Chidori-ga-fuchi

The cherry blossom-lined path is a must-see spot at the former Edo Castle, now the Imperial Palace

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The moat was built to surround the Edo Castle during the age of the Tokugawa shoguns. Currently, it encircles the Imperial Palace. When the cherry blossoms of Chidori-ga-fuchi bloom, it’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of the city.
Address
千鳥ヶ淵,1-1 Kitanomarukoen, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Phone
(03) 3213-0095

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About

The moat surrounding the Imperial Palace is a famous place for cherry blossoms  

This area has a moat which surrounds the Imperial Palace. Part of the moat resembles the shape of a plover (chidori) which is the reason behind the name of Chidori-ga-fuchi.

During the Edo Era which lasted from the 17th century to the latter half of the 19th century, there was Edo Castle where the shoguns lived which is now the Imperial Palace. To prevent invasion by foreign enemies and to secure drinking water for Edo, a moat was constructed by damming up a river that had been flowing along Hanzomon and Tayasumon Gates at the time with an earthen bridge; thus began the history of Chidori-ga-fuchi. Following the age of the shoguns, Edo Castle was surrendered and became the home of the Imperial Family. However, due to its loss from fire, it can no longer be seen. Its appearance from the past has been lost forever but the remnants of the castle from the Edo Era can still be felt.

Currently, this area which has important buildings such as embassies is a peaceful region with a lot of greenery. There is a walking path and a park that runs along from Chidori-ga-fuchi Park to Hanzomon Trench, and right by Kitanomaru Park, many people can be seen quietly jogging or walking.

Chidori-ga-fuchi undergoes a metamorphosis between late March and early April during the Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival). When the 170 cherry trees along the moat blossom together, numerous people gather to enjoy hanami (flower viewing). The Yoshino cherry trees gorgeously go into full bloom as if the pale pink petals are falling like snow which amaze everybody. At night, the trees are all lit up which creates a magical world as the blossoms float in the jet-black sky. This is a famous place for sakura that should be visited if you are in the Tokyo area during cherry blossom season.

Since there are rental boats at Chidori-ga-fuchi, it’s also great to spend a leisurely time on them that is not restricted to cherry blossom season alone.

Because there are many facilities which are within walking distance of this area such as Kitanomaru Park, the National Museum of Modern Art, and the Budokan, taking that time to walk around is definitely recommended.

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Access

Chidori-ga-fuchi is a three minute walk from Kudanshita Station Exit 2, and a five minute walk from Hanzomon Station Exit 5.From Tokyo Station to Kudanshita Station:
Take the Marunouchi Line to Otemachi Station, change trains to the Hanzomon Line to Kudanshita Station (6 minutes, ¥170)
From Shinjuku Station to Kudanshita Station:
Walk to Shinjukusanchome Station, take the Shinjuku Line direct to Kudanshita Station (7 minutes, ¥170)

From Tokyo Station to Hanzomon Station:
Take the Marunouchi Line to Otemachi Station, change trains to the Hanzomon Line to Hanzomon Station (9minutes, ¥170)
From Shinjuku Station to Hanzomon Station:
Take the Oedo Line to Aoyamaicchome Station, change trains to the Hanzomon Line to Hanzomon Station (14 minutes, ¥280)

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