Chidorigafuchi Moat 千鳥ヶ淵

The name of this moat northwest of the Imperial Palace, Chidorigafuchi, is said to come from its unusual shape. The structure of the moat resembles plovers, called chidori in Japanese.

You can reach the moat by train followed by a short walk.

Chidorigafuchi's path is the most scenic spot around the moat, with a 700-meter-long tunnel of cherry trees in the spring. The pathway is a five-minute walk from Kudanshita Station or Hanzomon Station.

From around the end of March to early April, the walkways around the moat are tinted pink by hundreds of cherry trees. The Chiyoda Sakura Festival is held at the same time, so for the duration of the cherry blossom season the trees are lit up at night. This magical sight draws Tokyoites and visitors alike. Enjoy an evening walk under the glowing tunnel of flowers.

Later in the season the surface of the moat is almost completely covered in petals, creating the illusion of an ethereal pink river.

Nearby sights include Yasukuni-jinja Shrine, which is also a good spot to see cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, as well as the National Showa Memorial Museum , Nippon Budokan and Jimbocho, the bookseller's district.