Nishi-Koyama’s Cherry Tree-lined Street – Quiet Beauty Beneath Blossoms
In spring, a peaceful street in Nishi-Koyama turns into a tunnel of blossoms. Lined with over 100 cherry trees on both sides, this stretch of Tachiai Street (立会道) offers one of Shinagawa Ward’s most photogenic walks. From Nishi-Koyama Station to Nakahara Kaidō, the road becomes a local favourite for hanami strolls.
🌸 Cherry Trees over a Hidden River
This route was once the Tachiai River (立会川), where minnows swam and fireflies flickered. In 1964, the river was covered over and transformed into a modern road. In 1970, cherry trees were planted along its edges. Today, the river still flows underground, aided by a unique environmental project.
To improve water quality, Shinagawa Ward began channeling groundwater from beneath Tokyo Station via a blue pipeline. This water now flows into Tachiai River near Tsukimi Bridge. It is even oxygenated using advanced systems, helping to purify the underground stream that once shaped this landscape.
🏡 Nishi-Koyama: A Neighborhood with Roots
Nishi-Koyama’s name reflects its geography. The “koyama” or “small hill” is believed to be the slope where Koyama Hachiman Shrine stands today. During the Edo period, this area was part of the old Koyama village. By the Showa era, it hosted a lively red-light district along the river. Today, that same path is shaded by blossoms, creating a space of peace and memory.
🚉 A Street Transformed by Transit
Between 2006 and 2009, major changes came with the undergrounding of the Tokyu Meguro Line. The stretch between Musashi-Koyama and Nishi-Koyama stations was moved below ground. Above it, a new greenway called Musashikoyama Green Path (武蔵小山緑道) opened, replacing old railway lines with cherry trees, benches, and walking paths.
It’s a quiet transformation: from rivers to roads, from trains to trails. But the seasonal magic of spring keeps this corridor in bloom and in memory.
🌸 What Makes It Special?
- Sakura Tunnel: Over 100 trees line both sides of Tachiai Street
- Historic River Route: Built over the culverted Tachiai River
- Spring Highlight: Local Sakura Festival in March–April
- Quiet Local Charm: No crowds, just petals and peace
🧭 Visitor Information
Address: Tachiai Street, Koyama 5–6 chōme to Ebara 5-chōme, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Best season: Late March to early April for full bloom
Admission: Free
Official Info: None
Note: This is a residential area. Please enjoy quietly and respect locals when taking photos.
Where is it?
| what3words | ///clay.boarding.supposed |
| latitude longitude | 35.612828, 139.700867 |
| Nearest station(s) | Nishi-Koyama Station (Tokyu Meguro Line) |
| Nearest public conveniences | Station or nearby convenience stores |
Show me a sign.
The sign is mounted along the side of the road under the cherry trees, fittingly.
Withervee says…
If you continue too far north up Tachiai Street you leave the safety of Shinagawa ward and enter Meguro ward. Just warning you!
Actually, up there is the Tachiaigawa Greenway (立会川緑道) another interesting road where the trees and the path run down its middle. It continues the route of the Tachiaigawa
Site Character
- Lifestyle 生活 (Seikatsu): ✔️
- Historical Significance 歴史 (Rekishi): ✔️
- Atmosphere/Natural Features 風土 (Fūdo): ✔️
Who in their right mind would vote for this?
- Cherry blossom hunters
- Couples on a stroll
- Photographers
- Nature lovers
- Quiet souls
Further reading
While you’re there…
Drop by Koyama Hachiman Shrine just around the corner, or grab a snack at the Musashi-Koyama shopping arcade.
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