Chiyoda no Sakura Matsuri 2025 is a highly anticipated cherry blossom festival in central Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward, known for its stunning sakura (cherry blossoms) around the Imperial Palace moat. This year’s festival runs longer than usual to spread out crowds and encourage sustainable tourism. Below is a comprehensive guide covering the event dates, highlights like the famous Chidorigafuchi night illumination and boat rides, a special “nazotoki” puzzle adventure, access tips, and more – everything you need to enjoy the festivities.
Event Dates and Overview
The 2025 Chiyoda Sakura Festival will take place from March 12 (Wed) to April 23 (Wed), 2025 . This expanded schedule (compared to the typical 10-day peak bloom period) is aimed at preserving the cherry blossom scenery and easing congestion by spreading visits over several weeks . The festival, which dates back to 1954, is actually an umbrella for multiple hanami (flower-viewing) events across Chiyoda Ward during sakura season .
Visitors can experience illuminated cherry blossom displays, boat rides on the palace moat, and even a real-world puzzle-solving game that doubles as a walking tour . In addition, local areas like Yasukuni Shrine, Kitanomaru Park, the Imperial Palace East Garden, and others in Chiyoda are known for their beautiful cherry blossoms and are part of the festive atmosphere . The theme for 2025 emphasizes “sustainable tourism,” so new initiatives (like the extended dates, interactive games, and discount campaigns) are in place to enhance enjoyment while avoiding overcrowding .
Locations and Main Attractions
Chidorigafuchi Greenway “Sakura Tunnel” & Night Illumination
Chidorigafuchi Ryokudō – the famous 700-meter promenade along the Imperial Palace’s moat – is the centerpiece of the festival. About 230 cherry trees, predominantly Somei-Yoshino sakura, line this walkway, forming a breathtaking tunnel of blossoms when in full bloom . Late March to early April is typically peak bloom, when the trees burst into pale pink glory. After sunset, the path is transformed by a night illumination from around 6:00 PM (dusk) to 9:00 PM nightly . The soft lighting makes the cherry blossoms glow, their reflection shimmering on the water below, set against Tokyo’s skyline – a magical sight blending full-bloom sakura, their mirror image on the moat, and the city lights beyond . During the illumination period, weekends see heavy crowds; authorities turn the promenade into a one-way route (from Yasukuni-dori toward the Chidorigafuchi cemetery entrance) between 9:00–21:00 to ensure a smooth flow . Patience is advised, but the spectacle of night sakura is worth it. (The exact start/end dates of the light-up depend on bloom timing and will be announced around March 10 , with changes possible if blooming is early/late or in case of bad weather.)
Chidorigafuchi Moat Boat Rides
One of the most memorable ways to enjoy Chiyoda’s cherry blossoms is from the water. The Chidorigafuchi Boating Station offers rowboat rentals that let you paddle right under the blooming trees. During the sakura festival, boat hours are extended into the evening – normally boats operate in daytime, but during the illumination period they run from 9:00 AM until 8:00 PM (last rental) . Gliding through the moat at dusk or after dark, surrounded by petals and the glow of lanterns, feels like a scene from a dream. Each boat fits up to three people for a 1-hour ride.
To manage the huge demand, tickets are sold in two ways :
• Same-day tickets – ¥1,600 per boat for one hour . These are first-come, first-served. On busy days, staff distribute numbered reservation tickets from ~9:00 AM to alleviate long lines . It’s recommended to arrive early in the morning to secure a slot for later that day (once the allotment of numbers is gone, no more rentals). Ticket sales close by 7:00 PM.
• Advance “smart tickets” (online) – ¥10,000 per boat for one hour . A limited number of online reservations can be made via the official site (details available from March 10). These pricey reservations offer a guaranteed time without waiting – ideal if you want a prime sunset ride or are short on time. Proceeds also support the event’s maintenance (as part of the sustainability efforts).
Whether you reserve ahead or try your luck same-day, be prepared for crowds at the boat dock, especially on peak bloom evenings. Boats are a special experience – often called the “best seats” to savor the sea of pink petals in a calm, intimate setting . Don’t forget to wear your life jacket and enjoy the unique perspective of looking up at the illuminated blossom canopy from the water!
Other Cherry Blossom Spots in Chiyoda Ward
While Chidorigafuchi is the star, Chiyoda Ward offers multiple sakura viewing spots nearby . Yasukuni Shrine, just across the street, is famous for its cherry trees including the symbolic “benchmark tree” used by the meteorological agency to declare Tokyo’s sakura bloom. Yasukuni’s grounds will be open for blossom viewing, and the shrine typically illuminates its own cherry trees in the evening (around 6 PM–10 PM) . This year, instead of the usual festival yatai stalls, gourmet food trucks will be on site in Yasukuni’s plaza, serving a variety of treats to enjoy under the blossoms . There may also be traditional music or dance performances by local groups on certain days, creating a lively atmosphere (check the shrine’s schedule for any stage events).
Nearby, Kitanomaru Park (north of Chidorigafuchi) and the Imperial Palace East Garden offer more relaxed picnic spots among cherry trees. The Outer Moat Park (Sotobori Park) toward Ichigaya and the area by the British Embassy (north end of Chidorigafuchi) are additional “hidden” gems – they have lovely cherry-lined paths that are usually less crowded. All these spots are within walking distance, making the Chiyoda area a cherry blossom wonderland during the festival . If Chidorigafuchi is too congested, venturing to one of these nearby sites can be a calmer alternative while still enjoying gorgeous blooms.
“Nazotoki” Puzzle Event: Phantom Ukiyo-e and the Book Town
One of the unique highlights of Chiyoda’s 2025 Sakura Matsuri is an interactive real-world puzzle-solving game (リアル謎解きゲーム) that lets you explore the city while unraveling a mystery . Titled “幻の浮世絵と本の街 – 怪盗ブロッサムの仕掛けた謎” (translated as “The Phantom Ukiyo-e and the Book Town – The Riddle Set by Phantom Thief Blossom”), this adventure is free to play and suitable even for puzzle novices .
The storyline is intriguing: in the midst of sakura season, a elusive thief “Phantom Blossom” (Kaitō Blossom) steals a legendary ukiyo-e woodblock print and vanishes into the Jimbocho district – Tokyo’s famous old “Book Town” filled with antiquarian bookstores. Players become “detectives” tasked with tracking him down. As you follow Blossom’s trail, you must solve riddles he left behind among the charming alleys of Jimbocho, ultimately to recover the missing artwork. The game’s narrative is woven into the real locations: expect to stroll past historic bookstores and retro kissaten coffee shops, appreciating Jimbocho’s literary atmosphere as you search for clues . In fact, the puzzle kit design and questions incorporate old book motifs, and even include tidbits about Tsutaya Jūzaburō (an Edo-period publisher famed in ukiyo-e history who has ties to Chiyoda) – adding an educational element about the area’s publishing heritage . It’s a wonderful way to discover a different side of Chiyoda Ward beyond the blossoms, and was planned with the hope that visitors will fall in love with Jimbocho’s retro charm .
How to Participate & Game Format
Joining the puzzle game is easy and entirely free of charge . Here’s how to participate:
• Grab a Puzzle Kit: First, pick up the official nazotoki kit (puzzle booklet), which contains the story, riddles, and a map. Kits are available from March 12 onward at designated distribution points. You can get one at the Chiyoda City Tourism Information Center (near Kudanshita, open 10:00–18:00) or at the special Sakura Goods Booth on the Chidorigafuchi promenade (open 9:00–18:00, but only during the evening light-up period) . Note: supplies are limited – kits are available until they run out , so don’t wait until the last day.
• Solve Riddles as You Explore: Using the kit, read the kickoff story and follow the hints. You’ll be guided on a walking route centered on Jimbocho. At each stop or area, look around for clue objects, posters or landmarks mentioned in the riddle. The puzzles require combining information in the booklet with things you find in the real world to deduce answers . It’s a mix of treasure hunt and puzzle solving. You will need a smartphone with internet – as you solve each puzzle, you submit your answers through a special event webpage on your phone . (There’s no app download needed, but you must be online; note that older flip-phones aren’t supported .) Each correct answer will advance the story and direct you to the next challenge.
• Take Your Time: There is no time limit to finish, and no reservation required – it’s a self-paced activity . You can start anytime during daylight hours; 10:00–18:00 is the recommended play time , since some clues involve locations like shops or museums that are open in daytime. (The full course takes about 90–120 minutes to complete, including walking between puzzles .) Feel free to pause your sleuthing to enjoy lunch, do some book shopping, or relax under the cherry blossoms – you can solve the puzzles leisurely in between enjoying other sights . This flexibility makes it easy to fit into your itinerary.
The difficulty level is designed to be beginner-friendly, so first-time puzzle solvers and families can have fun without feeling overwhelmed . If you do get stumped, re-read the clues or look carefully around the hinted location – everything you need to solve a puzzle is provided either in the kit or in plain sight at the spot. The goal is to enjoy the journey as much as the destination, experiencing Jimbocho’s unique blend of past and present while you play detective . When you crack the final riddle, you’ll reach the story’s ending and “retrieve” the phantom ukiyo-e, bringing the adventure to a close.
Rewards for Completion
Aside from bragging rights as a master detective, completing the nazotoki game offers a chance at real prizes. After solving the last puzzle, the special website will give you access to an entry form for a prize lottery . You can select which prize drawing to enter and submit your details. Winners (chosen after the event) will be notified by prize shipment (around May) . The prizes, all themed around the Jimbocho and Chiyoda area, are quite enticing :
• BOOK HOTEL Jimbocho – Pair Stay Voucher: Enjoy a night for two at this literary-themed hotel stocked floor-to-ceiling with books . (Valid stay period June 1–Aug 31, 2025.)
• Bunboudo Art Supply Store – Sakura Accessory Workshop: A ticket to an exclusive workshop (June 22, 2025) where you create resin art accessories with pressed cherry blossom petals .
• Bunboudo – Original Goods Set: A bundle featuring a stained-glass-style bookmark, an adjustable fabric book cover (fits up to A5 size books), a mini sketchbook, etc., all in Bunboudo’s custom design .
• Kanda Antique Bookstores Federation – Limited Rilakkuma Apron: A rare apron featuring the popular character Rilakkuma, normally used only by staff of member bookstores, produced specially for this event .
• Book House Café – Picture Book Socks Set: Two pairs of socks (one adult size, one kids’) adorned with characters from beloved children’s books, a cute memento for parent and child .
• Book House Café – Drink Ticket: A voucher for a free beverage at this charming picture-book café in Jimbocho (can even be used during their bar time in the evenings) .
As a bonus, the puzzle kit itself is packed with discount coupons for local Jimbocho shops and cafes . So even if you don’t win a prize, you can score deals at bookstores, coffee shops, and restaurants during your hunt. It’s a win-win: you support local businesses and maybe discover a new favorite spot. Don’t miss picking up the kit and trying this adventure – it’s a great way to enrich your hanami day with a bit of story and exploration.
Access and Transportation
The Chiyoda Sakura Matsuri is centrally located and easily reached by public transport. The main festival area around Chidorigafuchi and Kudanzaka Park is best accessed from Kudanshita Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, Hanzomon Line, and Toei Shinjuku Line) – it’s about a 5-minute walk from Exit 2 or 3 to the Chidorigafuchi greenway entrance and Yasukuni Shrine. Alternatively, you can use Hanzomon Station (Metro Hanzomon Line) for the south end of Chidorigafuchi, or Ichigaya Station (Metro Yurakucho/Namboku, JR Chuo-Sobu) to approach from the north end (Sotobori area). Jimbocho Station (Metro Hanzomon, Toei Shinjuku/Mita Lines) puts you right in the puzzle event area and is 10-15 minutes on foot from Chidorigafuchi, so it’s convenient if you plan to do the nazotoki game.
No parking is provided for the festival, and many surrounding streets will be congested or partially closed to traffic (especially by Yasukuni Shrine). It’s highly recommended to use trains or buses. If you’re coming by taxi or car, expect to be dropped off a few blocks away due to road restrictions.
Crowd expectations: Chidorigafuchi’s blossom path is one of Tokyo’s most popular hanami spots – on peak evenings it gets extremely crowded (tens of thousands of visitors). Weekends in late March and around the predicted full-bloom date (forecast around March 28 for 2025) will see the highest density. The queue for boat rides can start very early in the morning on peak days (people line up before 9 AM to grab those numbered tickets). If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, consider visiting on a weekday, or earlier in the festival (mid-March before full bloom) or later (mid-April when late-blooming varieties and fallen petals on the water still offer beauty). Early afternoon is generally less crowded on the promenade than the evening light-up period. Once the light-up is on, the flow becomes one-way and slow-moving – factor this in if you’re meeting others or catching the last train home.
Navigating the Area
When you arrive, you’ll find the festival area is essentially a loop around the Imperial Palace northwest corner. The Chidorigafuchi walkway runs along the moat; one end is near the Kudanshita entrance (by the large torii gate of Yasukuni Shrine), and the other end is near the British Embassy and Hanzomon area. For the night illumination, most people start at the Kudanshita end and walk through the sakura tunnel. If you prefer a shorter route or to see the view from outside, you can also walk on the opposite side of the moat (along the sidewalk by the British Embassy on Kudanminami street) which gives you a broader view of the lit-up trees across the water.
The Tourist Information Center (where puzzle kits are available) is located near Kudanshita (Chiyoda City Tourism Association office at Kudan south) – a good first stop to grab maps or ask any questions (they often have multilingual staff). The Sakura Goods Booth on the promenade will be easy to spot (likely a tent stall along the path) during the illumination period; besides puzzle kits, it sells festival souvenirs like sakura-themed merchandise and guide maps. Restrooms can be found at Kudanzaka Park, Yasukuni Shrine, and near the boathouse – it’s wise to note their locations (there may be signs).
Tips for Enjoying the Festival
Best Viewing Spots & Times: For the classic postcard view, nothing beats the heart of Chidorigafuchi Greenway at night – the section where trees densely arch over both sides of the moat, creating a pink canopy with Tokyo Tower twinkling in the distant skyline . This area is roughly midway along the promenade. To secure a good photography spot, arrive before sunset (people start staking out positions along the railing around 5 PM). Tripods are technically not banned but can be impractical due to crowds – a monopod or handheld with a high ISO setting might be better for night shots. If you prefer a little space and a different perspective, head to the Embassy side of the moat; from there you can capture the entire illuminated row of blossoms reflecting in the water, with boats floating beneath – an iconic scene without being shoulder-to-shoulder. Another great time is just after dusk (~6:30 PM) when the sky still has a blue glow, and the lights have just come on (the contrast of darkening sky and lit trees is gorgeous, and crowds may be slightly thinner than at full dark).
For a daytime experience, morning light (before 10 AM) can be beautiful and tranquil, with petals glowing in the sun and fewer people around. You can also witness maintenance crews cleaning fallen petals off the paths early, which is interesting to see. Midday, the blossoms pop against bright sky – great for picnic vibes. Kitanomaru Park (enter near the Science Museum) has lawns where you can sit under trees; it’s a nice lunchtime spot. Also consider visiting Yasukuni Shrine in late afternoon: the combination of the shrine’s traditional architecture and the cherry trees (including the famous “Yasukuni zakura” tree) makes for picturesque snapshots. Yasukuni’s sakura are often lit slightly later, till 10 PM , so you could swing by there after Chidorigafuchi lights off at 9.
Food & Drink: One of the joys of hanami is eating seasonal goodies under the blossoms. As noted, Yasukuni Shrine will host food trucks instead of the usual festival stalls – expect a variety of cuisines, from yakisoba and takoyaki to international fare, depending on the vendors. These trucks are generally open from late morning through the evening. Grab a snack or a hot drink there to keep you warm during night viewing. There are also convenience stores (combini) near Kudanshita Station – a 7-Eleven and Lawson – where you can pick up drinks, bento, or even canned beer (it’s common to see people with picnic sheets in Kitanomaru Park enjoying casual hanami picnics). If you’re doing the nazotoki puzzle, make use of the coupons in the kit : for example, Book House Café (a children’s book café) offers a cozy stop with coffee and cake, and your coupon might snag you a discount on their cute latte or dessert. Jimbocho is also famed for curry restaurants – if you’re exploring there around meal time, you’re in luck (several classic curry shops line Yasukuni-dori in Jimbocho).
For an evening meal, you could enjoy the festival food at Yasukuni or head a bit south to the Jinbocho and Kanda area for countless izakayas and eateries. Keep in mind, nearby restaurants will be busy during peak bloom days – if you plan to sit down for dinner, either go early or make a reservation if possible. Otherwise, street food and quick bites might be more efficient on festival nights.
Suggested Itinerary:
To make the most of your day, here’s a sample itinerary:
1. Morning (or Early Afternoon): Start at Kudanshita Station and walk to Chidorigafuchi. Stroll the entire Chidorigafuchi greenway in daylight, enjoying and taking photos of the cherry blossoms without the evening crowd. Visit the small Boating Dock Cafe (if open) or grab a vending machine drink at the park’s entrance. If boats are running in daytime and lines aren’t long, take a morning boat ride for a serene experience beneath falling petals.
2. Midday: Pick up a Nazotoki puzzle kit at the Tourist Info Center (inside Kudan Hall) before noon. Cross the street to Yasukuni Shrine – pay respects if you wish, and check out the cherry trees in the shrine grounds. You can have a quick lunch from the food trucks at Yasukuni or at a nearby café. Don’t fill up too much – save room for snacks later.
3. Afternoon: Dive into the Jimbocho puzzle adventure. Follow the kit’s story through the backstreets of Jimbocho, solving puzzles. Stop by a participating bookstore (e.g., Bunboudo art shop) or a kissaten like Sabouru (a famed retro café) to soak up the atmosphere – these also make great breaks to rest your feet. Complete the puzzles (roughly by late afternoon). If you finish early, you might have time to browse Jimbocho’s many book shops or use one of your coupons for some shopping.
4. Evening: Head back toward Chidorigafuchi around 5 PM. As dusk approaches, maybe purchase a hot amazake (sweet rice drink) or coffee from a truck to warm up. Enter the illuminated path at Kudanshita around 6–6:30 PM to catch the night sakura illumination from start to finish. Take your time walking the one-way route, soaking in the ethereal scenery. It can take 30–60 minutes to go through, depending on crowd slowdowns. Don’t forget to look back toward the water occasionally – the view of boats amidst reflections is stunning.
5. Night Cap: After exiting the promenade, you might swing by Yasukuni Shrine again (they often have lanterns lit and a slightly less crowded environment later at night). Enjoy a late dinner from the trucks or at a local restaurant (some Jimbocho eateries are open late). Finally, make your way home from Kudanshita (or Tokyo Station if you walk or bus there).
This itinerary balances the highlights: you get daylight and nighttime blossom views, a cultural side quest in Jimbocho, and plenty of delicious bites along the way. Of course, it’s flexible – you can swap the order (some might prefer doing the puzzle first then the evening blossoms, or vice versa). Just keep an eye on the clock for the light-up window (6–9 PM) and boat operating hours.
What to Wear/Bring: Early spring in Tokyo can be chilly after sunset (down to ~10°C/50°F in late March evenings). Dress in layers and bring a coat or sweater for the night portion. Comfortable walking shoes are a must – you’ll be on your feet a lot between walking the promenade and possibly the puzzle hunt. If you plan to sit for hanami, a compact picnic sheet can be handy (though Chidorigafuchi itself has no space to sit on the path, you’d use it in nearby parks). An umbrella or raincoat is wise if the forecast calls for rain – cherry blossoms under rain are still beautiful, but you’ll want protection. And of course, a camera or a fully charged smartphone will help capture the memories (and is needed for the puzzle game).
Official Information and Updates
For the latest updates on Chiyoda no Sakura Matsuri 2025, be sure to check the official festival website . The dedicated site (hosted by the Chiyoda City Tourism Association) provides details on event schedules, any changes or cancellations (for example, if weather or blooming conditions adjust the light-up dates), and maps of the venues. Specific announcements, such as the exact night illumination period or any additional events in the area, are posted there around early March. There is also a special page for the Nazotoki game , which includes story background, instructions, and images of the prizes – a good resource if you want more insight before you play.
Happy Hanami!
With this guide in hand, you’re well-equipped to enjoy Chiyoda Sakura Matauri 2025 to the fullest. Whether you’re coming for the awe-inspiring night cherry blossoms, a peaceful boat ride, the interactive mystery adventure, or just to savor spring in Tokyo with good food and friends, Chiyoda Ward offers a rich and memorable hanami experience. Plan ahead, wear comfortable shoes, and get ready to immerse yourself in a world of pink petals around the Imperial Palace. Happy Hanami!
