Meguro River Cherry Blossom Illumination Night Walk Review
2019.04.17 Erina Hosono
On April 17, as the cherry blossom season came to a close and the warmth finally arrived, a review session of the Meguro River cherry blossom illumination night walk survey was held.
The element that many members recognized as a hero was the water surface of the Meguro River, reflecting the rows of pink lanterns. Members shared that the sight was mystical and beautiful, with illuminated cherry branches and blossoms swaying above while the lights flickered on the water below. However, the discussions regarding the floodlights used to illuminate them, the color of the light, and the overall environment surrounding the illumination brought forth many conflicting opinions.
Heated debate over the ideal light color for cherry blossom illumination
The discussion regarding the color of the cherry blossom illumination—the centerpiece of the festival—was split into three main perspectives. Some argued that it should be lit with white light to meet the expectation that “Meguro River is all about white cherry blossoms,” while others preferred warm bulb-colored light. There was even a candid opinion suggesting that “since the goal of flower viewing is drinking, does it even matter?” However, everyone agreed with the suggestion to experiment with high-color-rendering light sources that enhance the delicate, pale pink hues of the blossoms.
Regarding the floodlights used to illuminate the trees, the vast majority pointed out issues with glare. villain designations were concentrated on examples where local shops had independently installed floodlights, such as those aimed horizontally that created intense glare for people on the opposite bank, or floor-mounted lights under eaves intended for the trees that instead mercilessly blinded pedestrians. Nevertheless, the group collectively praised the proactive spirit of these shops attempting to contribute to the illumination as “heroic” in itself.
Next, concerning the lanterns lining the Meguro River, some felt the pink hue was too intense compared to the delicacy of the blossoms. On the other hand, some argued they are indispensable for creating a festive atmosphere and for tinting the blossoms with a faint rosy glow. The light sources consisted of two types: 20W incandescent bulbs and LED bulbs. The incandescent bulbs received high praise for their warmth and the sense of traditional elegance they evoked. While the LED bulbs stood out negatively due to their stark whiteness and point-source brightness, some voiced that a shift to LED is necessary when considering energy efficiency. Regarding the sight of the members lining up to flip over lanterns and check the bulbs, a comment was made: “From an outsider’s perspective, didn’t we look like petty criminals?” As for the spacing of the lanterns, while some favored dense placement for the beautiful reflections on the water and the distant view, others pointed out that in areas where the blossoms had not yet opened, the lanterns looked like “construction cones or a highway traffic jam” from afar, earning them a villain label.
New members confidently presenting their independent survey findings
Chief Mende providing expert commentary
In the surrounding environment, high-brightness white streetlights and office lighting were criticized for disrupting the Cherry Blossom Festival’s atmosphere, with some members calling for measures such as shading during illumination hours. Since the level of interest in the illumination varies among local shops, it was suggested that further outreach to the community could improve the overall sense of unity.
Additionally, the team that traveled from Gotanda to Meguro introduced “Kamuro-zaka Hill,” famous for its “cherry blossom tunnel.” While some praised the glare-free experience of enjoying nighttime blossoms lit from above eye level, others pointed out significant room for improvement, noting that poorly positioned floodlights cast sharp light that seemed to visually sever the tree trunks.
Lighting environments beyond the cherry blossoms were also shared. In the Gonnosuke-zaka Hill Shopping District, some viewed the ceiling-mounted fluorescent lights as providing a rhythmic energy to the traditional street. In contrast, others gave the poignant feedback that the Tetris-like fluorescent tubes were so bright they felt unable to walk there late at night while wearing makeup.
Other highlights included a spherical lamp at a private residence beautifully shrouded by a weeping plum tree and the well-received bookshelf lighting in an office building. Furthermore, the lounge at Hotel Gajoen Tokyo (1F) received high praise for its layers of light, composed of various decorative and indirect fixtures and a fireplace within the dining area.
Following the team presentations, famous night-viewing spots across Japan, such as the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival and Chidorigafuchi, were introduced. A member participating from Kyoto shared images of the illuminations at Nijo Castle and Gion Shirakawa; the crowd cheered at the sight of warm lanterns functioning as streetlights and the perfectly harmonized, elegant townscape.
The session concluded with a mini-lecture by a member titled “Reflections on Lighting to Enhance Cherry Blossom Colors,” which derived a solution for the lighting techniques that make the blossoms appear most attractive.
Next time in July, we will conduct a night walk survey (or perhaps a “night drive survey”?) circling the Metropolitan Expressway on a double-decker bus. How will the nightscape look from the highway? Please look forward to it.
