Chidori-ga-fuchi moat: Tokyo romance and seasonal beauty

The old castle moat transforms into a wonderful sakura-viewing spot in spring.

Chidori-ga-fuchi Moat (千鳥ヶ淵) is a peaceful waterway that forms part of the Imperial Palace's defenses. Located in the heart of Tokyo's Chiyoda ward, this historical landmark is a romantic spot that perfectly captures the beauty of Japan's changing seasons. The moat's name, "Chidori-ga-fuchi," translates to "Moat of a thousand birds," and it’s the perfect place to escape the city's hustle and bustle for a tranquil moment. From its gentle walking paths to its iconic rowboats, the moat offers a serene escape and a unique perspective on the city's urban landscape.

Getting there – where is Chidori-ga-fuchi?

• Nearest station: Chidori-ga-fuchi is a just a 5-minute walk from Kudanshita Station (九段下駅). Kudanshita Station is on the Hanzomon, Tozai, and Shinjuku subway lines. The moat is also accessible from Hanzomon Station (半蔵門駅) on the Hanzomon Line.

• By taxi: A taxi can drop you off near the boathouse or the walking path.

• Accessibility: The walking path around the moat is relatively flat and well-paved, but it can be extremely crowded at certain times of the year. The banks of the moat are steep and accessing the boats is difficult for wheelchair users.

Opening hours & best time to visit

• Opening hours: The walking path is generally accessible 24 hours a day. The boathouse, for renting boats, typically operates from 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM (9:00 AM to 8:00 PM during sakura season).

• Best time to visit: Late March to early April is the absolute best time to visit, as the moat's walking path (called "Green Way") is lined with hundreds of cherry trees. The evening illuminations during this period are especially beautiful. But autumn can be just as beautiful, with the leaves on the cherry trees turning red and orange.

• Time to avoid: The cherry blossom season draws massive crowds, so if you prefer a quieter experience, visit during other times of the year.

Reservations & admission

• Reservations: No reservations are needed to visit the moat or walk along the path. Online reservations for the row boats are possible (and advisable) during cherry-blossom season. Although the reserved tickets are much more expensive than same-day tickets, they will save you a lot of time queuing. But beware: tickets are non-refundable, even if the weather proves inclement. You can change purchased tickets to a new date (if available) up to the day before the date of your ticket.

• Ticket/Admission Price: There is no admission fee to walk along the moat. The price to rent a rowboat varies (as of 2025, 1600 yen/hour/boat during cherry-blossom season; subject to change).

• Payment Method: For boat rentals, reservations are credit card only. Cash payments are accepted for same-day tickets.

What can you see & do at Chidori-ga-fuchi?

The main draw of Chidori-ga-fuchi is its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. The moat is most famous for its stunning display of cherry blossoms in the spring. You can take a leisurely stroll along the 700-meter-long promenade, which is lined with around 260 cherry trees, or rent a rowboat to enjoy the view from the water.

• Cherry blossom viewing: During the spring, the area is transformed into a tunnel of pink and white. It's one of Tokyo's most popular spots for hanami (cherry blossom viewing).

• Boat rental: Renting a rowboat is a popular activity that allows you to get a unique, water-level view of the Imperial Palace grounds and the surrounding scenery. Boats hold a maximum of three people (including children). Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by someone aged 16 or over.

• Walking & photography: The walking path is perfect for a stroll and for taking beautiful photos, especially during the cherry blossom season.

Japansophy’s top tips!

• Be prepared for crowds: If you visit during the cherry blossom season, expect it to be extremely crowded, and be prepared to wait in line for a boat if you don't reserve in advance.

• Check the bloom forecast: The cherry blossom season is short, so check the forecast to time your visit perfectly.

• Enjoy the illuminations: During the peak season, the cherry trees are often lit up at night, creating a magical, romantic atmosphere.

• The sakura shuttle: A free shuttle bus is provided from the Marunouchi Building at Tokyo station to Chidori-ga-fuchi every 20 minutes at the peak of the cherry-blossom season as part of the Chiyoda District Sakura Matsuri festival. Check the festival website for updates, forecasts and even a live webcam!

• Stretch your legs!: At less crowded times of the year, the path around the moat is a popular jogging route, especially in the early mornings when there is less traffic. The entire route around the Imperial Palace grounds is 5 km long. Runners are asked to follow the course in an anti-clockwise direction (to avoid congestion) and to refrain from using headphones and mobile phones.

Facilities:

• Eating & drinking: There are a few small kiosks selling snacks and drinks near the boathouse, and many more options in the nearby Kudanshita and Hanzomon areas.

• Toilets: Public restrooms are available at the "Green Way" and northern bank of the moat at Kudanzaka Park.

• Baby-changing facilities: These may be harder to find, and you may have to go to one of the train stations.

Other attractions nearby:

• Yasukuni Shrine: A historically significant Shinto shrine located near the Kudanshita entrance to the park.

  
  

Not sure how to fit a visit to Chidori-ga-fuchi into your trip? With our Tokyo itineraries, we've done all the research and planning for you!