Welcome aboard the Yamanote loop Welcome to Meguro Station on the Yamanote Line, one of Tokyo’s busiest JR East stops. If you’re arriving or transferring here, knowing your way around can save minutes—or even hours—of wandering underground corridors. In this ultimate guide to Meguro Station Yamanote Line, you’ll get step-by-step tips on exits, platforms, transfers, and nearby must-see spots. Ready to navigate like a pro?
Get station orientation
Meguro Station first opened in 1885 and today serves over 100,000 boarding passengers daily (Wikipedia). The Yamanote platforms sit on B1F, while the Tokyo Metro Namboku and Toei Mita platforms are down on B4F. The Tokyu Meguro line is on the ground level. Grab a station map near the ticket gates or follow the colored floor markings—green for Yamanote, teal for Namboku, and blue for Tokyu Meguro.
Key points to note
- Look for large “JR” signs to find the Yamanote Line concourse
- Follow platform numbers 1 and 2 for clockwise and counterclockwise service
- Keep an eye on digital boards showing departure times and car positions
For a broader Yamanote overview, check our Yamanote line stations guide.
Find your platform
The Yamanote Line at Meguro has two half-height platform edge doors for safety (Wikipedia). Platform 1 heads toward Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro, while Platform 2 goes toward Osaki, Shinagawa, and Tokyo.
Platform layout tips
- Car numbers are marked on the platform floor. Line up where you need to be for quickest exits
- Elevators and escalators are at both ends of each platform—follow the yellow tactile path if you need barrier-free access
- During peak hours, trains arrive every 2.5 minutes; off-peak service runs every 3.5 to 4 minutes (JRailPass)
Pro tip: If you need to switch directions, exit to the concourse and re-enter through the ticket gates to avoid long cross-platform walks.
Choose an exit
Meguro Station has two main exits—East and West—plus smaller gates for each line. Which one you pick depends on your destination.
East exit highlights
- Atré shopping mall, integrated into the station
- Direct bus stops to nearby suburbs
- Taxi stand and bicycle parking
West exit highlights
- Quick access to the Meguro River cherry blossom path
- Local cafes and izakayas (Japanese pubs) along Meguro-dori
- Meguro Ward Office, if you need tourist info
Looking for Shibuya or Shinjuku next? Transfer easily via the Yamanote loop—see our Shibuya station Yamanote Line exits and Shinjuku station Yamanote Line guide.
Explore nearby attractions
Meguro Station sits on the border of Meguro and Shinagawa wards, putting you in the heart of riverside beauty and urban culture.
Meguro River hanami
Every spring, about 800 cherry trees line a 4-km stretch of the Meguro River, creating a canopy of blossoms above the water (Skyticket). Stroll east from the West exit to reach the most photogenic spots.
Institute for Nature Study
Just a 10-minute walk from the West gate, this green oasis preserves Edo-period gardens, tranquil ponds, and pines. Admission is free—perfect for a peaceful break.
Atré Meguro mall
Dive right into Atré’s shops and eateries under the East exit. You’ll find sushi take-out, fashion boutiques, and a grocery floor if you need snacks for the train.
Transfer to other lines
Meguro Station’s layout makes switching between JR, Tokyo Metro, Toei, and Tokyu lines surprisingly smooth once you know the way.
Tokyo Metro Namboku and Toei Mita
- Follow the “B4F” signs from the concourse
- After privatization in 2004, Tokyo Metro took over Namboku facilities—look for their green “M” logo (Wikipedia)
- Both lines share a platform area; just a few steps from the ticket gates to the trains
Tokyu Meguro line
- Ground-level platforms are outside the Yamanote ticket barriers
- Use the Tokyu ticket machines if you’re not holding a JR pass
- This line will take you deeper into suburban Tokyo, toward Musashi-Koyama or Hiyoshi
Need guidance for other Yamanote transfers? Try our Ebisu station Yamanote Line guide or Yoyogi station Yamanote Line.
Use station amenities
Even a quick stop at Meguro can be more comfortable when you know where to find essentials.
Lockers and baggage
- Coin lockers of various sizes near the West exit
- Large lockers can fit suitcases; small ones are perfect for backpacks
- Look for these in the concourse level (B1F)
Wi-Fi and charging
- Free JR-East Wi-Fi in the concourse—just select “JR-EastFREEWi-Fi” on your device
- Power outlets at some seating areas on the platform and in Atré Meguro
Restrooms and nursing rooms
- Clean, western-style toilets on B1F near the ticket gates
- Baby changing stations and nursing rooms signposted in English and Japanese
Plan your journey
Getting the timing, tickets, and fares right will keep your Tokyo trip running smoothly.
Train schedule
- First Yamanote train departs at 4:26 am; last train leaves at 1:20 am (JRailPass)
- Rush hour spans roughly 7:30–9:30 am and 5–7 pm; expect packed cars
- Weekend service maintains a 4-minute frequency, so you seldom wait long
Ticketing and fare
- Tokyo fares use a distance-based system—Meguro to Shibuya costs ¥140, while Meguro to Tokyo is ¥200
- IC cards (Suica, Pasmo) are accepted everywhere—just tap in and out
- If you hold a JR Pass, show your pass at the manned gate and proceed to the Yamanote platforms
Insider travel tips
Here are a few hacks to level up your station game and keep stress at bay.
- Mind the car number 10 to be closest to the West exit on Platform 1.
- If you see “KIDS” signs on the platform, those cars have priority seats and stroller space.
- For quieter views of the cherry blossoms, walk north toward Ikejiri-Ōhashi instead of the main East exit route.
- Arrive 5 minutes before peak hours end to avoid the worst crush.
- Download the JR East app for real-time train updates in English.
Summary and next steps
You’ve mastered Meguro Station Yamanote Line navigation, from platform layouts and exits to transfers and local sights. Now it’s your turn to test these tips on your next Tokyo adventure. Pin this guide, share it with fellow travelers, and don’t forget to explore nearby stations like Shibuya station Yamanote Line exits or Shinagawa station Yamanote Line for more insider knowledge.
FAQs
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What lines serve Meguro Station?
Meguro Station connects JR East’s Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Namboku Line, Toei Mita Line, and the Tokyu Meguro Line. -
Which exit is best for the Meguro River cherry blossoms?
Use the West exit. A short walk west leads you to the 4-km hanami pathway lined with about 800 cherry trees (Skyticket). -
Are there luggage lockers at Meguro Station?
Yes. Coin lockers in various sizes are on the concourse (B1F) near the West exit. Large lockers fit suitcases, while small ones suit daypacks. -
How do I transfer to the Tokyu Meguro Line?
Exit the JR ticket gates and follow signs for Tokyu. The ground-level platforms are right outside the JR area—purchase a Tokyu ticket or tap your IC card. -
When do trains start and end at Meguro on the Yamanote Line?
The first train departs around 4:26 am, and the last train leaves at 1:20 am the next day (JRailPass).
