Famous for cherry blossoms, the “Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier Operated by Chiyoda City” (referred to hereafter as “Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier”) is a central Tokyo gem with nature-filled walkways and boating spots. While spring draws crowds to its moat-side sakura, the area offers year-round charm with vibrant summer greenery and autumn foliage.
Edo-jō’s legacy at Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier
Located in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, northwest of the Imperial Palace, Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier offers a tranquil escape despite its urban setting.
Spring at Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier. Photo courtesy of Chiyoda City Tourism Association
Its history traces to the Edo period (1603–1868), when it served as part of Edo-jō’s (Edo Castle) inner moat. The name “Chidorigafuchi” likely comes from the moat’s V-shape, resembling the outstretched wings of a chidori (plover, a small wading bird).
Stroll through history on Kudanzaka (Kudan Slope)
Access Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier via the Toei Shinjuku, Tokyo Metro Tozai, or Hanzomon lines. Exit at Kudanshita Station’s Exit 2. Atop the stairs lies Ushi-ga-fuchi (Cow Moat), where, during our August 2025 visit, lotus leaves blanketed the water, dotted with vivid pink flowers, resembling a floating garden.
Lotus-filled Ushi-ga-fuchi
Climb the gentle Kudanzaka (Kudan Slope) to spot the Takatōrō (High Lantern) on your left, originally installed in 1871 for Yasukuni Shrine and relocated in 1930.
Takatoro
This area was once a Tokyo Bay inlet, with the Takatoro serving as a beacon for ships. Reflect on old Tokyo Bay while enjoying this historic vista.
Seasonal strolls on the Chidorigafuchi Greenway
Chidorigafuchi Greenway
As the city’s noise gradually fades, you reach the Chidorigafuchi Greenway entrance, just a five-minute walk from Kudanshita Station. This 700-meter (2,297-foot) path, from Yasukuni-dori to Kita-no-maru Park, hugs the moat, perfect for leisurely walks.
Lined with about 230 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, the path blooms in soft pink from mid-March to mid-April during the Chiyoda no Sakura Matsuri (Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival), a bustling tourist highlight.
Benches along the greenway offer rest spots, letting you savor spring sakura, summer greenery, or autumn foliage at your own pace.
An urban oasis: boating at Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier
A 5-minute walk from the greenway entrance leads to the Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier, open March to November. Spring sakura, summer leaves, and autumn hues greet visitors.
Sign at Chidorigafuchi in Japanese, English, and Chinese
Choose rowboats or cycle boats, priced at 500 JPY for 30 minutes or 1,000 JPY for an hour. English and Chinese signs cater to international tourists.
Speak to staff for ticket machine guidance. For safety, children under 12 must wear life jackets, and those under 15 need adult supervision.
The water-level city view offers a unique charm distinct from walking. Swaying on the moat, surrounded by greenery and sky, you’ll find a refreshing escape.
Post-stroll dining: Kinoya Saryō’s umeboshi cuisine
After exploring, relax with tea at Kinoya Saryō (Kinoya Tearoom), near the greenway entrance. Run by the umeboshi specialist Kinoya, founded in 1964, this Japanese eatery doubles as a café.
Exterior of Kinoya Saryo
Kinoya Saryo
Address: 2-2-8 Kudan-minami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Matsuoka Kudan Building 1F
Instagram: kinoya_saryou
The signature Kishū no Miyabi (Kishu Elegance) is a large Kishu umeboshi pickled in honey, offering a mild, sweet flavor that pairs well with Japanese or black tea.
(Foreground) ‘Okashi no Yōna Umeboshi (Kishū no Miyabi)’ ¥361 (tax included), (Background) ‘Japanese Black Tea’ ¥880 (tax included)
Unlike umeboshi with rice, this offers a fresh way to enjoy Japan’s traditional pickled plum.
The interior features kumiko (wooden lattice joinery), with nail-free lattice patterns creating a serene ambiance.
Interior of Kinoya Saryo
A retail area sells umeboshi, perfect for souvenirs or home enjoyment. Savor this traditional delicacy during your visit.
Embrace nature and history at Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier
Autumn at Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier. Photo courtesy of Chiyoda City Tourism Association
Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier offers urban oases blending nature and history. From Edo-era relics and seasonal greenway strolls to boating on the moat, there’s endless enjoyment. Experience its timeless landscapes for a relaxing escape.
Facility information
| Name | 区営千鳥ヶ淵ボート場 Chidorigafuchi Boat Pier Operated by Chiyoda City |
|---|---|
| Address | 2 Sanbanchō, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Kudanshita Station 9-minute walk from Exit 2
Hanzōmon Station 9-minute walk from Exit 5
|
| Phone number | 03-3234-1948 |
| Hours | 10:00-17:00（last admission is 30 minutes before closing） |
| Closed | Monday（open if Monday is a nat’l holiday; closed the following weekday）Dec-Feb. subject to temporary closure in case of strong winds or rain. |
| Admission | General admission 500 JPY /30 minutes, 1,000 JPY /1 hour During cherry blossom season 800 JPY /30 minutes, 1,600 JPY/1 hour |
| Official website | https://www.city.chiyoda.lg.jp/shisetsu/koen/chidorigafuchi-boat.html |
| Other information | Reservations can only be made through the official Chiyoda City Tourism Association website during the Chiyoda Sakura Festival |
※All facility information in this article is accurate as of September 2025.
