In the spring of 2021, as Tokyo cautiously emerged from its pandemic state of emergency, a sense of normalcy began to return. For flower enthusiasts like myself, this meant the long-awaited return of flower festivals. High on my list was the Kameido Tenjin Wisteria Festival, and I saw its beauty under the warm glow of a superb sunset.
Photographing Tokyo in 2021
My decision to attend was not made lightly. With coronavirus cases still a concern, I had strong reservations just days before. However, the desire to capture some quality photographs of the wisteria, something I hadn’t managed for several years, ultimately won out. Was it a bit reckless in hindsight? Perhaps, but it was a risk I was willing to take.
Finding the best light
To minimize contact with crowds, I planned my visit for late afternoon. Typically, the wisteria is illuminated after dark, but pandemic precautions meant the lights would remain off in 2021. I reasoned that fewer people would be present at this time, which was exactly what I hoped for. This timing also offered a unique photographic opportunity. I anticipated that the soft, late-afternoon sun would cast a lovely glow, making the wisteria look its absolute best.
Kameido Tenjin wisteria & Tokyo Skytree
My intuition paid off. The grounds were bathed in a gentle light that made the cascading flowers look truly terrific. As the sun began to set, the scene became even more magical. In the distance, the iconic Tokyo Skytree soared above the vibrant purple canopy. It was an almost perfect photograph. The tower’s lights were on, creating a beautiful contrast with the darkening sky. If only the shrine’s pool lights had also been illuminated, the picture would have been complete. A few wispy clouds might have added another layer of beauty, but one can’t have everything. I’m confident that one day, I’ll capture that perfect shot.
What made the experience truly special was the tranquility. I shared the sunset with only a handful of other visitors, a stark contrast to the usual bustling crowds at this popular festival. This quiet, contemplative atmosphere felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
A must-see for flower and shrine lovers
The Kameido Tenjin Wisteria Festival is an essential experience for anyone who appreciates the beauty of Japanese shrines and flowers. I highly recommend a visit. For more detailed information about the shrine itself, please see my main article on the shrine, one of Tokyo’s most charming.
Please read my full article about [Kameido Tenjin] to learn more about this wonderful shrine. By the way, have you photographed it? Share your experience in the comments below.
My photography gear for this shoot
- Camera body: Fujifilm X-T3
- Lens: Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
