Koishikawa Korakuen Plum Blossoms 2023

Koishikawa Korakuen Plum Blossoms 2023: Close-up of a bright pink blossom on a slender branch.
Pink is a beautiful color for plum blossoms

The 2023 plum blossoms at Koishikawa Korakuen were great—that’s the best way to describe it. I went to the park with my trusty Fujifilm 16-55mm lens and a flash, and while I was satisfied with the photos, I’m curious: what do you think?

Close-up of white plum blossoms with yellow stamens on a branch against a soft-focus blue background.

On my way back from Ushi-Tenjin Kitano Shrine

Earlier that day, I also visited Ushi-Tenjin Kitano Shrine, another spot for plum blossoms just a ten-minute walk away. It’s a much smaller place, though, and you should be prepared for a bit of a hill climb to get there.

A park pathway splitting around a large white plum blossom tree, with green trees and a clear blue sky in the background.

Crazy weather in 2023

The 2023 plum blossom season’s weather was crazy. One day was hot. Other days were cold. Early on, there was even a light snow.

Pink plum blossom branches reaching upward against a clear blue sky, framed by green trees.

Some days, I took a jacket with me because I was cold. I removed it a couple of hours later because the day warmed up. Talk about inconsistent! It was crazy.

Koishikawa Korakuen Plum Blossoms 2023: White plum blossom branches reaching upward against a clear blue sky.

A quiet weekday visit

Anyway, few people were at the plum blossom grove. Plus, I was there on a weekday afternoon. That is usually the best time to get a place to yourself.

Close-up of white plum blossoms with yellow stamens on a dark branch against a dark, out-of-focus background.

However, if you prefer crowds, consider visiting on a weekend or public holiday. Before planning your trip, it’s a good idea to check the official Koishikawa Korakuen website for the latest hours and information.

Close-up of bright pink plum blossoms with yellow stamens on a delicate branch against a soft-focus blue background.

A note on photography

By the way, I had my extension tubes in my bag. I wanted to use them. But it was a windy day, and taking photos with them was an exercise in futility. The flowers bounced around too much.

Koishikawa Korakuen Plum Blossoms 2023: Light pink blossoms with yellow centers on branches against a blurred background.

For a complete guide to the park, including its history, seasonal highlights, and a map, please look at [Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens].

Koishikawa Korakuen Plum Blossoms 2023: A single white blossom and buds on a branch against a blurred background.

That is it for this post. Did you photograph Koishikawa Korakuen Plum Blossoms 2023? Share your comments below.

My photography gear for this shoot

  • Camera body: Fujifilm X-T3
  • Lens: Fujifilm XF 16-55 mm f/2.8 R LM WR

You might also be interested in ...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *