hana-ikada (flower rafts) effect, when falling petals blanket the river.

The riverfront is packed with cafes and Italian restaurants offering prime views. However, if you plan to dine, book early—popular spots often fill up a year in advance.

Read on to discover some of the best snacks and treats that you can enjoy during cherry blossom viewing in Naka-Meguro.

• Table of Contents
• 1. Fukusaya Meguro Shop: Delicius Castella Sweets
• 2. Green Bean to Bar CHOCOLATE Nakameguro
• 3. Starbucks Coffee - Naka-Meguro Tsutaya Books: Relax With Coffee
• 4. Stop by for a Sushi Lunch at Iroha Sushi

1. Fukusaya Meguro Shop: Delicius Castella Sweets

A few minutes after you begin walking, a wonderful fragrance that smells faintly of eggs and sugar will waft in the air. That means Fukusaya is nearby.

Fukusaya’s flagship shop is located in Nagasaki, Kyushu and is a long-standing castella shop that was established in 1624. A castella is a baked sweet introduced from Portugal that was later adapted into what is now known as a traditional soft-textured Japanese confectionery.

The ingredients consist of a simple mixture of eggs, sugar, wheat flour, and mizuame (*1). Even now, Fukusaya continues to preserve tradition by not using a mixer. Instead, bakers whisk the mixture by hand.

*1 Mizuame: a sweetener made from starches such as corn and potato. It is a sweetener that has long been used as an ingredient in Japanese sweets.

Unfortunately, there is no eat-in corner. However, you can purchase souvenirs and taste castellas sold directly from the kitchen.

The smallest size available is 0.6 (about 310 g) with one box at 1188 yen (plus tax). The castella is cut into small slices to allow it to be eaten with ease. Its expiry date is quite short due to the lack of additives.

Fukusaya Nakameguro store

1-26-7 Aobadai, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0042

2. Green Bean to Bar CHOCOLATE Nakameguro

The next shop can be found on the opposite side of Meguro River. Cross the bridge and make a U-turn along the river where you will then walk in the direction of the overhead railway. A shop with a fashionable blue exterior is what you're looking for.

Here, you will find a Japan-based Bean to bar (*2) shop by the name of green bean to bar CHOCOLATE. You can also watch as chocolate is made from behind a glass where the kitchen is situated inside the shop. It’s also possible to sample chocolate tablets made from cacao beans from all over the world.

*2 Bean to bar: a small-scale chocolate shop that integrates both chocolate production from a selection of cacao beans to sales.

The shop includes an eat-in corner inside where you can enjoy drinks and chocolates. Takeout is also possible; doesn't a chocolate drink (550 yen plus tax) while viewing the flowers sound wonderful?

It is proper etiquette to bring your trash with you as there are no trash cans placed along the Meguro River. Please remember to bring your cup home to discard after drinking.

Green Bean to Bar Chocolate Nakameguro Main Store

2-16-11 Aobadai, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0042

3. Starbucks Coffee - Naka-Meguro Tsutaya Books: Relax With Coffee

After having your fill of sweets, wouldn’t you like to drink some coffee next? Continue walking towards the overhead structure of the Tokyu Toyoko Line and underneath it, you will find Naka-Meguro Tsutaya Books.

There is also a Starbucks attached to the bookstore, so you can buy coffee and head over to the bookstore to read on the sofas inside.

Not only are there English magazines available, but the bookstore is also equipped with free Wi-Fi and USB charging ports. Researching information for your trip can be done here, too.

Nakameguro Tsutaya Bookstore

1-22-10 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0051

4. Stop by for a Sushi Lunch at Iroha Sushi Nakameguro

Are you wondering what if you get hungry while you’re walking? When that happens, cross over to the opposite side of the overhead structure. You will immediately find yourself at Iroha Sushi Nakameguro as you walk along the river.

The restaurant’s menu is available in various languages (English, Korean, Chinese), so visitors can peruse the menu without any issues. A one-person lunch set is available for a reasonable price of around 814 yen with tax. Sushi can be ordered in single servings as well.