Japan's Most Magical Sakura Spot: Imperial Palace

  

I've only been in a couple.... dozen sakura spots in Japan.

The best one, I find, is the one in the Imperial Palace grounds - Chidorigafuchi Greenway (千鳥ヶ淵緑道)

Budget: JPY0 (~USD0)

• Free!

Visit Date

• March 2017, March 2019, March 2020

When to Go
During the sakura season, which can range from mid March to mid April. 

Special Notes

• There's a boating option, details supposed to be here:
• https://www.city.chiyoda.lg.jp/shisetsu/koen/chidorigafuchi-boat.html
• JPY800 for 30 minutes during peak season, or JPY1,600 for an hour. I assume there's a max of one hour given the long lines and time slots. 
• RESERVE ahead of time, or go way before the opening time to get your tickets. Call 03-3234-1948.
• Opens at 11am til 5pm. 

Itinerary

• Come early in the morning when the crowd is not there yet, then during the boating period if you have a reservation, at night when it's all lit up, and then after the light up and very few people remain. 

Take note of the lavender next to the river. 

Seeing the boats. 

The numerous boats enjoying the sakura. 

Close up!

At night. 

Gorgeous. 

They light it up, and it all gets shut down at 10pm. 

Another angle from my camera. 

After they shut off all the lights. 

Enjoying the not so crowded street.