Saigoyama Park
日本 · 目黒区 · Parks & Gardens
Image source: Flickr; license credits as shown.
Overview
Saigoyama Park is a ward park on a hillside in Aobadai, Meguro, Tokyo. The site was once the residence grounds of Saigo Tsugumichi, the younger brother of Saigo Takamori in the Meiji era, and was later developed by Meguro Ward into a leafy place for walking and relaxation. Although the park is not large, its varied elevation allows for a lawn plaza, an observation deck, and an artificial waterfall, making it a popular spot for strolling, dates, and family outings around Daikanyama and Nakameguro. On clear days, the observation deck offers views over the Meguro cityscape, and in winter, when visibility is good, Mt. Fuji can even be seen. The evening atmosphere is also especially romantic.
Getting There
From Tokyu Toyoko Line’s Daikanyama Station, it is about a 13–15 minute walk, and from Nakameguro Station it is about a 9–10 minute walk to the park’s north entrance. From Shibuya Station, you can take the Tokyu Transse Daikanyama Loop Bus and get off at Hatchobommachi Koban or Saigo-bashi, then walk a few minutes to the park area. The east side of the park borders Old Yamate Street, and you can enter the grounds by walking uphill along the slope.
Highlights
Saigoyama Park’s defining feature is its layered green landscape, created by making use of the plateau and sloping terrain. From the lawn plaza to the observation deck and artificial waterfall, visitors can experience changes in elevation and the contrast of an urban oasis within just a few hundred meters. The park’s name comes from Saigo Tsugumichi, who built a villa here in the Meiji era; the name Saigoyama was originally a familiar local place name and was later adopted as the official park name, giving it a strong historical background. Although the park covers about 10,000 square meters, it brings together grass areas, wooded paths, stone waterfall scenery, and an observation deck, making it an ideal place to add a bit of forest bathing to a shopping or café-hopping day in Daikanyama and Nakameguro. Because of its open views and quiet atmosphere, it is also often used as a filming location for TV dramas and commercials, and its dusk and night views are especially popular with couples.
What to See
・Lawn Plaza: Located in the center of the elevated area, this open grassy space is ideal for spreading out a picnic blanket, resting, and playing with children. The large cherry trees planted around it become the visual highlight during spring blossom season. ・Observation Deck: Set on the higher part of the park, it overlooks the Meguro city area. On clear winter days, it is even possible to see Mt. Fuji in the distance, making it a popular spot for photography and night views. ・Artificial Waterfall and Stone Arrangement: Taking advantage of the original elevation difference, an artificial waterfall with a drop of about 20 meters has been installed. Water cascades down through the rock scenery, creating a quiet atmosphere reminiscent of a Japanese garden and making it hard to believe you are in the city center. ・Shaded Park Paths: The gentle uphill paths around the lawn and the tree-lined walking routes are suitable for strolling and jogging. Along the way, visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms, fresh green leaves, and autumn colors, offering vivid seasonal changes. ・Children’s Play Corner: The park includes simple facilities such as small spring riders suitable for young children, and it is common to see families walking up from the Meguro River to let children play. ・Around the Saigo Tsugumichi Residence Ruins: Some stone arrangements and terrain features are thought to preserve the layout of the former villa garden, and together with the nearby Sugakari Park area below, they form a continuous green space on the site of the old Saigo residence.
Hours & Admission
The park is a Meguro Ward facility and is open all year round, 24 hours a day, with no fence or closing time restrictions, so it can be entered early in the morning or at night. Admission is free, and ordinary strolling and resting do not require any fee. For commercial photography, drama filming, and similar activities, prior permission from the park management office is required, and usage fees may apply. There is no paid parking inside the park, so visitors arriving by car must use meter parking spaces or nearby coin-operated parking lots along Old Yamate Street.
Address
2-10-28 Aobadai, Meguro City, Tokyo, Japan
Travel Tips
・Best season to visit: In spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the lawn plaza becomes a prime cherry-blossom viewing spot. Plum blossoms can also be enjoyed in February, while autumn brings maples and colorful fallen leaves, making it a favorite season for photographers. ・Recommended route: Start from Nakameguro Station and walk along the Meguro River path, then climb the slope to Saigoyama Park, and continue to Sugakari Park or back toward the Daikanyama shopping area. This is a popular half-day walking route. ・Night views and safety: From dusk to night, the observation deck offers city lights and distant night scenery, making it a popular date spot. However, some areas in the park are relatively dark at night, so it is best to go with someone and watch your step on stairs and slopes. ・Accessibility and slope: Much of the park consists of gentle slopes and stairs. Visitors with strollers or limited mobility can use the circular gentle-slope path to reach the lawn and observation deck, which is relatively easier. After heavy rain, some dirt paths may become slippery, so non-slip shoes are important. ・Supplies and facilities: The park focuses on natural scenery, so there are few shops and dining options. It is a good idea to buy drinks and food in advance in Nakameguro or Daikanyama before entering for a picnic. There is no parking lot inside the park, so traveling by train or bus is recommended.
Nearby Dining
・Daikanyama cafés and brunch spots: Along the route from Daikanyama Station to the park, there are many stylish cafés and brunch restaurants, making it a good idea to eat first and then stroll in the park, or to stop for dessert and coffee on the way back and add a café-trip feel to your outing. ・Nakameguro riverside restaurants: If you walk up along the Meguro River from Nakameguro Station, you can dine at riverside cafés, Italian restaurants, izakaya, and more. During cherry blossom season, some places also let you enjoy the evening cherry blossoms before heading up to Saigoyama Park to digest your meal. ・Convenience stores and takeout snacks: Within walking distance around the park, there are many convenience stores and bakeries, which are ideal for buying sandwiches, bread, and drinks to bring into the park for a lawn picnic. These are especially popular with families and couples. ・Small shops around Sugakari Park: Walking downhill from Saigoyama Park to Sugakari Park and the Meguro River area reveals many small cafés and dessert shops tucked into side streets. The atmosphere is quiet, making it well suited to a leisurely afternoon outing combined with a walk.
FAQ
Q: Do I need a ticket or reservation for Saigoyama Park? A: No. The park is open 24 hours a day all year round and admission is free, so ordinary walks and use of the lawn and observation deck do not require advance reservations. Q: Which station is the most convenient for walking there? A: Both Tokyu Toyoko Line’s Daikanyama Station and Nakameguro Station are within walking distance. It takes about 13–15 minutes from Daikanyama Station and about 9–10 minutes from Nakameguro Station. If you take the bus, you can board the Tokyu Transse Daikanyama Loop from Shibuya and get off at Hatchobommachi Koban or Saigo-bashi. Q: Can I have a picnic or bring children to play in the park? A: Yes. The elevated lawn plaza is perfect for spreading out a picnic blanket, and the park also has play equipment for young children. Many families walk up from the Meguro River so children can play, but visitors should still take responsibility for their own trash and noise etiquette. Q: Can I take wedding photos or commercial photos at Saigoyama Park? A: Ordinary personal photography is fine, but wedding shoots, commercials, dramas, and other commercial or large-scale photography require prior permission from the Meguro Ward park management office, and some uses may require a fee. Q: Can you see Mt. Fuji from the park? A: On especially clear days, such as in winter when the air is clean and visibility is good, there is a chance of seeing Mt. Fuji from the observation deck area. However, visibility depends on the weather, so it cannot be seen every day. Q: Is there parking or space for driving visitors? A: Saigoyama Park itself does not have a parking lot. There are coin-operated parking spaces and private parking lots along nearby Old Yamate Street that can be used as needed, but weekends can be crowded, so taking the train is generally easier.
