Chiyoda Sakura Festival Runs Through April 22 in the Heart of Tokyo

Even with the main sakura bloom peaking earlier this year, the Sakura Festival in Chiyoda 2026 keeps the cherry blossom celebration going through April 22. The ward-wide festival stretches along the Chidorigafuchi moat — one of Tokyo's most photographed hanami spots — and features illuminations in the evening, boat rides beneath the blossoms, live music, and pop-up collaborations with the ever-popular Rilakkuma bear character that have become a signature of recent editions.

Chidorigafuchi is lit from sunset to around 10 p.m. with warm lights that turn the falling petals into something out of a Miyazaki film. The moat's rowboats are rented out throughout the festival, and the line at dusk on weekends can stretch an hour — arrive mid-afternoon if you want to paddle under the blossoms without a wait.

If you're going: Kudanshita Station (Hanzomon, Tozai, and Shinjuku lines) is the closest stop. Weeknights are noticeably calmer than weekends. The Ueno Park sakura festival has already ended, but Chidorigafuchi is still in peak form.

Sources: Go Tokyo hanami guide, SoraNews24