The Imperial Palace in central Tokyo is surrounded by thick stone walls, the Chidorigafuchi Moat, and a park. There are about 200 cherry trees planted around the moat, and they turn the whole landscape pink for a couple of weeks in March and April. At other times, visitors can enjoy walking along the 2,300 foot (700 meter) walkway beside the moat. For an extra bit of fun, rent a rowboat and enjoy an outing on the water.
Rowboats can be rented from March to November.
During cherry-blossom season, stalls selling snacks are set up around the moat.
The moat and park are within walking distance of Kitanomaru Park, the National Museum of Modern Art, and the Nippon Budokan indoor arena.
The Chidorigafuchi Moat is northwest of the Imperial Palace. It’s a short walk from Kudanshita Station on the Toei Shinjuku, Metro Hanzomon, and Metro Tozai lines.
While cherry blossom season (late March to early April) is the best time to visit, the area is also very crowded during this season as around one million people flock visit to see the blooms. Immediately following cherry blossom season, you can enjoy the lovely sight of the pink petals floating on the surface of the water.
Just northwest of Chidorigafuchi, you’ll find the Yasukuni Shrine. This Meiji-era Shinto shrine—formally known as the Imperial Shrine of Yasukuni—honors Japan’s war dead. The site is also one of Tokyo’s most popular cherry-blossom-viewing locations in March and April, and you can easily visit the temple before or after Chidorigafuchi.
