Chidori-ga-fuchi: A Timeless Spring Retreat in the Heart of Tokyo

Chidori-ga-fuchi

(Chiyoda City, Tokyo) 

 【Chidori（千鳥）】 are small birds that live near the water. About the size of sparrows, they scurry along the water’s edge, pecking the ground with their short beaks in search of food. The name literally means “a thousand (千) birds (鳥).” While there are various theories about the origin of their name, one widely held belief is that it comes from the image of large flocks of birds flying together. The bird has long adorned traditional motifs, used as an emblem of auspicious fortune and victorious spirit.

At the northwestern side of Imperial Palace in Tokyo, there is a moat called Chidori-ga-fuchi which named after these charming birds. The name translates roughly to “the deep gentle pool of the Chidori”. In this area, the stone walls of the palace are lower than in other parts, green embankments stretch above them. The elegant curves formed by these grassy slopes and the water’s edge, combined with the profusion of cherry blossoms in bloom, make it one of Tokyo’s most iconic cherry blossom viewing spots.

Every spring, long, sweeping branches of cherry trees reach out from both banks, covering the moat in a delicate veil of pale pink petals. It’s a mesmerizing sight that draws countless visitors year after year.

Looking up, the pale pink blossoms of some 200 cherry trees fill the sky, while gentle greenery and yellow spring flowers blanket on the ground. People enjoy slow, peaceful moments as they drift quietly in rowboats beneath the canopy of cherry blossoms. The blend of serene nature and the modern buildings rising beyond it creates a beautiful contrast unique to Tokyo.

This picturesque view didn’t exist from the beginning. Starting around 1955, Kiyoshi Murase, the first mayor of Chiyoda City, led an effort to transform the once barren area around the moat into a place of relaxation for local residents. Over several years, cherry trees were planted one by one, all by hand. Eventually, the cherry blossom was chosen by the residents as the official flower of Chiyoda City, reflecting their deep affection for the beloved landscape.

Now, more than 70 years have passed since those trees were planted. Environmental changes, pests, and the natural aging of the trees have taken their toll. The cherry trees of this variety have a lifespan of around 60 to 80 years, and many have been growing weaker year by year. In response, Chiyoda City launched a regeneration project to ensure this beloved scenery can be passed down to future generations. Through careful maintenance, replanting, and day-to-day care, the trees continue to thrive.

Thanks to these ongoing efforts, more than a million people come each spring to be enchanted by the cherry blossoms at Chidorigafuchi. 

Please visit the official website Chidori-ga-fuchi.