Chidorigafuchi, Chiyoda: Address, Phone Number, Chidorigafuchi Reviews: 4.5/5
Chidorigafuchi
Chidorigafuchi
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Chidorigafuchi and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Yotsuya / Iidabashi
Yotsuya and Iidabashi are areas that developed around the outer moat of the Imperial palace. Nearby in Kagurazaka, there is an old red-light district with a photogenic feel evocative of the ambiance of old Tokyo. Narrow paths with stone paving remain to this day, and there are long-standing restaurants with geishas and quaint old cafes in townhouse buildings.
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles

Chez Olivier
108
0.3 mi$$$$ • French • European

Factory
56
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bakeries

Tony Roma's
58
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Beer restaurants

Sakura Cafe Jimbocho
202
0.6 mi$ • Bar • Cafe • Diner

Indian Restaurant Mumbai Kudan
31
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Indian

Momose
19
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Japanese - Other

Horaiyahonten
14
0.2 mi

Gondora
17
0.2 mi

Yasukuni Shrine Gaien Kyukeijo
30
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Japanese - Other

Restaurant Sen
10
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • French
Attractions
5,198 within 6 miles

Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Matsuri
57
0.1 miCultural Events

Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery
49
0.1 miHistoric Sites • Cemeteries

Istituto Italiano di Cultura
13
309 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Nabewari-zaka
2
235 ftHistoric Walking Areas

Senshu Bunko
10
0.1 miSpeciality Museums

Nippon Budokan
337
0.2 miTheaters • Arenas & Stadiums

Kitanomaru Park
256
0.2 miHistoric Sites • Parks

Statue of Prince Kitashirakawa Yoshihisa
6
0.1 miMonuments & Statues

Takadoro
12
0.2 miHistoric Sites

Yasukuni Shrine
1,624
0.3 miHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,202 reviews
Excellent
664
Very good
440
Average
91
Poor
4
Terrible
3
Toru O
Setagaya, Japan1,703 contributions
I came here to view the sakura with my friends in late March. Located near the Imperial Palace and Hanzomon station on the Tokyo Metro. There are cafes and restaurants lining the moat and would be a great dating spot for couples.
Written January 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Yobeekool
Tokyo, Japan24,091 contributions
I had read the Japanese reviews and I did not know what the fuss was all about. Passing this seemingly endless tunnel of Sakura trees one Spring on a midnight taxi was amazing. It touched me deeply and I asked the driver to stop the car. Walking under those trees, I almost wept for a while.
Foreign visitors, if you happen to be in Tokyo at the time of cherry blossoms, you should come here around midnight for an unforgettable view that you shall cherish for your lifetime.
Foreign visitors, if you happen to be in Tokyo at the time of cherry blossoms, you should come here around midnight for an unforgettable view that you shall cherish for your lifetime.
Written May 29, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nikhil Ranade ロハン
Tokyo, Japan175 contributions
Couples
April is the season of cherry blossoms in Tokyo, and there are a number of spots for viewing the sakura (cherry blossoms) in their full bloom. Kudanshita (Chidori-ga-fuchi) is one of the best spots to go for a hanami (sakura viewing) walk around the moat.
When we went for sakura hanami (as it’s known in Japanese), there was a festival going on at the Indian Embassy located close to the sakura pathway. There are sakura trees lined up on the sides of the pathway, and many people like to come here for a walk as they can also enjoy sakura at the same time.
Unlike Tokyo’s Ueno Park or Asakusa, Kudanshita does not really have much space to sit down and have a ‘hanami party’, but Kudanshita’s sakura is definitely worth a visit if you don’t mind a little walk for 1-2 hours.
Yasukuni Shrine- one of Japan’s most famous and controversial shrines, is also quite close from here. The closest train station is Kudanshita on Hanzomon Line.
If you're in Tokyo around cherry blossom time, this spot is worth a visit.
When we went for sakura hanami (as it’s known in Japanese), there was a festival going on at the Indian Embassy located close to the sakura pathway. There are sakura trees lined up on the sides of the pathway, and many people like to come here for a walk as they can also enjoy sakura at the same time.
Unlike Tokyo’s Ueno Park or Asakusa, Kudanshita does not really have much space to sit down and have a ‘hanami party’, but Kudanshita’s sakura is definitely worth a visit if you don’t mind a little walk for 1-2 hours.
Yasukuni Shrine- one of Japan’s most famous and controversial shrines, is also quite close from here. The closest train station is Kudanshita on Hanzomon Line.
If you're in Tokyo around cherry blossom time, this spot is worth a visit.
Written August 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Richard E
Palm Springs, CA225 contributions
Friends
Expecting to spend a lovely day boating on the cherry blossomed moat, our trip was pure hell. Our boat man, obviously anti american/tourist, went after getting us into the boat, pushed down on the side of the boat, and not pushing out on the boat. Causing the three of us to tilt toward his push and tumble into the filthy 400 year old water.
They helped us out of the water, and that was it, no towel to dry off, no apology, nothing. Soaking wet, we were left on our own to struggle to get back to our hotel, no cab would take us, people were staring at us. Humiliating.
The worst part.....camera, telephones, clothes, shoes, bags, etc all ruined in the nasty water.It is taking a fight for them to acknowledge their responsibility in this incident. They want pictures of the clothes, pictures of us.......their people saw the whole thing. We have to prove what happened to us on their property. It has been an unpleasant expeirence to get any compensation from these people. They do not accept any responsiility, I would think twice before wasting money on this
They helped us out of the water, and that was it, no towel to dry off, no apology, nothing. Soaking wet, we were left on our own to struggle to get back to our hotel, no cab would take us, people were staring at us. Humiliating.
The worst part.....camera, telephones, clothes, shoes, bags, etc all ruined in the nasty water.It is taking a fight for them to acknowledge their responsibility in this incident. They want pictures of the clothes, pictures of us.......their people saw the whole thing. We have to prove what happened to us on their property. It has been an unpleasant expeirence to get any compensation from these people. They do not accept any responsiility, I would think twice before wasting money on this
Written April 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
hfot2 🌸🍁🌸
Vermont6,801 contributions
Couples
The circuit around the moat can take a couple of hours, more if you stop for photos.
On the side opposite the boathouse there's a less visited area under large (as in HUGE) trees. From there you can get good views into the moat and of the trees on the side with main path.
Get there early in the morning before the crowds arrive. Especially at peak, the place is very crowded and pedestrian traffic is one way only. There are folks at various stalls selling souvenirs and giving out free booklets in Japanese, take one because there's a useful English insert and map.
The moat begins to fill up with boats rather early in the day and the line for boat rental gets longer and longer. This is a fun activity and offers a totally different perspective on the trees when you look up from below or row underneath overarching boughs; the main problem is people who haven’t a clue how to row getting too close to you and causing dangerous situations.
[Early one morning we saw, from the location across from the boat house, a bridal photo shoot in the moat with the couple in one boat and the photographers in another. Great photo ops for us.]
We visited the last day of March and the blossoms were just about perfect. We did half the circuit in one day and returned and did the whole circuit the next.
On the side opposite the boathouse there's a less visited area under large (as in HUGE) trees. From there you can get good views into the moat and of the trees on the side with main path.
Get there early in the morning before the crowds arrive. Especially at peak, the place is very crowded and pedestrian traffic is one way only. There are folks at various stalls selling souvenirs and giving out free booklets in Japanese, take one because there's a useful English insert and map.
The moat begins to fill up with boats rather early in the day and the line for boat rental gets longer and longer. This is a fun activity and offers a totally different perspective on the trees when you look up from below or row underneath overarching boughs; the main problem is people who haven’t a clue how to row getting too close to you and causing dangerous situations.
[Early one morning we saw, from the location across from the boat house, a bridal photo shoot in the moat with the couple in one boat and the photographers in another. Great photo ops for us.]
We visited the last day of March and the blossoms were just about perfect. We did half the circuit in one day and returned and did the whole circuit the next.
Written February 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pelepassion
Cochrane, Canada41 contributions
Couples
We really only went here for a boat ride under the blossoms but the day we arrived looking to rent one but were told it was too windy. This may have been a translation issue because I didn't see any wind (but there were no boats out either). We'd been traveling north through the country as the blossom wave swept Japan so we had already been seeing cherry blossoms for 2 weeks by this point but I was still so amazed to arrive at this location with hundreds of trees in full bloom along with the water feature. Breath taking truly. Probably my my memorable cherry bloom spot of the trip but some of that is timing as 3 days later this would have been nice but not as amazing ect.
One thing to note it was CROWDED... I know this is Tokyo but this was 5 people inside my personal space at any time crowded all along the path ways and as people stopped for pictures you were at a standstill. There is one iconic shot and there were literally 20 people deep snapping dslrs above their heads trying to get it. So other people agree at the awesomeness and keep that in mind.
We came back that night to see the illumination and again that was amazing (I prefer the day though) but it was nice to see both. The Indian consulate across the road was having a bended festival with cherry blossoms which was neat and we got some dinner there and listened to some Indian musicians while watching the crowds and lit up blossoms across the street.
One thing to note, we got off at the wrong station for this park and the Japanese people didn't seem to know the name of this area. Even when I showed them the Kanji form of "Chiforigafuchi" on my phone but they did know the area as water, boats and cherry blossoms so I'm not sure what the locals refer to this spot.
One thing to note it was CROWDED... I know this is Tokyo but this was 5 people inside my personal space at any time crowded all along the path ways and as people stopped for pictures you were at a standstill. There is one iconic shot and there were literally 20 people deep snapping dslrs above their heads trying to get it. So other people agree at the awesomeness and keep that in mind.
We came back that night to see the illumination and again that was amazing (I prefer the day though) but it was nice to see both. The Indian consulate across the road was having a bended festival with cherry blossoms which was neat and we got some dinner there and listened to some Indian musicians while watching the crowds and lit up blossoms across the street.
One thing to note, we got off at the wrong station for this park and the Japanese people didn't seem to know the name of this area. Even when I showed them the Kanji form of "Chiforigafuchi" on my phone but they did know the area as water, boats and cherry blossoms so I'm not sure what the locals refer to this spot.
Written November 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hiloan
Honolulu, HI166 contributions
Couples
Breathtaking & easily hands down the BEST SITE to see Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo. We made a list of the top 10 Cherry Blossom viewing sites in Tokyo. Also saw pictures before we embarked on our vacation to determine the value of our efforts. We got MORE than we expected here! Immediately upon exiting the top of the stairs at Tokyo Metro Tozai line-Kudanshita station...we gasped at the sheer beauty & loveliness of the Cherry Blossoms surrounding the moat of the Imperial Palace. The memories of that first glance will last a lifetime! It is the combination of the water, the cherry blossom trees lining both sides of the moat, the boaters enjoying a tender romantic experience as the rest of us envy them their private time, the hanami viewers young and old, holding hands...everyone drinking in the fresh air, walking along the sidewalk overlooking the moat. Its just wonderful! Make the time to go here....if you have time for only 1 place to view the Tokyo Cherry Blossoms!
Written April 15, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
aVilhoa
Madeira Islands, Portugal278 contributions
Friends
Most of the photos depict this place during Hanami (Japanese cherry blossom viewing season) which usually is around end or March/beginning of April - actual dates vary every year.
While words cannot do the place justice during this time, it's also important to note that it's super busy: the rowing boats have people waiting in lines for hours and the park areas are covered in blue tarp as local office workers enjoy their drinking sessions. Regardless, definitely worth a visit during this time.
BUT, at other times? It's good for a stroll in the greenery, but nothing to write home about.
While words cannot do the place justice during this time, it's also important to note that it's super busy: the rowing boats have people waiting in lines for hours and the park areas are covered in blue tarp as local office workers enjoy their drinking sessions. Regardless, definitely worth a visit during this time.
BUT, at other times? It's good for a stroll in the greenery, but nothing to write home about.
Written July 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
anothermrs
Houston, TX165 contributions
Couples
I can only imagine how beautiful the walk to the cemetery and the surrounding gardens would have been had the cherry trees been blossoming when we visited. However, we were in Tokyo in December, and so the long walk under hibernating trees was...just a long walk (I imagine had we visited with the cherry blossoms I would have rated it five stars, so take that into consideration). It's so strange to me now that I'm going back to write individual reviews that my reviews are so low--we had a wonderful time in Tokyo and I'm not sure the three star ratings reflect this. I think the reason many of my Chiyoda reviews are only average is that Tokyo, while a fabulous city, has not done much to make itself a capitol city that is appealing to tourists (talking strictly about the government offices, monuments, etc. and not about the rest of what Tokyo has to offer). When you are in Washington DC, everything is grand (contrasting to the modest size of Japanese monuments) and nearly everyone you see is obviously a tourist--Washington DC as has made the nation's capitol a city worth seeing strictly for the government sites--this is not the case for Tokyo if that makes more sense. My husband and I felt like the only tourists we saw all day. For example, once we arrived at the National Cemetery, we were literally the only two people there, tourists or not; granted we were there during the off season and not that this is a bad thing. If you're expecting the grandness of the US' war memorials (thinking Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans War Memorial Wall, Arlington National Cemetery), you will be disappointed by this cemetery--though it's important to reflect on what these differences might say about each nation, its unique values, how we are alike, how we are different. Though this memorial honors 3 MILLION lost souls, it is very small with only one small gazebo housing one symbolic coffin (that I believe contains remains of unidentified casualties). Very little is explained in English, which is fine but does limit one's understanding of the memorial if you don't bring your own guide book or do your own research prior to your visit. A very touching point here is that for 100 yen you can buy a flower (on the honor system) and lay it at the tomb. The restrooms are Japanese style.
Written January 24, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andrea W
Toronto, Canada188 contributions
Couples
Chidorigafuchi was my favourite cherry blossom spot in Tokyo and among the top spots on my 23-day trip in Japan. Coming here fulfilled my cherry blossom dreams in Japan. It was like cherry blossom heaven.
GETTING THERE
The closest station is Kudanshita station. To get to the moat, keep walking along the sidewalk along the street after getting out of the station. You will get the well known view of this place before turning onto the trail.
BEST TIMING
Best time to come here is when cherry blossoms are in full bloom. We came here 3 times in late March and early April because we arrived in Tokyo a bit too early for full bloom. I recommend getting here early when cherry blossoms are at peak because it will be very crowded. The third time we came here at peak (April 6th), we had already left for Osaka, so the earliest we could get here was just before 10am. The 8-hour travel between Tokyo and Osaka that day was well worth it because of Chidorigafuchi (and Meguro River at night).
You can also google for a live cam to see the state of the cherry blossoms at Chidorigafuchi in order to go there at the right time.
BOAT RENTAL
I highly recommend the boat rental (it makes this place so much more special) and our best photos here were from the boat. It is hard to get good people photos along the trail, especially as a couple, when it's very crowded at full bloom.
Instead of taking our time walking through the trail, we decided to line up for the boat rental. I read online that the boat rental starts at 11am and it could be a 2 hour wait in the afternoon. By the time we got there at 10:15am on a Thursday, there was already a long line and the staff person said the line up would be 2.5 hours but it was actually about 1.5 hours, and well worth it. While my husband waited for the boat, I took photos along the trail.
We chose the 1-hour boat rental for 1600 yen. There is 30-min boat rental for 800 yen, but we needed 1 hour since we wanted to take nice photos. We actually went 20 minutes over our 1-hour rental time (partly because we had a hard time getting the boat into the line to return), but luckily they did not charge us overtime.
From the boat, the best place for photos and to enjoy the cherry blossoms is near the end of the moat where there are more cherry blossom branches hanging close to the water.
It is windier down in the moat, so make sure you're dressed appropriately. I read online that sometimes the boat rental is closed due to high winds.
If you have time, I would recommend strolling through the trail as well but we had already done that and wanted to get to other cherry blossom spots during our day in Tokyo.
GETTING THERE
The closest station is Kudanshita station. To get to the moat, keep walking along the sidewalk along the street after getting out of the station. You will get the well known view of this place before turning onto the trail.
BEST TIMING
Best time to come here is when cherry blossoms are in full bloom. We came here 3 times in late March and early April because we arrived in Tokyo a bit too early for full bloom. I recommend getting here early when cherry blossoms are at peak because it will be very crowded. The third time we came here at peak (April 6th), we had already left for Osaka, so the earliest we could get here was just before 10am. The 8-hour travel between Tokyo and Osaka that day was well worth it because of Chidorigafuchi (and Meguro River at night).
You can also google for a live cam to see the state of the cherry blossoms at Chidorigafuchi in order to go there at the right time.
BOAT RENTAL
I highly recommend the boat rental (it makes this place so much more special) and our best photos here were from the boat. It is hard to get good people photos along the trail, especially as a couple, when it's very crowded at full bloom.
Instead of taking our time walking through the trail, we decided to line up for the boat rental. I read online that the boat rental starts at 11am and it could be a 2 hour wait in the afternoon. By the time we got there at 10:15am on a Thursday, there was already a long line and the staff person said the line up would be 2.5 hours but it was actually about 1.5 hours, and well worth it. While my husband waited for the boat, I took photos along the trail.
We chose the 1-hour boat rental for 1600 yen. There is 30-min boat rental for 800 yen, but we needed 1 hour since we wanted to take nice photos. We actually went 20 minutes over our 1-hour rental time (partly because we had a hard time getting the boat into the line to return), but luckily they did not charge us overtime.
From the boat, the best place for photos and to enjoy the cherry blossoms is near the end of the moat where there are more cherry blossom branches hanging close to the water.
It is windier down in the moat, so make sure you're dressed appropriately. I read online that sometimes the boat rental is closed due to high winds.
If you have time, I would recommend strolling through the trail as well but we had already done that and wanted to get to other cherry blossom spots during our day in Tokyo.
Written May 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jules_love
Ocean Reef, Australia70 contributions
Hi.
How do we book a boat ride, do you just get there and book on the spot?
Mai L
Las Vegas, NV
Will cherry blossoms still in bloom May 9th?
Unfortunately not. Depends on the year but usually it’s over by the second week of April (Tokyo). If you visit the north of Japan you might have the opportunity to be able to see it.
ReniGue
89 contributions
Hello I will be in Tokyo April 1-4 . Will there be still some cherry blossoms left ??
JeffreyT_7293
Palo Alto, CA13 contributions
Yes!! Great time to be there🤗
chewyjuice
Singapore162 contributions
Hi, we are thinking of bringing our 15 months old daughter for the boat ride. Can she take the boat ride with us?
Is there any parking area?
Sandy L
14127330
Not really, in general there is very little public parking in Tokyo and if it is available it is very pricey
Styllchan
San Francisco, CA
Do you have to pay to go in?
KailuaGranny
Oahu's Windward Coast, HI66 contributions
No; it is a short walk from the subway station and is basically a walkway along the moat of the Imperial Palace. There is a boat
ride you can do which I believe will cost you something. I don't know what the fee was as we didn't try as there was a line. It
was in the middle of cherry blossom season. Many many people walking, eating snacks and enjoying the ambiance.
How's this garden during end of August? Is it still worth going?
izakkapi
San Jose, CA150 contributions
In august its just a Moat surounded by water it may be nice if you take a boat and row it in the canal a bit other that that its nothing special. Beter go to Shinjuku Gyoen and Hie shrine finish off in Askusa temple.
Mj L
1 contribution
How is this garden during Fall season?
I will be travelling around late November, is it a great place to see the autumn leaves?
SmileyPic
Tokyo1,863 contributions
In autumn, foliage colours are not as impressive in the garden, compared to spring time sakura blooming week. Still a nice garden to stroll in, though. Might catch some colours in between.
Mj L
1 contribution
How is this garden during Fall season?
I will be travelling around late November, is it a great place to see the autumn leaves?
mat_mak
Tokyo Prefecture, Japan5,893 contributions
Fall season at Chidoriga Fuchi is also nice. Usually end of November is good to see colored trees. however, the best season of coloring trees depends on weather and air temperature this year.
D4V1D_Law
Penang, Malaysia28 contributions
Is it still a good time for cherry blossom viewing at Chidorigafuchi this weekend (8 & 9 April, 2017)? Are the flowers still in full bloom?
What time does the park closes?
shockbn
Nagoya, Japan62 contributions
Guess around Apr. 3 to 6 will be cherry's full bloom in Tokyo. Apr. 8, although the time will little bit late from full bloom, you'll enjoy flower's pedals falling like snow. The time, its a kind of wlak way and so you don't need afraid closing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chidorigafuchi
- We recommend booking Chidorigafuchi tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 Chidorigafuchi tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Chidorigafuchi:
- (0.21 mi) Reyado Hotel Kudan
- (0.58 mi) Sakura Hotel Jimbocho
- (0.44 mi) Hotel Monterey Hanzomon
- (0.93 mi) Palace Hotel Tokyo
- (0.64 mi) Hotel Grand Arc Hanzomon
- Restaurants near Chidorigafuchi:
- (0.07 mi) TORUchio
- (0.09 mi) Cafe Sora
- (0.12 mi) Tony Roma's
- (0.14 mi) Kokyo Gaien The Forest Kitanomaru
- (0.14 mi) Ambrosia
- Attractions near Chidorigafuchi:
- (0.10 mi) Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery
- (0.06 mi) Istituto Italiano di Cultura
- (0.04 mi) Nabewari-zaka
- (0.13 mi) Senshu Bunko
- (0.17 mi) Nippon Budokan