Shinjuku Gyoen Cherry Blossoms 2017: Hanami and Cityscapes
The 2017 cherry blossom season at Shinjuku Gyoen was a near-perfect display of urban nature. It’s a scene I’ve always found captivating: the delicate sakura framed by the towering skyscrapers of Nishi-Shinjuku. This blend of towers and flowers gives the park a unique majesty. I often wonder, does any other park in Tokyo offer such a striking view?
A sprawling hanami oasis in Tokyo
One of the Shinjuku Gyoen cherry blossoms’ assets are their sheer size. Even when it gets crowded, there’s a sense of spaciousness that prevents you from ever feeling crushed. The cherry trees are thoughtfully scattered throughout the park, not clustered in one area. This makes it an ideal and renowned spot for hanami (flower viewing).
Reflecting on Hanami culture at Shinjuku Gyoen
After years of attending hanami events, a question has started to form in my mind. I know and respect that everyone has their own way of celebrating, but I find myself pondering the true meaning of hanami in Japan.
Shouldn’t it be centered on appreciating the flowers? After all, “hanami” literally means “flower viewing.” It often seems that the social aspect—partying and drinking with friends under the trees—takes precedence. Many people hardly seem to glance at the blossoms, offering them only a passing look.
Am I simply overthinking this in my old age? Perhaps. But it’s a feeling that has grown stronger over the last few years. It’s an observation you can make at many hanami spots across Tokyo.
Capturing the 2017 blossoms
Despite my philosophical musings, the 2017 Shinjuku Gyoen cherry blossoms were a fantastic sight. I was a little early for the peak bloom, but the flowers were so close to it, just like those at Inokashira Park. Of course, some of them lagged well behind, but they were more the exception than the rule. I hope you enjoy the pictures.
The end of an era: My Pentax gear in Tokyo
It was at this time I started to think about my future in photography. Pentax made solid cameras, but its future didn’t look bright. The company has never been up there with Canon, Sony, and Nikon. Don’t get me wrong, its products are solid, but do you know anyone who uses them professionally? They must be rare.
The lenses I had at the time weren’t exciting. The SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR I used for these photos was a good all-rounder. It wasn’t expensive and the focal length could cover a wide range of situations. But it wasn’t a top performer. The corners were soft and the bokeh wasn’t mind blowing.
Little did I know things were going to come to a head in the near future. My camera was actually on its last legs and it would meet its demise that very cherry blossom season. Read about it in Kanda River Cherry Blossoms: A Broken Camera in Tokyo. That event led me to my next brand.
Shinjuku Gyoen cherry blossoms photography tips
- The parks get crowded when the trees bloom, so be patient. If people don’t clear for your shot, the grounds are quite large so see what else you can find.
- Tripods are allowed for personal use but don’t place them in narrow paths where they will obstruct people.
- If you want to do commercial photography, apply either online at the official Shinjuku Gyoen website or at the administration office.
Photography gear for this shoot
- Camera body: Pentax K-3
- Lens: SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR
