The Meguro River Illuminations 2025, also called the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival, or Nakameguro Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the best night illuminations during the cherry blossom season in Tokyo. During the festival, the flowering cherry trees are illuminated by pink lanterns, creating a colorful and dreamlike scene.
The Meguro River Promenade is a roughly 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) walkway alongside the Meguro River. It is a lively neighborhood in central Tokyo. Along the river lined with 800+ tall cherry trees.
When is the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival 2026
The Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival 2026 is likely to be held from late March to early April. However, the exact festival time for 2025 has not been announced yet. We will update the timing as soon as it is released. The festival date varies each year according to the Cherry Blossom Season. In 2024, the festival took place from March 19th to 31st.
See below some basic facts about Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival:
- Name: Meguro River Cherry Blossoms Festival, Meguro River Illumination, Nakameguro Sakura Festival
- Date: From Late March to Early April
- Light Illumination Time: 5 pm to 8 pm
- Location: Between Ikejiri-Ohashi and Meguro Station, along the Meguro River.
What are the Top Things to Do at the Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival?
The festival is famous for its light illumination. Each year during the Sakura season, the cherry trees along the river are decorated with red lanterns. In the evening, the area is illuminated by soft pink lights. Thousands of bright pink lanterns hang from the trees, casting beautiful reflections on the water below.
During the daytime, the festival also features performances and various activities.
Enjoy a Peaceful Stroll
You could take a peaceful morning stroll alongside the river beneath the cherry blossoms. The area is usually quiet in the morning before 9–10 am but very crowded in the evening. There are bridges crossing the river at regular intervals, which are perfect vantage points for admiring the stunning blossoms.
Relish Scenic Views at Riverside Coffee Bars in the Area
The area boasts an array of fantastic restaurants and cozy coffee bars. We suggest you choose a riverside coffee bar to enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the picturesque views. To us, one of the best places is the world's biggest Starbucks Reserve Roastery. It provides an exceptional cherry blossom viewing experience. Its outdoor terrace allows you to sit, relax, and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings.
Enjoy Riverside Picnics and Hanami Tradition
Alongside the river, you would find numerous food and beverage stalls offering a variety of cuisines and drinks. You may buy some local foods and drinks to pack for a picnic that you could enjoy on the grassy areas alongside the river. Experience a traditional Japanese hanami (flower-viewing outing), just like the locals.
Take in the Evening Glow
In the evening, the area is illuminated by a gentle pink glow of lights. The scenery is gorgeous but you need to be prepared for the huge crowds around you as the place is bustling with travelers in the evening.
Where is the Meguro River Cherry Blossoms Held?
The festival is held along the Meguro River Promenade centered around the Nakameguro ('Mid-Meguro') district. It stretches between Ikejiri-Ohashi and Meguro Station, covering approximately 4–5 kilometers (2.5–3 miles) along the river.
How to Get to the Meguro River Cherry Blossoms Promenade?
The Meguro River Cherry Blossoms Promenade is easily accessible by train. You could reach the Meguro River in about 5 minutes by train from Shibuya. You could take a train to either Nakameguro Station, Meguro Station, or Ikejiri-Ohashi Station. All of these three stations are located along the Meguro River.
Among the three, Nakameguro Station is closest to the promenade (only 5 minutes' walk), but it is also the most crowded. It is also close to the illuminated stretch of the river from Nakameguro Station to Meguro Station.
How to Avoid the Crowds at the Meguro River Cherry Blossoms?
The Meguro River Cherry Blossoms Promenade is always crowded. Here, we offer some helpful tips for you to escape the crowds as much as possible for a better experience.
- Visit early in the morning before 9–10 am. The place is usually quiet before that time.
- The most crowded part is around Nakameguro, so walk further away to experience fewer crowds.
- Restaurants nearby are crowded during the lunchtime period from 12 pm to 1:30 pm. If you want to avoid the crowds, we suggest eating early or later at 2 pm or 3 pm.
- Escape weekends if possible as they are usually more crowded than weekdays.
What is the Best Cherry Blossom Walking Path?
If you are in a hurry and just want to experience the highlights, then start at Meguro Station and walk to Nakameguro. This area is filled with stylish cafés, boutique shops, and restaurants, offering visitors the perfect blend of shopping, dining, and cherry blossom viewing.
If you want to enjoy more of the river, consider getting off at Meguro Station and walking up to the Nakameguro area. If you're in the mood for a lengthier stroll, you could extend your walk toward Ikejiri-Ohashi Station. Likewise, you could opt for the reverse direction from Ikejiri-Ohashi to Meguro Station.
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