Dreaming of cherry blossoms on your first trip to Japan? Chidorigafuchi is where Tokyo’s timeless beauty meets an unforgettable spring experience.
🌸 A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Tokyo
If you’re visiting Japan for the first time, cherry blossoms—or sakura—are probably high on your bucket list. While there are many popular spots across the country, Chidorigafuchi in central Tokyo offers one of the most iconic and breathtaking hanami (flower-viewing) experiences in Japan.
Located beside the Imperial Palace in the upscale Chiyoda Ward, Chidorigafuchi is a scenic moat surrounded by hundreds of cherry trees. In late March to early April, these trees burst into bloom, turning the entire area into a sea of soft pink.
🌸 Why Visit Chidorigafuchi?
1. Boat Under the Blossoms
One of the most magical ways to enjoy the sakura is by renting a rowboat and gliding through the moat under a canopy of cherry blossoms. It’s peaceful, romantic, and uniquely Japanese.
2. Stroll the Sakura Path
The 700-meter pedestrian path along the water offers endless photo opportunities and a relaxing walk. It’s especially beautiful at sunset, when the golden light hits the petals just right.
3. See the Nighttime Light-Up
During the Chiyoda Sakura Festival, the trees are illuminated from sunset to 10 PM. The glow of the lanterns and petals creates a dreamlike atmosphere that feels straight out of a movie.
4. Explore Nearby Culture
Combine your hanami with a visit to Yasukuni Shrine, a nearby site known for its history and tranquil grounds—also filled with cherry trees. It’s a great chance to experience both Japan’s seasonal beauty and cultural heritage in one visit.
🚉 How to Get There
Chidorigafuchi is easy to access from major Tokyo areas:
- From Tokyo Station:
Take the Marunouchi Line to Otemachi, transfer to the Hanzomon Line, and get off at Hanzomon Station (Exit 5). It’s about a 5-minute walk. - From Shibuya:
Take the Hanzomon Line directly to Hanzomon Station – around 20 minutes. - Alternative Station:
Kudanshita Station (Tozai, Hanzomon, Shinjuku Lines) is also nearby, about a 10-minute walk.
🕐 When to Go & How to Beat the Crowds
Cherry blossom season is wildly popular in Japan, so here are a few tips for enjoying Chidorigafuchi without the crowds:
- Weekdays are Best: Try visiting early in the morning (before 9 AM) on a weekday for a peaceful experience.
- Avoid Weekend Nights: The light-up is stunning, but weekend evenings can get packed.
- Rainy Days = Fewer Tourists: A gentle drizzle often keeps crowds away while adding a serene, misty mood.
- For Boating: Arrive before opening hours to avoid long lines, especially on weekends.
🌸 Final Thoughts
Chidorigafuchi is the perfect introduction to Japan’s cherry blossom tradition. It offers that “wow” moment first-time visitors are looking for, along with a quiet elegance that locals treasure.
Whether you’re rowing beneath sakura petals or simply taking in the view with a warm cup of matcha, this Tokyo gem is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
Don’t just see the cherry blossoms—feel them. Let Tokyo’s spring beauty sink into your soul.
