While not part of the 5CW (Tokyo’s five central wards that make up most of Tokyo’s core), Meguro ward is located in inner Tokyo. Here is an overview of its neighbourhoods, demographics, amenities, and real estate.

Geography and neighbourhoods

It’s main transport hub, Meguro Station, is part of the Yamanote Line, Tokyo’s ring line and most important transport vein. The area around the station is the ward’s only business hub and host to several large domestic and international firms with several direct and convenient connections to other business centres in the city via the Yamanote, Mita, and Nanboku Lines. The train lines itself are actually located just outside the ward, about 50 m to the east, in neighbouring Shinagawa Ward, one of Tokyo’s most important business districts. The 14.67 km² Meguro ward further borders Shibuya to the north and Setagaya ward to the west — making it prime real estate.

Meguro River flows through the ward; the area along the beautiful river promenade is one of the most desired residential neighbourhoods in Tokyo. The river comes to life during spring when cherry blossoms adorn it, and in winter when Christmas illuminations give it a magical air — both events accompanied by festivals. Parts of Daikanyama, considered one of Tokyo’s most fashionable areas, also falls into Meguro city. On the western side of the ward is Jiyugaoka — a popular spot for shopping, restaurants and famous for its cafés — is equally popular, especially with Japanese women and young families.

Demographics

277,803 people live in Meguro ward, giving it a population density of 19,291 inhabitants per square kilometre, which puts it in the higher bracket compared to the remainder of Tokyo’s 23 wards. The average age is 44 years, slightly below average. This is probably owing to the many universities located here, including a campus of Tokyo University, Tokyo Institute of Science and Technology, Gakugei University, and Toritsu University. The foreign population stands at 8,573. What sounds low in an international comparison with other capitals around the world falls into the average range for Tokyo, which is only recently growing its foreign population thanks to new policies adopted in April 2019 to facilitate the immigration of foreign workers.

Amenities & services

While none of the famous, large international supermarkets are located here, the ward has several grocery shopping options for those with foreign tastes. Both Kaldi Coffee Farm and Seiyo Ishii have branches in the area.

For conspicuous consumption and fancy dining, head to Jiyugaoka, Daikanyama, or  stroll the promenade along the river, best accessed from Nakameguro Station. There, visitors will find a plethora of mid-range and fine-dining restaurants, both Japanese and international, that are suitable to impress a date. There are also (often high-end) fashion boutiques rather than chain stores in the area.

For hitting the gym, Meguro ward has branches of Konami Sports Club and Joyfit gyms, which are popular with the Japanese and international community alike. There are also plenty of 24-hour gyms like Anytime Fitness and yoga studios.

No large international hospitals are located in the ward; the closest would be the Red Cross Medical Center in Hiroo, a taxi ride away. But several large general hospitals located here, including Meguro and Kyosai Hospitals.

Three international schools are located in Meguro: Gregg International School, Aoba-Japan International School’s Meguro Campus, and the Tokyo International Progressive School.

Real estate details

The ward has convenient and close connections to central Tokyo and grazes the Yamanote Line, making it a popular choice. Prices are comparable to those in the C5W (Shibuya, Shinjuku, Chuo, Chiyoda and Minato wards). A brand new property built within the last 5 years will set you back JPY 1,210,000/m² for ownership or JPY 4,430/m² rent per month. For example, a 20/m² studio in Meguro ward would cost you around JPY 24.2 million or JPY 88,600 yen in rent per month.

Prices fall as the years increase, with JPY 980,000/m² for  a property that is 20 years old and JPY 855,000/m² for 30 years if you are interested in buying. Renting an older place of 20 years will cost you around JPY 3,840/m² per month, or slightly less, JPy 3,575/m² for 30 years. Return on investment is average, around 4.4% for a new property and 4.7% for a 20-year-old place, for instance.

By Mareike Dornhege

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