How to Improve Flower Photos on a Cloudy Day 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…
Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens Photo Guide If you are looking for a Tokyo photo spot that has a little bit of everything, Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens is it. From history and beautiful bridges to flowers and temples, this park delivers. Birdwatchers love it, too. Some might say it is perfect. Well, if it’s not, it must be…
The Plum Blossoms That Almost Weren’t: Yushima Tenjin 2018 I often talk about how photography can be a frustrating exercise in managing expectations. My 2018 trip to Yushima Tenjin was a perfect example. After a long, cold snap in Tokyo, I was worried the plum blossoms would be a complete no-show. My initial walk through…
Hanegi Park Plum Blossoms: 2023 Photography Guide 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…
Hanegi Park Plum Blossoms of 2017 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…
A Guide to the Setagaya Ume Matsuri at Hanegi Park 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 and anyone looking for…
Plum Blossoms at Shiba Park in 2020: A look back 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. Photographing plum…
Hanegi Park Plum Blossoms: Why ‘Real Cameras’ Still Matter 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…
Yushima Tenjin Plum Blossom Festival 2017: A Photo Archive 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…
Hamarikyu Gardens: A Shogun’s Park 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…
Yushima Tenjin: Plum Blossom & Chrysanthemum Photo Guide Yushima Tenjin is another of Tokyo’s important shrines. You’ll find it in Bunkyo Ward. It isn’t big, but it is famous for its flowers in spring and autumn. The architecture is impressive too. For photographers, this place should be on their bucket list. The shrine’s flowers are…
Plum Blossoms & Packed Trains: A 2026 Trip to Yushima Tenjin Tokyo train hell during the plum blossom festival 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…
Golden Hour Hanegi Park Plum Blossoms 2021 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…
12 visits to Hanegi Park: Lessons from a 10% Success Rate 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…