Chidorigafuchi 千鸟渊 , which derive its name for being shaped like a chidori (plover), is one of the more famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo. It is reputed to have a spectacular view of night cherry blossoms.
We started off at Kudanshita station as opposed to Hazonmon Station. This turned out to be the better choice as the cherry blossom viewing path starts right at the entrance of the station. Even on a Thursday night, the long stretch of cherry blossoms drew huge crowds, and a queue had formed right after the station barricades.
Amazingly, there was no pushing or shoving among the crowd. Everyone was orderly and civil, as we strolled slowly along the moat that surrounds the imperial palace. While walking, I could hear chants of "mankai, mankai", meaning that the cherry blossoms were in full blooms. And they were indeed. Each and every branch in sight were covered with large clusters of cherry blossoms. They looked like snow.
For our first ever cherry blossoms encounter, we were really lucky.
Alas, we only had our handphones with us, and most of our pictures turned out to be either too dark or too blurry. None of the photos we took, managed to capture the beauty of night cherry blossoms. Guess their beauty can only exist in our memories.
Access & Directions
Metro Kudanshita Station - 5 min. from Exit 2
Toei Shinjuku Line, Metro Hanzomon Line, Metro Tozai Line
Lights between 6 to 9.30 pm
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