Let’s go see the cherry blossom illumination along the Meguro River!
2019.03.25 Naoko Oguchi + Takashi Ota + Arata Ishikawa + Noriko Higashi
The Meguro River is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo. For this night walk survey, we divided into two routes—Nakameguro to Meguro and Gotanda to Meguro—to investigate how the cherry blossoms are illuminated in each area.
Cherry blossoms around Nakameguro illuminated by high-color-temperature white light
Team 1 (Tokyu Toyoko Line Nakameguro Station → JR Meguro Station)
Our night walk survey took us from Nakameguro to Meguro. Along the Meguro River near Nakameguro Station, the lighting went beyond simple illumination; the light from food stalls and restaurants created a lively atmosphere, and the cherry blossoms were powerfully lit with highcolor-temperature (6500K) floodlights. While there was some debate regarding this choice of color temperature, the high Kelvin value seemed to make the whiteness of the petals stand out impressively. However, depending on the installation points, some lights were at eye level for pedestrians, causing uncomfortable glare. Alongside the floodlights, countless lanterns stretched on endlessly, producing a bustling and festive cherry blossom season. In areas with few streetlights, these lanterns also served to ensure pedestrian safety. As we moved toward Meguro, past Komazawa-dori Street, the floodlight illumination ceased, leaving only lanterns and occasional independent lighting by adjacent restaurants. These shops showed various creative efforts, such as spotlights mounted on walls or portable floodlights, but those aimed upward from the ground still felt quite glaring.
If we consider the cherry blossom illumination as the protagonist, then permanent illuminations on shrubs, streetlights, high-brightness signage, and the white light from offices feel like villains. To counter this, while acknowledging the difficulties in terms of management and safety, suggestions were made to use timer controls during the illumination period or to give the streetlights themselves an illumination function. The Meguro River illumination carries a strong sense of anticipation and exclusivity for visitors, and there was an atmosphere where the mere sight of lit-up cherry blossoms was enough to create excitement. For that very reason, it became clear how much the appearance of the blossoms is affected by the surrounding environment, such as streetlight planning and nearby shops. While the lanterns are not particularly beautiful when viewed up close, the sight of them in a row is stunning. Furthermore, many shared the opinion that the reflection of these lanterns on the water’s surface was the most striking and beautiful sight, leading to the conclusion that the true hero might be the water surface itself. (Naoko Oguchi)
Members checking the light source of a paper lantern
Team 2 (Tokyu Toyoko Line Nakameguro Station → JR Meguro Station)
Team 2 discussed three main points: what color light should be used to illuminate the cherry blossoms, whether the prominent lanterns along the Meguro River are necessary, and what the “correct” way to light the blossoms is. Regarding the first point—color—opinions were divided on whether to use warm white with a low color temperature, daylight colors closer to natural light, or a slightly reddish-pink hue. Many seemed to prefer daylight colors with high color rendering, noting that warm white lacks the ability to accurately reproduce the blossoms’ natural color. However, some members preferred warm white, arguing that it provides a sense of unity when viewed from a distance, as the surrounding food stalls and lanterns are all warm-toned.
Regarding the second point—the lanterns—while they contribute to a sense of “Japanese-ness” and liveliness that foreign tourists might appreciate, some felt they were more prominent than the cherry blossoms themselves and were a bit too “noisy.” As for the third point—lighting techniques—near Nakameguro Station, rectangular fixtures mounted on railings on both sides of the river illuminated the tips of the cherry blossom branches over a wide area. There was a preference for this method of wide-area uplighting from a slightly higher position, as opposed to narrow-angle spotlights placed on the ground or side of shops, which tend to shine directly into people’s eyes.
Throughout the night walk survey, the most positive feedback was for the reflection of the lantern lights on the water’s surface. While it felt as though the water was overshadowing the blossoms, the mystical scenery created by the cherry blossoms together with the light reflecting off the water clearly moved those who saw it.
While cherry blossom illumination has its pros and cons, I concluded that for those who want to enjoy the fleeting blooming season with friends and family over drinks, the specific way the trees are lit might not matter as much as the creation of an overall extraordinary, festive space. (Noriko Higashi)
Lighting independently installed by shops along the Meguro River found everywhere
A spotlight far too glaring for passersby
Team 3 (JR Gotanda Station → JR Meguro Station)
Team 3 conducted their night walk survey from JR Gotanda Station toward Kamuro-zaka Hill and Meguro. Initially, we walked along the Meguro River through a residential area, but as the cherry blossoms were not illuminated and the surroundings were dark, we moved away from the river to appreciate the illumination of the fully bloomed cherry trees at Kamuro-zaka Hill. Each tree was lit from below with white LED light, creating a “cherry blossom tunnel” that was clearly recognizable and looked very beautiful even from a distance. However, upon closer inspection, we found that temporary supports for the lighting were leaned against the trees. Rather than protecting these delicate trees, the electrical wiring was strung across to neighboring trees, placing a significant load on them, which was very disappointing. Furthermore, the floodlights were poorly positioned, unnecessarily illuminating the trunks; unfortunately, this could not be called “Heroic” light. There is clearly much room for improvement in the illumination methods.
Near the Taiko-bashi Bridge, however, the cherry blossoms were illuminated by the warm light passing through the pink sides of the bonbori lanterns (20W incandescent lamps). The flowers glowed a modest, pale crimson against the darkness, creating a refined atmosphere. The swaying orange light of the lanterns reflected on the river’s surface was also incredibly beautiful and felt like a hero. Although it was difficult to tell since the blossoms were not in full bloom in this specific area, I suspect the lanterns play a significant role in making the blossoms look beautiful.
At Meguro Shin-bashi Bridge, toward the end of our night walk survey, we discovered many instances of glaring light. The retro-style bracket lights attached to the four sides of the main pillars were covered with opal glass, yet their high luminance caused uncomfortable glare. Along the sidewalk of the Gonnosuke-zaka Hill Shopping District leading to the bridge, opinions were split: some felt the white light from the arcade lighting—stylishly arranged on the ceiling—gave a rhythmic, bright energy to the restaurant district that still retains a traditional Showa-era atmosphere, while others found the sheer number of fluorescent lights to be quite glaring.
During this night walk survey, I felt there was less illumination than expected, resulting in many dark areas. Conversely, I felt that many “heroes in the making” exist within those spaces. (Takashi Ota)
View from Meguro toward Nakameguro; cherry blossoms are not illuminated
Lantern light reflected on the water’s surface – A Hero
Team 4（JR Gotanda Station → JR Meguro Station）
Like Team 3, Team 4 conducted a night walk survey along the Meguro River from JR Gotanda Station to Meguro Station. Shortly after leaving Gotanda Station, we saw rows of banners reading “Sakura Matsuri” (Cherry Blossom Festival). Rather than heading straight to the river, we followed the path of the cherry trees toward the Gakken Tokyo Headquarters. One specific light illuminating the trees in front of the building was a warm color, which sparked an excellent initial discussion among our team members.
Along the Meguro River near Gotanda, the cherry blossoms had not yet bloomed even in late March, and while lanterns were present, there was no active illumination of the trees. However, I believe this allowed us to notice things we might otherwise have missed. We observed that the permanent fixtures of riverside apartment buildings—which might typically be considered good lightings, heroes”—were bad lightings, villains in this context because they clashed with the warm glow of the lanterns. We also found instances where permanent lighting seemed to interfere with the cherry tree branches. This made me realize that lighting design does not end once a fixture is installed; it is crucial to observe how it interacts with people’s lives and the surrounding environment over time.
This was my first time participating in a night walk survey, and I truly enjoyed it. The participants came from various backgrounds, each offering unique perspectives and diverse impressions, and I was moved by how many different ways there are to view the same light. Not being a lighting professional or researcher myself, I felt a significant lack of technical knowledge. It was difficult to make quantitative judgments since I wasn’t familiar with specific illuminance levels, but I feel I was able to sense the light qualitatively and distinguish between heroes and villains. During the survey, I was particularly interested in lighting unity and environmental consideration. I intend to keep these points in mind the next time I walk through a city. (Arata Ishikawa)
A shopping street retaining its traditional atmosphere; an inviting place to stop by after flower viewing
A member taking notes enthusiastically
