Charming Imperial Palace Garden in Tokyo 🇯🇵
by Milowei
May 17, 2024
This year, I went to Japan for the first time during cherry blossom season. I'd always wanted to travel during cherry blossom season, but airfare was incredibly expensive. This time, I found a great deal on a spot flight. Round-trip flights from Taipei to Tokyo were only NT$8,900 on Scoot. If you're looking for a ticket for cherry blossom season under NT$10,000, don't hesitate to buy it! I bought my flight, booked my accommodations, confirmed my insurance, and even finalized my itinerary within a month. I felt incredibly efficient! 👍🏻
This was also my first solo trip, and I tried to savor every attraction. I let go of my daily worries and constantly engaged in conversation with myself, reflecting on my current state of mind. I slowed down, relieved my usual tension and stress, and didn't need to match everyone else's pace. When I got tired, I just went back to the hotel to rest and savored my own time. Traveling with friends offers the joy of a group tour, but traveling alone also offers its own healing power!
🌟Trip Objective: Enjoy cherry blossoms during the cherry blossom season, including at night🌸
🌟Departure Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
🌟Return Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
🗓️Itinerary:
(Cherry blossom viewing activities are indicated with a cherry blossom icon 🌸 below!)
2025.03.28 Day 4:
5:30 PM, Chidorigafuchi🌸
🌟Store Information: Chidorigafuchi🌸
📍Address: 2 Sanbancho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0075, Japan
🈺Hours: Store hours and holidays are subject to change. Please check for the latest updates before departure.
💰 Average Cost per Person: 1,500 yen
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📖 History and Background
• Chidorigafuchi was originally one of the moats surrounding Edo Castle (now the Imperial Palace), and was named after its curved shape, which resembled a chidori (small bird) spreading its wings in flight.
• Numerous cherry blossom trees were planted during the Edo period, and further restoration after World War II gradually made it a renowned cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo.
• It now comprises the Chidorigafuchi Greenway and Chidorigafuchi Park, and is located near Yasukuni Shrine and Kitanomaru Park.
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🏞 Highlights
1. Chidorigafuchi Greenway
• Approximately 700 meters long, it is lined with approximately 260 cherry trees.
• In spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, they form a "cherry blossom tunnel," with petals falling into the moat, forming a "flower raft" (flower raft = petals floating in a mass).
• There are wooden boardwalks along the path, perfect for strolling and taking photos.
2. Boating Experience (Chidorigafuchi Boat Field)
• Located in a corner of the moat, rent a boat for excursions.
• Gazing at the cherry blossoms from the water is even more romantic than walking along the path.
• Hours:
• March to November: 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
• Cherry blossom season extends into the night (subject to annual announcements)
• Recommended fees (subject to change):
• 30 minutes: approximately 800 yen
• 1 hour: approximately 1,600 yen
3. Night Cherry Blossom Light-up
• Every year during the Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival (Chiyoda no Sakura Matsuri) (approximately late March to early April), the cherry blossoms are illuminated.
• Light-up hours: approximately 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM.
• The reflections of the cherry blossoms and the lights on the water create a magical experience.
4. Nearby Attractions
• Yasukuni Shrine (5-minute walk): Also a famous cherry blossom viewing spot.
• Kitanomaru Park & Nippon Budokan: Lush greenery, offering unique views in spring, summer, and autumn.
• Imperial Palace Outer Gardens & Nijubashi: Enjoy a stroll along the grounds and admire the Imperial Palace.
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🚇 Transportation
• Hanzomon Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line), Exit 5, approximately a 5-minute walk.
• Kudanshita Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Tozai Line, or Toei Shinjuku Line), Exit 2, approximately a 10-minute walk.
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⏰ Recommended Stay Duration
• Daytime Stroll & Photoshoot: 1 hour
• Boating + Stroll: 1.5-2 hours
• Night Cherry Blossom Viewing: Arrive in the evening to enjoy the sunset and nightscape.
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💡 Tips
1. Best Time: Visit during peak cherry blossom season (usually late March to early April), early mornings and weekdays when crowds are minimal.
2. Cherry Blossom Viewing Options: Daytime photos offer a refreshing atmosphere, while evening illuminations create a romantic atmosphere. Boating is highly recommended (but can require queues of over an hour during peak season).
3. Other Seasons: While cherry blossoms are most famous, the lush greenery of summer, the vibrant colors of autumn, and the tranquility of winter are also worth a visit.
4. Cherry Blossom Festivals: During cherry blossom season, vendors and nighttime illuminations create a lively atmosphere.
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🌸This post describes the itinerary for day four of our solo cherry blossom season trip. More details on the rest of the itinerary will be released later!
#TokyoItinerary #2025NewYearDestinations #CherryBlossoms #CherryBlossomSeason #Chidorigafuchi #Night Sakura #Kitanomaru Park #ImperialGate
Post by Banana :3 | Sep 24, 2025





















