“Black eyes” might seem like a strange name for a place. But the story of Meguro honcho starts with just that. Meguro honcho is a special ward in Tokyo. Its name means “black eyes”. This name comes from the Meguro Fudo temple.
The Meguro Fudo temple has a statue. This statue is called Fudo-myo. Its eyes are black. Abbot Tenkai placed five statues on Edo’s outskirts. He was an advisor to Tokugawa Ieyasu. These statues protected the new capital. Each had different colored eyes. Mejiro has a white-eyed statue.
Meguro honcho has a rich history. Remains from the Paleolithic period have been found here. These remains include shell mounds. They show Meguro’s long history. Meguro was once two towns. These towns were Meguro and Hibusuma. They were part of Musashi Province. In 1932, they became Meguro ward. The ward’s territory has not changed since.
In medieval times, samurai clans lived here. The Meguro and Himonya clans controlled the area. Buddhist steles were common during this time. These steles show the wars and disasters of the period. The Kamakura Kaido Road passed through Meguro. This road connected Kamakura to other provinces.
During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shoguns used Meguro as a falcon hunting ground. Many people visited for recreation. They enjoyed scenic spots and famous temples. Villagers grew vegetables. Bamboo shoots were a local specialty.
Meguro honcho today is mainly residential. But light industry and corporate offices are also here. The University of Tokyo has a campus here. Fifteen foreign embassies are located in Meguro honcho. Jiyugaoka and Nakameguro are popular neighborhoods.
The Meguro River flows through Meguro honcho. People enjoy green spaces along the river. Parks like Komaba Park offer recreation. The Meguro Sky Garden has a rooftop park. Saigoyama Park offers beautiful views.
Meguro honcho has many cultural institutions. The Meguro Museum of Art displays fine works. The Meguro Parasitological Museum is unique. Meguro Gajoen is a historic landmark hotel.
Several religious institutions call Meguro honcho home. Ryusenji is an important temple. Yuten-ji Temple attracts many visitors.
Meguro is twinned with two friendship cities. These are Dongcheng District in Beijing and Jungnang District in Seoul.
Meguro honcho has been home to many notable people. Masako, the Empress of Japan, was raised here. Toru Iwatani, the creator of Pac-Man, is from Meguro.
So, as you explore Meguro honcho, remember its story. It is a story of black eyes, samurai clans, and a vibrant community. It is a place where history and modern life meet. Take a moment to appreciate its unique charm.