Comparison
Nakameguro and Yutenji: a comparison starting from daily life
Updated: 2026-10-08 · Reviewed: 2026-10-08
Nakameguro and Yutenji are neighbouring stations on the Tokyu Toyoko Line: coming from Shibuya, Nakameguro is the stop after Daikanyama, and Yutenji is the next one[1]. The biggest difference between them is the station. Every service stops at Nakameguro, from Limited Express and Express to Local trains, and it also connects to the Hibiya Line[2][3]; only Local trains stop at Yutenji[4]. So Nakameguro is a hub for changing trains on the way out, while daily life in Yutenji centres on the shops under the tracks and in the station building[5].
Below, the two are set side by side in three sections: daily life, transport and walking, and things to check. This piece doesn't pick a winner. Which one suits you depends on where you go each day and what kind of street you want to live on.
Daily life
Daily life in Nakameguro revolves around the station and the Meguro River. Under the Toyoko Line's elevated tracks is a shopping complex, Nakameguro Koukashita, which fully opened in June 2017[2]. One end of the platform spans the Meguro River, whose banks are lined with about 800 cherry trees; their branches reach across from both sides and cover the water[2][6]. Because of the blossoms, the riverside gets crowded in spring, and the mayor of Meguro City has asked visitors to follow the guards' directions, walk in one direction and not stop[7]. The mayor also suggests coming in the morning, or walking over from Ikejiri-Ohashi Station or Meguro Station instead, when it is less crowded[7].
Daily life in Yutenji is centred on the station. The shops under the elevated tracks include a supermarket, and other shops spread out from the station in every direction[5]. The station building, which opened in October 2018, has shops at street level, a nursery on the floor above, and small offices on the upper floors[5]. For a walk, there is the Jakuzure River Greenway: the small river once flowed into the Meguro River and, once covered over, became a walking path of about 3 kilometres[8].
In short, daily life in Nakameguro comes with a river that draws crowds in spring[6][7]; in Yutenji, shopping is concentrated around the station, and there is a greenway for walks[5][8].
Transport and walking
Nakameguro is shared by the Tokyu Toyoko Line and the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, and is the Hibiya Line's terminus[2]. Towards Shibuya, Toyoko Line trains run through onto the Fukutoshin Line, and Limited Express, Commuter Limited Express, Express and Local trains all stop here[2][3].
Yutenji is on the Toyoko Line only, and only Local trains stop there[4]. In 2017 a passing track was added through the middle of the station, and trains that don't stop use it to run straight through[5].
So if you ride Local trains, either station works; if you often take the Express or need the Hibiya Line, getting on and off at Nakameguro is more direct[2][3]. How long the walk to the station takes depends on where the property is. On either side, straight-line distance on a map is not the same as commuting time.
Things to check
If you're looking at Nakameguro, first check whether your daily routes run along the Meguro River. Cherry blossom crowds concentrate on the stretch along the river from the station, and the mayor has asked visitors to walk it in one direction only[7]. If your home is further from the station, walk the route once in spring to see whether you run into the crowds.
If you're looking at Yutenji, first work out whether your commute involves changing trains. Only Local trains stop at the station[4], so if you often take the Express, allow time for changing. On both sides, check whether the supermarkets and shops you use on weekdays are on your daily route.
These two neighborhoods
On-site checklist
- Your usual route: walk from the property to the station, take the line you'd normally use, and time the whole trip. Do this once each for Nakameguro and Yutenji.
- Weekday shopping: shop near the property once on a weekday evening, and check whether the shops and supermarkets you'd want to use are on your way.
- The street in the morning and evening: walk around once in the morning and once in the evening, and see whether the crowds, lighting and street noise are something you can live with. For Nakameguro, you could plan an extra visit in cherry blossom season to see how the crowds are managed.
- The actual walk to the station: use your phone to time the walk from the front door to the station entrance, including slopes and traffic lights, rather than estimating from straight-line distance.
This article draws on public data and street photos. It does not rate property prices, rents or safety. Please check in person before you move. Where the data comes from