The Edo-period park Koishikawa Korakuen has always been one of my favorite haunts. Its story began in the 1600s when Yorifusa Tokugawa established a residence on the grounds. Over the centuries, the garden was enriched with new features, and in 1938, it opened its gates to the public. Today, we can enjoy its landscapes, including…
The Tokyo Imperial Palace winter illumination is a seasonal event where historic gates and keeps are lit at night. Located on the eastern side near Tokyo Station, this display offers photographers a rare chance to capture long exposures of the Seimon and Otemon gates reflecting in the palace moat during the colder months. One evening,…
The weather forecast promised sun, but Hanegi Park only had cloudy day flowers to offer me in February 2024. My heart sank. How could I capture the delicate beauty of the plum blossoms under flat, dreary light? The answer was easy: my flash. The trip to the park I caught the Keio-Inokashira Line train to…
For me, the Hanegi Park plum blossoms heralded the arrival of spring in 2023. While winter wasn’t truly over, seeing the tranquil park burst with fragrant pink and white blooms made it feel that way. Yes, warmer weather wasn’t far away. Visiting Hanegi Park during plum blossom season is a must for any photographer. The…
In 2017, my visit to Hanegi Park near for the annual plum blossom season was nothing short of magical. That particular week in Tokyo was graced with brilliant blue skies just like at Yushima Tenjin a week earlier. It was a memorable season for flower photography. A serene Tokyo Plum Blossom photo spot Hanegi Park,…
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here. Hanegi Park’s plum blossoms rank right up there with the best in Tokyo. There are 650 of the trees. But not only are flowers great, the location and the vibe are amazing. This free winter event is for families, flower lovers…
I went to Shiba Park in spring 2020. The weather was cool, the sky was a perfect, cloudless blue that made the pinks of the blossoms even more vibrant. Looking back, it was the kind of day that was made for flower photography. The plum blossoms of Shiba Park 2020 There wasn’t much difference from…
Hanegi Park’s plum blossoms in 2022 weren’t just a feast for the eyes. They offered a glimpse of hope for both Tokyo’s spirit and the future of photography. Beneath the blooms, I found myself reflecting on more than seasonal beauty. As shutters clicked around me, something was clear. Even in a smartphone-dominated world, ‘real cameras’…
In 2017, Yushima Tenjin was draped in clouds of plum blossoms. The beautiful flowers brought a unique blend of serenity and tradition. Photographers came to capture them. Students came in large numbers. The day had perfect skies, a large crowd, and nostalgia for the gear I used long ago. Yushima Tenjin is a Mecca for…
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….