By Video Street View Japan

Every spring, Tokyo’s Meguro River becomes a magnet for hanami (cherry blossom) enthusiasts — and this video from March 30 provides a vivid snapshot of why. Filmed on the first clear weekend after a rainy day, the cherry blossom-lined banks of Naka-meguro transform into a bustling, picturesque corridor as locals and tourists flood the area to admire the blooming sakura. Captured using high-quality video and binaural audio, this immersive walk demonstrates the electric atmosphere and vibrant scenery of early evening hanami culture.

The video begins just outside Naka-meguro Station, where viewers are immediately introduced to the crowd control challenges and pedestrian buzz that defines Tokyo's most famous cherry blossom corridor. As the walk progresses, scenes of slow-moving crowds, scenic river views, and dozens of people lined up at iconic photo spots give a real-time sense of the intensity and excitement of peak cherry blossom season.

Notable highlights include a couple of prime photo locations that offer splendid views of the cherry blossoms with lanterns reflecting off the Meguro River’s surface. Goryuten Playground also serves as a communal spot for families and rest for weary walkers. Toward the end of the video, the camera captures stunning elevated views, exhibiting the beauty of the sakura trees spreading like a pink ribbon along the riverbanks.

Naka-meguro’s cherry blossom fame isn't undeserved — the two-kilometer stretch along the river is lined with approximately 800 Somei Yoshino cherry trees. This area is also known for trendy cafes, pop-up food stalls, and riverside bars which attract an eclectic and vibrant crowd.

Whether you're planning for your own hanami trip or want to vicariously experience the bustling beauty of Tokyo in spring, this video offers a captivating and atmospheric look at one of the capital’s top seasonal destinations.