Chidorigafuchi Cherry Blossom Illuminations

The Chidorigafuchi Cherry Blossom Illuminations is a prominent night-viewing event held along the Chidorigafuchi-ryokudo, a 700-meter-long pedestrian path following the western moat of the Tokyo Imperial Palace. Approximately 260 cherry trees, primarily the Somei Yoshino and Oshima-zakura varieties, line the banks of the water, creating a dense floral canopy over the walkway. During the peak blooming season, these trees are illuminated by high-intensity LED lights from sunset until 10 pm, a practice known as yozakura (夜桜). This event is highly regarded for the visual contrast between the lit blossoms and the dark waters of the historic moat.

In addition to the walkway, visitors can rent rowboats from the Chidorigafuchi Boathouse to view the illuminated trees from the water. The nearest transit points are Kudanshita Station, served by the Hanzomon, Shinjuku, and Tozai Lines, and Hanzomon Station (Exit 5) on the Hanzomon Line. Accessing the path from the Hanzomon side and walking toward Kudanshita is a common strategy to manage pedestrian flow during peak hours. See here for a run-down of other places to see the cherry blossoms in Tokyo.