Inui Street: Enjoy the Tokyo Imperial Palace Cherry Blossoms
Tokyo has countless spots for hanami (cherry blossom viewing). But one stands apart: the limited-time public opening of the Imperial Palace’s Inui Street. This isn’t your typical picnic under the trees affair. It’s an orderly, reverent, and beautiful walk through grounds usually closed to the public.
I’ve joined the thousands of Tokyoites who flock to this special event many times, and it remains a firm favorite. Here’s what to expect when you go.
Arriving at the Imperial Palace’s Inui Street
The experience begins before you even enter the palace grounds. Walking from Tokyo Station, you’ll notice a significant but calm police presence, including the riot squad and canine units. It’s a clear reminder that you are in the home of the Emperor, and security is paramount.
After a thorough security check, you’ll cross a stone bridge over the deep moat and pass through the magnificent Sakashita Gate. For a moment, you’re inside the heart of Tokyo’s history, with views of the Chowaden Reception Hall and the Imperial Household Agency building. This is the grand entrance to your main event: the 750-meter-long Inui Street.
The Main Event: Cherry Blossom Road
Lining the street are around 100 cherry trees. They are a beautiful mix, including the classic Somei-Yoshino and delicate Satozakura varieties. If you are lucky for your spring visit the sky will be a brilliant blue, a perfect backdrop for the clouds of pale pink blossoms. The trees are spaced generously along the street, so while it’s not a dense “sakura tunnel,” each tree stands out. This allows you to appreciate the individual shape and beauty of the blossoms along the historic avenue.
However, this is where the experience differs from a park. Imperial Palace’s Inui Street is a one-way path, and to manage the immense crowds, everyone must keep moving. You are part of a slow-moving, appreciative river of people.
Of course, stopping for photos is fine, but you can’t linger for long. The path is only about 8 meters wide, and with thousands of daily visitors, a bottleneck would form instantly. The goal is to allow everyone a chance to see the beauty without causing a jam.
When is the Inui Street Cherry Blossom Walk?
- Dates: From March 21 to 29, 2026
- Times: From 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (exit by 4:00 p.m.)
Know before you go
- Location: Sakashita Gate (Entry only)
- Nearest Station: Tokyo Station (Marunouchi Exit) or Nijubashimae Station
- Cost: Free
- Prohibited: Bags (allowed but slow down entry), food, tripods, smoking, pets.
- One-Way only: You must exit via the Inui Gate.
- For the latest information consult the official Imperial Household Agency website.
Tips for your visit & photography
- It’s not a picnic: Remember, no food, drinks, or sitting down. This is a walking-only event. Enjoy the view, take your pictures, and keep flowing with the crowd.
- Autumn Opening: If you miss the sakura, don’t worry! Inui Street also opens to the public in autumn for the fall colors, offering an equally stunning, though different, experience.
- Security Line: In the past, you could speed through security if you didn’t have a bag. On my last visit, everyone was directed into a single line. Be prepared to wait, even if you are only carrying a camera.
- Photo Opportunities: The main focus is the blossoms lining the Imperial Palace’s Inui Street. While other parts of the palace grounds, like the famous Fujimi Keep, are visible, they are not on the direct path and don’t have sakura nearby. I recommend concentrating your camera on the trees and the unique atmosphere of the walk itself.
- Here is the path on Google Maps:
Is Inui Street Cherry Blossom walk worth it?
This event is a fantastic way to experience both Japan’s natural beauty and its deep-rooted history. It’s an awesome, well-organized event that offers a glimpse into a side of Tokyo most people never see. Use the contact link below if you have any questions.
