Aoyama Cemetery Cherry Blossoms: 2022 Report & Photo Tips
Every spring, Tokyo transforms into a canvas of pink, and few places are as atmospheric as Aoyama Cemetery. While it might seem unusual to visit a graveyard for sightseeing, this location offers some of the most stunning photo opportunities in the city. In 2022, I grabbed my camera to capture the Aoyama Cemetery cherry blossoms, hoping to document the beauty of the season. Here is a look at how the shoot went, the gear I used, and where to find the best angles.
Chasing sakura in overcast weather
The bloom wasn’t quite at 100% when I visited, but it was close enough to be impressive. The flowers looked beautiful, though luck wasn’t entirely on my side regarding the weather. Heavy clouds obscured the sky, denying me that perfect contrast of pink against blue.
Why didn’t the weather cooperate more? A blue sky with fluffy white clouds would have been welcome. Oh well, next time might be better! Despite the grey skies, I still left with photos that made me happy.
The iconic “Cherry Blossom Road”
The star of the show is always Cherry Blossom Road. Running straight through the middle of the cemetery, this is the spot everyone heads to first. Massive trees line both sides of the street, their branches arching out to touch over the road. It creates a magnificent tunnel of flowers. If you are looking for the iconic Aoyama Cemetery photo, this is it. I take this picture every year because the scene is unique and irresistible. Do you know of any other similar shots in Tokyo? I don’t.
A note on road safety
However, getting that iconic tunnel shot comes with a challenge: the best angle is right in the middle of the road. This is dangerous for obvious reasons. Look for breaks in the traffic, but please keep your wits about you. You need to watch out for bicycles, too, they whizz by quickly.
Beyond the tunnel: Exploring the grounds
While the road is spectacular, it shouldn’t be your only reason for going. Take your time and walk around the wider Aoyama Cemetery grounds. Great photos of the Japanese cherry blossom trees are waiting for you away from the crowds, and you might find some character in the quiet moments.
There are usually a few friendly people to chat with, too. During my 2022 walk, I ran into Elle, a vivacious pug, and her owner. It was a lovely reminder that the atmosphere here is community-focused and welcoming.
Capturing Tokyo Tower framed by sakura
My personal favorite photo composition for this season was of Tokyo Tower flanked by cherry trees. I make it a point to take this shot every year.
Tip for photographers
If you want this specific shot, try to take it in the morning. In the afternoon, the trees and flowers are backlit by the sun behind the tower. This makes it difficult to achieve good exposure. Of course, bracketing is an option if you are shooting later in the day, but the morning light makes it much easier.
Photography gear for this shoot
- Camera Body: Fujifilm X-T3
- Lenses:
- XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
- XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS
Is Aoyama Cemetery worth it?
Aoyama Cemetery remains a top-tier location for sakura photography in Tokyo. Despite the cloudy weather in 2022, the “Cherry Blossom Road” provided that classic tunnel effect, and the views of Tokyo Tower offered a perfect mix of city and nature.
- The highlight: The central road is lined with arching trees.
- The challenge: navigating traffic for the perfect angle and managing backlight in the afternoon.
- The takeaway: Don’t just stick to the main road—wander the grounds for unique encounters and compositions.
Are you ready to see more of this cemetery? I’ve compiled the [Aoyama Cemetery Photo Guide] which has all the information you need to know about it.
