The Imperial Palace and its surrounding area, located right in the heart of Tokyo, is a place I have had the pleasure of visiting multiple times and truly enjoy.
Welcome to my blog! Today, I am pleased to share with you one of the places I absolutely love visiting during Spring.
During the spring season from mid-March to early April, Tokyo is graced with the captivating beauty of cherry blossoms. Visitors can enjoy the delightful displays near the Imperial Palace at Yasukuni Shrine and Chidoriga-fuchi.
The videos I’ve selected from YouTube are right here.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
Symbolic Specimen Tree
In mid-March, Tokyo becomes a picturesque sight as news of the cherry blossom season spreads across the city. For the next two to three weeks, the city comes alive with tourists expressing their delight in the beauty of cherry blossoms.
Located at the center of Tokyo’s vibrant urban landscape, you’ll find the revered Yasukuni Shrine. Here, a symbolic cherry blossom tree symbolizes the arrival of spring. Just south of this sacred site, the Imperial Palace offers a tranquil setting, enhanced by a beautiful display of cherry blossoms.
Chidoriga-fuchi
The Imperial Palace, situated on the former grounds of a grand castle from the Edo period, is surrounded by a moat that adds to its charm. Each part of this peaceful moat offers a different view, inviting visitors to take leisurely walks and enjoy the beautiful scenery at every turn.
When exploring Tokyo’s cherry blossom attractions, one place you should definitely visit is Chidoriga-fuchi, a charming location right next to Yasukuni Shrine.
Located to the north of the Imperial Palace, Chidoriga-fuchi features a picturesque walking path that begins near Tayasu-mon Gate. This gate is just a short walk uphill from Kudanshita subway station.
As you follow this path, it turns into a delightful cherry blossom tunnel, leading you towards Chidoriga-fuchi Park on the western side of the Imperial Palace.
Cherry Blossom Tunnel
The cherry blossom attractions near Yasukuni Shrine and Chidoriga-fuchi come alive near Tayasu-mon Gate, which is just a short walk uphill from Kudanshita subway station. Chidoriga-fuchi, located between Tayasu-mon Gate and Hanzo-mon Gate, offers easy access with well-connected train and bus stops, along with a meticulously maintained walking path.
One of the notable highlights is the cherry blossom tunnel that lines the path, offering views of cherry blossoms on both sides of the moat. This creates a charming cherry blossom-lined path in the city center.
Additionally, visitors can rent rowing boats and enjoy the blooming cherry blossoms from the peaceful waters of the moat. The unique combination of urban charm and tranquil ambiance turns the cherry blossom forest surrounding the Imperial Palace into a serene oasis within the city.
Hidden Cherry Blossom Forest
However, it’s important to note that Chidoriga-fuchi can get quite crowded, especially during weekends and evening illuminations. If you prefer a more peaceful atmosphere, I recommend experiencing the cherry blossoms from Kitanomaru Park, located on the other side of the moat (Imperial Palace side).
Despite the moat separating them, Kitanomaru Park offers a serene setting and a completely different perspective. Underneath magnificent cherry trees, benches are placed, providing the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the beauty of the blossoms.
To reach Kitanomaru Park, simply pass through Tayasu-mon Gate, head towards the Budokan, and continue alongside it until you reach a vantage point where you can admire Chidoriga-fuchi. Please keep in mind that certain areas of the park may have uneven terrain, so it’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes for ease of movement.
Radiant Pink Blossoms: Illuminating the Darkness
Chidoriga-fuchi enhances the cherry blossom season with an enchanting event that fills the surroundings with a vibrant and captivating atmosphere, creating a delightful experience from dusk until nightfall. This popular event attracts many visitors each year, making it a lively and spirited gathering.
If you’re eager to capture the fleeting beauty through your camera, please note that tripods are not allowed to ensure smooth movement for all photography enthusiasts.
Embrace the art of handheld photography, equipped with a camera featuring a luminous lens, and embark on the exciting challenge of capturing stunning shots that will forever capture the essence of this magical spectacle.
Vibrant Boat Parade
At Chidoriga-fuchi, visitors actively take photos of boats floating among the cherry blossoms during the daytime. After the regular operating hours, the boats are neatly arranged in the middle of the moat, connected by ropes, until the following morning. This picturesque scene attracts many visitors seeking to capture its beauty.
If you choose to experience this, please expect a short wait until the end of boat operating hours and the alignment process. The best times for photography are just before the illumination event concludes or early in the morning before the boat operations begin.
Please be aware that on windy days, the boats may be moved, so the event is subject to calm weather conditions.
Scenic Vantage Point Overlooking Tokyo Tower
As you ascend the slope in Kudanshita just beyond Tayasu-mon Gate, you’ll come across a point in Kudanzaka Park, near the public restroom area. Here, you have a great opportunity to capture the charming combination of Tokyo Tower and cherry blossoms.
This spot is popular among visitors, who eagerly line up to capture the picturesque location with their cameras. The illuminated Tokyo Tower stands gracefully amidst the vibrant pink hues of the cherry blossoms, creating a captivating view that beautifully blends city landmarks with the beauty of nature.
Where Beauty Converges
Excluding the Chidoriga-fuchi area mentioned earlier, we can find cherry trees sparsely scattered along the moat.
However, on the eastern side of the Imperial Palace near Otemon Gate, the walking path and the water’s edge come together, offering a unique spot to experience the harmonious combination of cherry blossoms, the majestic Imperial Palace, the shimmering reflection on the water’s surface, and the graceful flight of birds skimming above the water.
It’s important to note that there are no illuminations in this area.
Culture, History, and Traditions
Government officials dedicated themselves to transforming the once lackluster landscape surrounding the boating area at Chidoriga-fuchi.
Historical accounts reveal that during the Meiji era, the initial planting of cherry trees occurred in front of the British Embassy. However, by the 1950s, the area did not showcase the abundance of cherry blossoms we witness today.
Despite the boating area’s popularity at the time, the surroundings were deemed underwhelming. Through their diligent efforts, government officials meticulously planted cherry blossoms, ultimately shaping the area into the magnificent haven it is today.
Dining Guide
The heart of Tokyo houses the magnificent Imperial Palace, surrounded by a diverse range of restaurants that cater to every taste and preference. You’ll have no trouble finding the perfect dining spot in this vibrant area.
Moreover, adjacent to the Imperial Palace, within the grounds of Yasukuni Shrine, approximately 70 food stalls await, adding an extra element of excitement to your culinary adventure. Take a leisurely stroll and indulge in the wide array of delectable delights offered at these stalls, immersing yourself in the festive atmosphere.
Accommodation
In Tokyo, you can find a wide range of hotels easily using online platforms.
However, it’s worth considering that the central areas of the city mainly offer luxury hotels. If you’re looking to keep costs under control, I recommend exploring accommodations slightly further away.
The Greater Tokyo Area, which includes the surrounding regions of Kanto, is vast, and a train journey of one to two hours will bring you within reach of the city center. By booking lodging along the train routes, you can have plenty of time to admire the breathtaking cherry blossoms as they are illuminated in all their splendor.
Transportation
To access the expansive Chidoriga-fuchi area, you have three routes available.
First and foremost, I recommend utilizing either Kudanshita Station, located near the Tayasu-mon Gate, or Hanzomon Station, which is in close proximity to the Hanzo-mon Gate. At Kudanshita Station, you can take the Toei Subway Shinjuku Line or the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line or Tozai Line.
If you’re coming from the Shibuya or Tokyo Skytree direction, Hanzomon Station on the Hanzomon Line is the most convenient choice. For those traveling from Takadanobaba or Urayasu, using Kudanshita Station on the Tozai Line would be the most convenient option.
Furthermore, if your destination is Chidoriga-fuchi Park near the Hanzo-mon Gate of the Imperial Palace, it would be best to make use of Hanzomon Station on the Hanzomon Line.
Budget and Transportation Tips
Ticket
The bustling capital city of Tokyo boasts an extensive underground railway network that crisscrosses the metropolis, providing seamless transportation to numerous destinations.
Two different companies operate the subway system in Tokyo, and they offer a convenient option known as the “Tokyo Subway Ticket” . This ticket allows unlimited access to all 13 subway lines and is available for three durations: 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours.
If you plan to explore Tokyo for a few days, I recommend purchasing this ticket for a stress-free and unrestricted travel experience throughout the city.
A Limited-Time Open to Unveil its Allure
From late March to early April, the Higashi Gyoen area within the Imperial Palace grounds opens its usually restricted gates to the public, creating an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
To access the area, head to the Sakashita-mon Gate, where visitors can follow a designated one-way route. The visiting hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This is the perfect chance to explore the captivating gardens and experience the rich history of the Imperial Palace.
Additionally, on Mondays and Fridays (excluding holidays), you can enjoy complimentary access to the gardens located within the Imperial Palace. If you’re already planning to visit Chidorigafuchi to admire the cherry blossoms, I recommend taking the time to explore the Imperial Palace gardens as well. It’s a wonderful opportunity to delve into the fascinating history and immerse yourself in the captivating natural surroundings.
Surrounding Museums
While exploring the Imperial Palace, make sure to take the time to visit the surrounding museums.
I recommend a visit to the Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art , where you can embark on a fascinating journey through Japan’s artistic evolution from the late 19th century to the present. This museum houses a vast collection of over 13,000 pieces, including Japanese and Western paintings, prints, sculptures, photographs, and films. It boasts one of the largest exhibition collections in the country, showcasing approximately 200 works during each exhibition.
Don’t miss the Idemitsu Museum of Arts , which presents an impressive collection of artworks passionately collected over 70 years by the founder of Idemitsu Kosan Corporation.
The Seikado Bunko Museum of Fine Arts is another must-visit. It houses a remarkable collection of around 200,000 classical books, including seven national treasures and 84 important cultural properties, along with 6,500 pieces of East Asian antique art.
For those interested in contemporary and future scientific and industrial technologies, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation is the place to be. Immerse yourself in the world of cutting-edge discoveries and gain valuable knowledge and insights.
Lastly, the Hanzomon Museum specializes in showcasing Buddhist artworks, offering a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate this rich artistic tradition.
Weather Guide
Late March to early April brings a delightful and comfortable season to Tokyo. However, it’s important to remember that mornings and evenings can still be chilly. To stay prepared for fluctuating temperatures, it’s wise to dress in layers and bring appropriate clothing.
Moreover, although the promenade of Chidoriga-fuchi and the grounds of Yasukuni Shrine are well-maintained, if you plan to explore the northern side of the park, it’s recommended to wear comfortable footwear.
This area along the moat may have exposed soil and occasional tree roots, so wearing suitable shoes will ensure a comfortable walking experience.
