Chidorigafuchi Greenway [Tokyo]

【Overview of Chidorigafuchi Greenway】

The Chidorigafuchi Greenway is a 700-meter-long pedestrian path located in Chiyoda City, Tokyo, running alongside the moat of the Imperial Palace. Renowned as one of Japan’s premier cherry blossom spots, it offers a tranquil escape where visitors can stroll through nature, forgetting the city’s hustle and bustle. From late March to early April, approximately 260 cherry trees—primarily the Somei Yoshino variety—burst into full bloom. The sight of branches arching dynamically from the moat’s slopes toward the water’s surface is breathtaking, making you feel as though you are walking through a “cherry blossom tunnel.”

Additionally, you can enjoy a boat ride at the Chiyoda City Chidorigafuchi Boathouse, located midway along the greenway.

Yasukuni-jinja Shrine [Tokyo]

The history of these beautiful trees dates back to the Meiji era, when volunteers from the neighboring Yasukuni Shrine donated cherry seedlings to the area. Furthermore, the statues and facilities along the path are deeply connected to the history of Yasukuni Shrine and the figures who supported those enshrined there.

【Statue of a Mounted Warrior near Chidorigafuchi Greenway】

Near the entrance on the Kudanshita Station side, there is an equestrian statue of a figure on horseback.

This is the statue of Oyamai Iwao, a “Field Marshal General” who served as the first Minister of the Army and the Commander-in-Chief of the Manchurian Army during the Russo-Japanese War. He is also known as the cousin of the legendary Saigo Takamori. Originally located in the National Diet Front Garden (near Miyakezaka), the statue was removed following orders from GHQ after WWII and was finally relocated to its current site in 1969.

【Statue of a Gentleman near Chidorigafuchi Greenway】

Right next to Oyamai Iwao’s statue stands a bronze figure of a bearded gentleman.

This is Shinagawa Yajiro, a politician who was active as a samurai revolutionary during the Bakumatsu period and later served as the Minister of Home Affairs in the Meiji government. While famously known as the “protege” of the philosopher Yoshida Shoin, he was also a key figure in building the foundations of Japan’s industry and education. He lived in his primary residence near the current Kudanzaka Hospital from around 1877 until his passing, which is why the statue stands at this location today.

Shoin Shrine [Tokyo]

【Nippon Budokan】

The Nippon Budokan is located within Kitanomaru Park, just a short walk from the Chidorigafuchi Greenway. Built in 1964 as a “Sacred Ground for Martial Arts” to promote and develop traditional Japanese martial arts, it is also world-renowned as a “Sacred Ground for Music” due to the many legendary concerts held there.

Its design was modeled after ancient Japanese architecture, such as the Yumedono (Hall of Dreams) at Horyu-ji Temple. An octagonal shape was adopted to clearly define the cardinal directions.

【Tayasumon Gate (Nippon Budokan)】

The Tayasumon Gate was built to protect the northern side (Kitanomaru) of Edo Castle and now serves as the main gateway to the Nippon Budokan.

The Imperial Palace (Outer Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Ruins of Edo Castle, East Gardens) [Tokyo]

The current gate was reconstructed in 1636. Among the surviving gates of the former Edo Castle, it holds particularly high historical value and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

【Tourist Spots Near Chidorigafuchi Greenway (Within a 30-minute walk)】

Yasukuni Shrine, Yushukan Museum, Imperial Palace, Ichigaya Kameoka Hachiman Shrine, Hie Shrine.

Yasukuni-jinja Shrine [Tokyo]

Yushukan Museum and Kamiike Garden [Tokyo]

The Imperial Palace (Outer Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Ruins of Edo Castle, East Gardens) [Tokyo]

Ichigaya Kameoka Hachiman Shrine [Tokyo]

Hie-jinja Shrine and Sanno Inari Shrine [Tokyo]

【Chidorigafuchi Greenway: Access】

Admin’s Impressions

With statues of figures who built modern Japan—such as Oyamai Iwao, Shinagawa Yajiro, and Omura Masujiro at the nearby Yasukuni Shrine—scattered throughout, this area preserves the memory of the Kudan and Bancho districts, which were once known as a “Military Capital.” Therefore, Chidorigafuchi Greenway is more than just a famous cherry blossom spot; I believe it is a place where modern Japanese history and prayers for peace intersect. While it becomes incredibly crowded during the cherry blossom season, the scenery is absolutely worth seeing at least once. I highly recommend visiting along with the adjacent Yasukuni Shrine.

Scale / Facility Size

 (3.5)

Richness of Nature

 (4)

Accessibility

 (5)

Crowd Level (During Cherry Blossom Season)

 (5)

Address of Chidorigafuchi Greenway

2 Sanbancho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0075

*Note: No parking lot available.

About a 5-minute walk from Exit 2 of Kudanshita Station (Toei Shinjuku, Tokyo Metro Tozai, and Hanzomon Lines).

About a 5-minute walk from Exit 5 of Hanzomon Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line).

参考

千鳥ヶ淵緑道（千鳥ヶ淵）（スポット紹介）|【公式】東京都千代田区の観光情報公式サイト / Visit Chiyoda

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Yushukan Museum and Kamiike Garden [Tokyo] The Imperial Palace (Outer Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Ruins of Edo Castle, East Gardens) [Tokyo] Tsukudo Shrine and Taira no Masakado’s Grave [Tokyo] Yasukuni-jinja Shrine [Tokyo]