Sakura Shots - Chidorigafuchi

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Sakura Shots - Chidorigafuchi

April 4, 2008 by Marie

One of my favorite destinations in Tokyo for the Cherry Blossoms is Chidorigafuchi. I know I have a lot of favorites, but if I had to choose between Ueno Park, Sumida Park, Yoyogi Park, etc. etc. I’d choose to go to Chidorigafuchi and Kitanomaru Park. While most parks allow viewers to bring their mats and party under the blossoms, Chidorigafuchi doesn’t allow picnics and only viewing is what people go there for, which is ideal for amateur photography buffs like me…

Chidorigafuchi is the North-Eastern moat of the Imperial Palace. Hanami can be done from the moat on a rowboat. I’m sure a night boat ride would be really romantic but I was there in the late afternoon until early evening, however, and rowing out into the dark waters just gave me chills…

The Chiyoda Tourist Association (I’m not sure what it’s called) did a good job of coordinating the cherry blossom viewing and subsequent night lights. The place was clean and while it was crowded, the crowds were orderly. I got there quite early though, and I was able to get photos before the crowds came. It was crazy on my way back though… the line went all the way up to Kudanshita Station.

After Chidorigafuchi, I headed to Yasukuni Shrine, where there were dozens of food stands offering different kinds of festival food: Yakitori, Okonomiyaki, Jaga-bata, Yakisoba, Oden, Shioyaki Ayu, Crepes, and other really tasty-looking goodies.

There was a Noh play in Yasukuni, which I want to see some other time. The drum rolls and flutes (I think…) could be heard outside, though. For those interested, the lights are still going to be on this weekend.

Posted in Events, Festivals, Travel | Tagged chidorigafuchi, japan, kitanomaru park, light up, tokyo, yasukuni shrine | 11 Comments

11 Responses to “Sakura Shots - Chidorigafuchi”

on April 4, 2008 at 2:44 am1 Moka

I suddenly want to come and see that for real. Thank you Marie for these nice shots.
on April 4, 2008 at 2:50 am2 Marie

Hi Moka! Thank you for commenting! I’m glad you like the pictures

I hope you do get to see them… like I always say “It’s one of the reasons I find myself staying longer in Japan…”
on April 4, 2008 at 10:35 am3 Neil Duckett

The fallen blossoms on the water look great … i’m sure it’s very romantic for those out there in their row boats.
on April 4, 2008 at 12:01 pm4 Marie

Hi Neil!

There were a lot of couples boating but there were also families, grandparents and grandchildren, 3-people groups, etc. I guess anyone would have fun enjoying the cherry blossoms from a boat….
on April 5, 2008 at 10:08 am5 gleechoo

Hi. Stunning pictures. Great blog. Thank you.
on April 5, 2008 at 11:36 am6 Marie

Thanks for stopping by, gleechoo!

I’m glad you like the pictures and the blog!
on April 13, 2008 at 8:45 am7 Evan

Great Shots! I went there during the day, but wish I had stayed for night as well. Anyway, my photos will be up later in the week!
on April 13, 2008 at 10:33 am8 Chidorigafuchi Cherry Blossoms | Japan Photo Guide | A Photgrapher's Travel Guide to Japan

[...] the day, but apparently the view at night when lit up is absolutely spectacular. You can see some night photos of Chidorigafuchi over at Japan Q&A or check out my gallery for a lot more photos of [...]
on April 14, 2008 at 2:26 am9 Marie

Thanks for the kind words, Evan! Your shots were better than great!

Thanks also for the link!
on April 14, 2008 at 8:35 am10 Evan

Your welcome and thank you! I see you went to Shinjuku Gyoen, I also went, are you stalking me?
on April 14, 2008 at 10:41 am11 Marie

I believe I went first… are you then stalking me??