Chidorigafuchi and the Imperial Palace moats

Chidorigafuchi is a stretch of the old castle moat on the north-west side of the Imperial Palace, and in blossom season it is one of Tokyo's best-known cherry walks: the trees lean out over the water and rowboats drift underneath. The promenade along the top of the bank gives the classic view down onto the boats.

Outside the blossom weeks it is a calmer place — green water, old stone walls and wide paths that suit an unhurried walking session. The moats around the palace run on for kilometres, with the palace plaza and its bridges a short walk away.

During the blossom the promenade is crowded and the boat queues are long; the boats run seasonally, so check before you plan a session around them. Early mornings are the quietest at any time of year.