Cherry blossoms at Chidorigafuchi in 2017
Chidorigafuchi Park is a popular place for cherry blossoms. When the flowers bloom, it is picturesque. The scene is complete when rowboats are on the water. Photographers and everyone else in Tokyo flock there.
I’ve disliked Chidorigafuchi for that reason. Everyone goes there. The park becomes a mosh pit. Moving is difficult. As you inch your way along the paths, you bounce off passersby. Enter at your own risk.
In 2017, I had a plan to avoid that. I arrived early before the crowd. It made walking and taking pictures easy. Even the deck above the boathouse had space! It was pleasant!
The trees weren’t at their best, but that was ok! It was refreshing to be there with so few people. I could move around and photograph freely. The rowboats added a little extra. I was pleased. It got a big thumbs up.
In 2017 I learned something useful. The park has toilets if you need them. But, during the cherry blossom season, they have lines almost a mile long. There is a simple solution. If you walk over the road to the Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery, there are ones no one uses. They are only a few tens of meters away and near the entrance!
You should go to Chidorigafuchi one day. And I hope you go when the trees are at their best. It is a beautiful place. But go before the crowds arrive!
Where is Chidorigafuchi?
It is on Tokyo Imperial Palace’s moat, across from Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery. The closest subway stations are:
- Hanzomon, and;
- Kudanshita.
Here it is on Google Maps:
Conclusion
If you have been to this place to see the cherry blossoms, let me know your thoughts. Of course, if you have been to any of Tokyo’s festivals to see these flowers, tell us that too. Leave questions and comments below.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
Here are more cherry blossom articles:
External related websites:
- Chidorigafuchi Park (official website)