Written by Lily Crossley-Baxter
Researched by Alexandra Ziminski
Held in and around Kitanomaru Park and Chidorigafuchi Moat with its fabulous cherry trees, the Chiyoda Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the most popular in Tokyo.
What happens?
For 2025, the festival will extend its dates and include different types of events, but the main show — the blossoming cherry blossoms — is best seen over a 10-day period (dates to be announced around March 10). At this time, the trees are illuminated at night until 10 p.m. and you can take a rowing boat out onto the Chidorigafuchi Moat next to the Imperial Palace. The boating hours are even extended into the evening during the illuminations (until 8 p.m.) so you can enjoy both at once.
Note that there will be no food stalls around the moat this year, but you can find things to eat near Tokyo Station and at Tokyo Torch Park.
Tickets for the boat
If you want to hop on a boat to see the blooms, it’s going to cost you. But luckily, this year they are setting up a pre-reservation system that may reduce waiting in line.
Pre-booked tickets cost ¥10,000 per boat and you can pick a day and time to board (changeable up until the day before, depending on space). Booking starts March 12. A part of the proceeds will go to the Chiyoda Ward Sakura Fund.
On-the-day tickets are significantly cheaper. It costs ¥1,600 per boat for an hour’s ride (this is the only available ticket during the illumination period and you may have to start lining up from 9 a.m. — when tickets start to be distributed). If you go outside of the main 10-day period, you can also get a 30-minute ride for ¥800.
When does cherry blossom start in Tokyo?
Keep up to date with the latest cherry blossom forecast in our article. For all the blossom spots, see our Best Cherry Blossoms Spots in Tokyo Mega Guide, for late-night views, check out our guide to Yozakura events and for elsewhere in Japan check our forecast!
