When I visited the Kanda River cherry blossoms in 2017, I had a good and terrible day. Well, even though the sky was cloudy, the flowers were fantastic. The bad? My beloved Pentax K3 camera died. The rear display said goodbye, fizzled,and went black never to revive. Let’s talk about it. The day my Pentax…
Shinjuku Gyoen might be Tokyo’s most famous and most popular cherry blossom spots. You can read what gives it that reputation in [Shinjuku Gyoen is Tokyo’s Best Cherry Blossom Spot]. Now read on and learn more of my photographic adventures there in 2017. The 2017 cherry blossom season at Shinjuku Gyoen was a near-perfect display…
The annual Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival, held at Hakusan Shrine, showcases over 3,000 blooming hydrangea shrubs. During the festival, visitors can enjoy food stalls, art exhibitions, and interactive events. If you’re in Tokyo in June, the Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival is a chance to experience a traditional Japanese festival and see a unique side of Japan. My…
Imagine standing by the serene pond, looking up at a canopy of Inokashira Park cherry blossoms in full bloom. For travelers seeking the quintessential Tokyo spring experience, this spot is unrivaled. Back in 2017, everything was in perfect alignment for a photographer: the sky was a brilliant blue, softened by just the right amount of…
Editor’s Note: The central water fountain has been demolished and is being rebuilt along with some landscaping. It should be completed in early 2026. In the bustling heart of Tokyo, just a stone’s throw from the Imperial Palace, government offices, and major corporations, is an urban sanctuary: Hibiya Park. For the city’s busy workers seeking…
Are you searching for an escape in Tokyo that marries nature, culture, and endless photo opportunities? Look no further than Inokashira Park. It’s a place where you can capture the pink of spring cherry blossoms, the deep reds of autumn leaves, or the simple joy of a swan boat ride across a serene pond. For…
After years of searching for the perfect hanami experience, I can say it with confidence. Shinjuku Gyoen is the best cherry blossom spot in Tokyo. While I adore the moody, atmospheric lanes of Aoyama Cemetery, it’s not for everyone. Shinjuku Gyoen is simply unmatched. It’s experience delivers on every level for every person. It combines…
In Japan, it is a flower of delicate beauty that also carries the weight of final goodbyes. The red spider lily, or higanbana, is said to bloom when you part with someone for the last time. For years, I seemed to be having my own final goodbyes with them—for one reason or another, I always…
Editor’s Note: I’m often asked about the best way to see Tokyo’s cherry blossoms. It always brings me back to a specific morning in 2017 when I finally figured out how to enjoy Chidorigafuchi. This is that story. Chidorigafuchi Park is a popular place for cherry blossoms. When the flowers bloom, it is picturesque. The…
Inui Street is a 750-meter tree-lined boulevard within the Tokyo Imperial Palace grounds, famous for its exclusive seasonal public openings. During the 2027 spring sakura season, visitors can walk this restricted route to view over 70 species of cherry blossoms, offering a rare glimpse into the inner palace landscape normally closed to the public. Tokyo…
After years with my trusty Pentax K-3, it suddenly died. I needed a camera and I decided on the Fujifilm X-T2. I paired it with the highly-praised XF 16-55mm f/2.8 lens. This new kit felt like a different beast altogether. To get a feel for its dials and controls, I headed out for what I…
Escape the bustling energy of central Tokyo and step into a world of serene landscapes and rich history at Hamarikyu Gardens. Once a private hunting ground for shoguns, it now offers a unique oasis where traditional Japanese aesthetics meet the city’s futuristic skyline. For photographers and nature lovers, Hamarikyu is filled with picturesque scenes, from…
Looking back at my photos from the Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemum Exhibit in November 2024, I’m reminded of two things. The flowers were not at their best, but my new camera was. While the blooms themselves were a bit underwhelming compared to previous years, the situation created the perfect real-world test for my Canon EOS R5….
Yushima Tenjin Plum Blossom Festival 2026 and I got off to a bad start. There is nothing worse than leaving the house and arriving at the train station only to find all trains have been delayed due to mechanical problems. I hate that because it reduces the amount of time taking photos, which is how…
Hanegi Park in Setagaya, Tokyo, is renowned for its 650 plum trees. During the golden hour, the low-angled sunset light transforms the plum blossoms (ume) into a glowing canopy of pink and white. This 2021 photography series captures the peak bloom at Hanegi Park, showcasing the interplay between warm ‘magic hour’ light and delicate spring…
Hanegi Park, located in Setagaya, Tokyo, is one of the city’s premier destinations for the Setagaya Ume Matsuri (Plum Blossom Festival). Featuring over 600 plum trees, the park typically reaches peak bloom between mid-February and early March. Achieving a ‘success rate’ in photography here requires precise timing, as peak flowering lasts only a few days….
Step into the serenity of Meiji Shrine. Our essential photography guide reveals the best spots, from the iconic sake barrels to capturing traditional weddings.
The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is Tokyo’s largest pyrotechnic event, held annually on the last Saturday of July. To survive the extreme crowds, visitors should arrive at least three hours early, secure a viewing spot in Asakusa or Ryogoku, carry a portable fan, and pre-load their Suica cards for a seamless exit. Do you want…
Aoyama Cemetery is widely considered one of Tokyo’s premier cherry blossom spots, famous for its 800-meter ‘Sakura Avenue’ that creates a breathtaking tunnel of pink petals. Located in the Minato district, it offers a peaceful, scenic hanami experience that is less crowded than Ueno Park, making it ideal for photography and quiet walks in late…