Koishikawa Korakuen Plum Blossoms 2023

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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






