Local Guide
2025 Edition] 5 Hanami Spots in Otemachi Area, Tokyo

After a harsh cold winter, spring is finally here, and the cherry blossom viewing season has finally arrived. The Otemachi area of Tokyo, the center of the business district, is home to many famous hanami spots, including Chidorigafuchi and Yasukuni Shrine. Among these cherry blossom viewing spots in the Otemachi area, we will introduce five spots that are within walking distance from HOSHINOYA Tokyo.

Enjoy cherry blossoms at one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan!

The 260 cherry trees in full bloom along the promenade are a sight to behold.
The 260 cherry trees in full bloom along the promenade are a sight to behold.

Chidorigafuchi" functioned as a dam when Edo was founded. From late March to early April, the cherry blossoms along the 700-meter promenade from Yasukuni Street to Kitanomaru Park are in full bloom, and the spectacular view attracts all visitors.
There is also a boat ramp on the grounds where visitors can look up at the cherry blossoms from the water. The cherry blossoms can also be viewed from the water.

Blooming season] Usually from mid-March to late March.
Best viewing time】Late March to early April
Someiyoshino, Yaezakura, weeping cherry, etc.

Courtesy of Chiyoda City Tourism Association
Courtesy of Chiyoda City Tourism Association
Chidorigafuchi
  • Address 2 Sanbancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo MAP
  • Direction 5 minutes walk from Exit 2 of Kudanshita Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line, Tokyo Metro Tozai Line and Hanzomon Line.
    Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line "Hanzomon Station" 5 min. walk from Exit 5
  • Hours of Operation Inquiry required (varies depending on the season)
    Chidorigafuchi boatyard is open from 11:00 to 17:30 (from March 1 to November 30)
    During cherry blossom viewing season: 9:00 - 17:30
  • Admission fee Chidorigafuchi Boat Park: 800 yen for 30 min. and 1,600 yen for 60 min. during cherry blossom viewing season.
  • TEL 03-3234-1948 (Chidorigafuchi boatyard)

A spectacular spot in the heart of Tokyo where you can view cherry blossoms along with historical buildings

A rickshaw ride through the picturesque streets is also recommended. *An activity at HOSHINOYA Tokyo:
A rickshaw ride through the picturesque streets is also recommended. *An activity at HOSHINOYA Tokyo: "Rickshaw tour" (image)

Edo Cherry Blossom Street runs from Nihonbashi Hongokucho, where the Bank of Japan's head office is located, to Nihonbashi Honmachi. It is sometimes said that the inspiration for the name came from the Edo period (1603-1867), when Ichikawa Danjuro was the head of the Ichikawa family. Along the street, in addition to the Bank of Japan, other historical buildings such as the main branch of Mitsukoshi Department Store in Nihonbashi and the Mitsui Main Building stand side by side.
Approximately 80 Someiyoshino cherry trees are planted along both sides of the street, creating a wonderful tunnel of cherry blossoms when the trees are in full bloom. The cherry blossoms are a wonderful sight to see when they are in full bloom, and it is refreshing not only to stroll along the path but also to take a rickshaw ride and admire the cherry blossoms from a different vantage point.

Blooming season] Usually from late March to early April.
Best time to see the cherry blossoms: Usually early April.
Cherry blossom type: Someiyoshino, etc.

Edo Cherry Blossom Street
  • Address 2-1-1 Nihonbashi Hongokucho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Bank of Japan Head Office) MAP
  • Direction 5 min. walk from Exit B1 of Mitsukoshimae Station on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line (Bank of Japan Head Office)

The main shrine of Edo, with a history of about 1,300 years

The contrast between the vermilion-lacquered shrine pavilions and Someiyoshino cherry trees is beautiful.
The contrast between the vermilion-lacquered shrine pavilions and Someiyoshino cherry trees is beautiful.

The shrine was built in 730. The shrine was rebuilt after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, and its steel-framed reinforced concrete pavilions, all painted in vermilion lacquer, were revolutionary at the time, and even today they welcome visitors as a symbol of the shrine.
In spring, the shrine grounds are filled with cherry trees in full bloom, creating an exquisite Japanese atmosphere.

Blooming season] Usually from late March to early April.
Best time to see the cherry blossoms: Usually early April
Someiyoshino cherry trees, yaezakura cherry trees, weeping cherry trees, etc.

Kanda Myojin
  • Address 2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo MAP
  • Direction 5-minute walk from Seibashi Exit of Ochanomizu Station on the Chuo and Sobu Lines
    5 min. walk from Exit 1 of "Ochanomizu" station on Tokyo Metro Marunouchi line
  • Hours of Operation Open 24 hours (the temple grounds are illuminated until 23:00)
  • Regular holidays None (Temporary closing time on New Year's Eve)
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 03-3254-0753
  • Parking Paid Parking is available within a 5-minute walk from the shrine.

Part of the former Edo Castle has been developed into a park.

Beautiful reflections on the water (courtesy: Imperial Household Agency)
Beautiful reflections on the water (courtesy: Imperial Household Agency)

The East Gardens are a garden created from the Honmaru, Ninomaru, and Sanomaru sections of the former Edo Castle when the Imperial Palace was built, and have been open to the public since 1968. 210,000 square meters of the vast grounds contain numerous historical sites and many seasonal flowers and grasses.
Someiyoshino, kanhizakura, yamazakura, and satozakura cherry trees bloom in sequence in the East Gardens' grounds. The largest number of cherry tree varieties is found in the Honmaru, a large expanse of land, with many varieties planted especially on the cherry blossom islands.

Blooming season] Usually from late March to early April.
Best time to see the cherry blossoms: Usually early April.
Someiyoshino, kanhizakura, yamazakura, satozakura, and others.

Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency
Courtesy of the Imperial Household Agency
East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
  • Address 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo MAP
  • Direction Toei Mita Line / Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Tozai Line, Chiyoda Line, Hanzomon Line
    5 minutes walk from Exit C13a of Otemachi Station
  • Hours of Operation March 1 - April 14, 9:00 - 17:00 (admission until 16:30)
    April 15 - the end of August: 9:00 - 18:00 (admission until 17:30)
    Please check the website for other information.
  • Regular holidays Mondays and Fridays (except for "National Holidays" except for the Emperor's Birthday. If Monday is a holiday, the park is closed on the following Tuesday)
    December 28 - January 3 of the following year, and days when there are obstacles due to the implementation of events or other unavoidable reasons.
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 03-3213-2050

A shrine that comforts the souls of those who sacrificed their lives for the country

A sample tree in the precincts of the temple is the standard for announcing the blooming of cherry blossoms in Tokyo (courtesy: Chiyoda City Tourism Association).
A sample tree in the precincts of the temple is the standard for announcing the blooming of cherry blossoms in Tokyo (courtesy: Chiyoda City Tourism Association).

Yasukuni Shrine was founded in 1869 as Shokonsha (Shrine of the Sacred Heart). The shrine was built at the behest of Emperor Meiji to comfort the souls of those who gave their lives to protect the country.
The sample tree on which the Tokyo District Meteorological Observatory bases its cherry blossom announcements for Tokyo is planted at Yasukuni Shrine. In addition to the specimen trees, there are many other types of cherry trees planted here, including Someiyoshino, Yamazakura, Kanzakura, Yokozakura, Hikanzakura, Shidarezakura, and Ukonzakura. The area has long been famous for its cherry blossoms, with a "cherry blossom festival" and lighting displays held every year in conjunction with the blooming of the cherry trees.

Blooming season] Usually from late March to early April.
Best time to see the cherry blossoms: Usually early April.
Cherry blossom species: Someiyoshino, yamazakura, kanzakura, yokozakura, hikanzakura, weeping cherry, turmeric cherry, etc.

Yasukuni Shrine
  • Address 3-1-1 Kudan-kita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo MAP
  • Direction Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, Hanzomon Line, Toei Shinjuku Line "Kudanshita Station" 5 min. walk from Exit 1
  • Hours of Operation ［Opening time] 6:00 a.m. all year round
    ［Closing time] 17:00 in January, February, November, and December, 18:00 from March to October
  • Closed None
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 03-3261-8326
  • Parking Parking for visitors is available.

MAP

Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
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The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.