Chidorigafuchi Moat

The Basics

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.

Things to Know Before You Go

• 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.

How to Get There

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.

When to Get There

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.

Visit the Yasukuni Shrine

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.

Ways to explore

Thick stone walls, the Chidorigafuchi Moat, and a park surround the Imperial Palace in central Tokyo. Around the moat sit more than 200 cherry trees, and they turn the whole landscape pink for several weeks in March and April. At other times, you can walk 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. Some seasonal cherry blossom-themed guided tours take you to Chidorigafuchi Moat alongside other blossom-peeping spots.

Accessibility

The paths around the moat are wide and flat, although they become very crowded in cherry blossom season.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Umbrella for sun or rain, bottled water

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, sunhat

Not allowed

Smoking, picnicking, touching the cherry trees, flying drones

Amenities

Restrooms and a café in neighboring Kitanomarukoen Park, boat rental

Address

The Chidorigafuchi Moat is northwest of the Imperial Palace in central Tokyo. It’s easy to reach using public transportation, or you can walk there from the Yasukuni Shrine, another major tourist attraction.

Driving

Driving in central Tokyo isn’t recommended due to congestion and the expense of parking—and it’s not necessary. If you must drive to the moat, head in the direction of the Imperial Palace and look for paid parking lots around Kudanshita Station.

Public transportation

It’s best to get an underground train to the moat. It’s a short walk from Kudanshita Station on the Toei Shinjuku, Metro Hanzomon, and Metro Tozai lines.

Best times to visit

In spring, the cherry trees are lit up beautifully at night. The boat pier typically operates from late morning until early evening, in season.

Best days to visit

Weekends are generally busier, so visit midweek, if possible. In spring, even weekdays are crowded.

Best months to visit

While cherry blossom season (late March to early April) is the best time to visit, it's also a very crowded time, as around 1 million people flock to see the blooms. The boat pier rents out boats from early March until late November.

Special events

The Chiyoda Sakura Festival draws heavy crowds in spring.