For the first time in four years, the “Sakura Festival in Chiyoda” – the cherry blossom festival held at the Chidori-ga-fuchi moat in Tokyo – is back! Pass through the cherry blossom tunnel on the greenway, admire the stunning sight of the lit-up cherry blossoms at night, or gracefully boat on the moat through a sea of pink petals. In this article, we also introduce the official “Sakura Items” sold at the site. Get ready to be mesmerized by the beauty of cherry blossoms!
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About the “Sakura Festival in Chiyoda”
This year, the “Sakura Festival in Chiyoda” will be held from March 24 (Fri) to April 4 (Tue). The venue is “Chidori-ga-fuchi Ryokudo” (= Chidori-ga-fuchi Green Way), a greenway approximately 700 meters (0.4 miles) long. It is known throughout Japan as one of the finest cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo. About 260 cherry trees, sakura in Japanese, including many of the famous Somei-Yoshino cherry trees, are planted along the road, and visitors can enjoy the brilliant blooming cherry blossoms from late March to early April.
This popular spot is not for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) picnic lovers on their blue picnic sheets but rather for a “hanami walk,” where you can take a leisurely stroll along the Imperial Palace moat, admiring the cherry blossoms blooming on both sides of the greenway. When night falls, the cherry blossoms light up, creating a magical atmosphere.
In addition, there will be a special nighttime opening of the Boat Pier, allowing visitors to enjoy the nighttime cherry blossoms from the moat.
When the cherry blossom petals begin to fall, they float on the surface of the moat like a pink carpet. This phenomenon is called “hanaikada (flower raft),” and it is very photogenic. If you rent a boat at the Chidori-ga-fuchi Boat Pier, you can appreciate the cherry blossoms from a different angle from the Chidori-ga-fuchi Green Way. Boat rentals are very popular during this season, so be sure to stop by!
During the time of the “Sakura Festival in Chiyoda,” related events will be held by shopping districts and restaurants. The “Sakura Matsuri-Go” is a free shuttle bus that circles famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Chiyoda Ward, while the “Marunouchi Direct Shuttle” connects the Marunouchi area around Tokyo Station and Chidori-ga-fuchi.
Check out the special sakura items!
Original cherry blossom items recommended by the Chiyoda City Tourist Association will be on sale at two locations during the Cherry Blossom Festival, at the Tourist Information at the Chidori-ga-fuchi Green Way and at the Chiyoda City Tourist Information Center. A portion of the proceeds from all items will be donated to the Sakura Fund to be used for the regeneration of cherry trees.
Mini towels, postcard sets, keychains, and other cute items are available. As the editor-in-chief of VISIT CHIYODA, I recommend the “SAKURA BATH” series! These bath salts contain extracts from the leaves of cherry trees at Chidori-ga-fuchi. Great for a lovely gift.
Tourist Information at the Chidori-ga-fuchi Green Way
9:00-19:00 (only during the Cherry Blossom Festival)
Location: Chidori-ga-fuchi Green Way
Chiyoda City Tourist Information Center
10:00-18:00
Location: Chiyoda Kaikan 1F, 1-6-17 Kudan-minami, Chiyoda-ku
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/x1UuxToDqdfBs3g6A
Check the live camera!
https://www.youtube.com/live/7P9DlrY8xXc?feature=share
Check out the blooming cherry blossoms along the Chidori-ga-fuchi Green Way before you go out!
Sakura Festival in Chiyoda (Cherry Blossom Festival) 2023
Official Website: https://visit-chiyoda.tokyo/sakura/ (Japanese)
Organizers: Chiyoda City, Chiyoda City Tourism Association
Period: Friday, March 24, 2023 – Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Place: 2 Kudan-minami to Sanbancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access to Chidori-ga-fuchi Green Way:
5 min walk from Exit 2 of “Kudanshita” subway station.
5 min walk from Exit 5 of “Hanzomon” subway station.
Chidori-ga-fuchi Boat Pier
https://www.city.chiyoda.lg.jp/shisetsu/koen/chidorigafuchi-boat.html
2-saki Sanbancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/9tCTcAyhZ6j41SWo6
