Shinjuku Gyoen Cherry Blossoms 2023 The 2023 Shinjuku Gyoen cherry blossoms reached full bloom in late March, offering photographers soft pink canopies. Despite overcast skies and weekday crowds, the park provided excellent lighting for capturing delicate sakura details. This photo review explores the atmosphere and technical conditions of the 2023 season in one of Tokyo’s…
Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemum Exhibition: A 2019 Retrospective As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here. On cool November mornings, the air in Shinjuku Gyoen carries a sharp, herbal scent. It is the smell of thousands of chrysanthemums, or kiku (菊), arranged in protective wooden pavilions. While many visitors come…
Photographing Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemum Exhibition 2021 Crisp air and a brilliant, cloudless blue sky provided the ideal backdrop for appreciating the vibrant colors of the annual chrysanthemum show at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in 2021. While the warmth of the sun made a jacket unnecessary, it was a small price to pay for such a…
Why My Polarizing Filter Failed Me at Shinjuku Gyoen A polarizing filter (or CPL filter) fails when there is a lack of direct, directional light to polarize. These filters work by cutting glare reflected at specific angles from non-metallic surfaces. In deep shade or overcast conditions, light is diffused and non-directional, meaning there is no…
Shinjuku Gyoen’s Unforgettable 2018 Cherry Blossoms 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 2018. The 2018 cherry blossom season at…
Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemums 2018 Shinjuku Gyoen might be Tokyo’s most famous and most popular park. You can read what gives it that reputation in [Shinjuku Gyoen: A Photography Guide to Tokyo’s Urban Oasis]. Every year it puts on a chrysanthemum exhibit. Read on to learn more of my photography adventures there in 2018. The 2018…
Shinjuku Gyoen Cherry Blossoms 2017: Hanami and Cityscapes 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…
Shinjuku Gyoen is Tokyo’s Best Cherry Blossom Spot 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…
Canon EOS R5 Field Test: 2024 Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemums 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…
Shinjuku Gyoen: A Photography Guide to Tokyo’s Urban Oasis Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of Tokyo’s most versatile photography locations, featuring a blend of traditional Japanese, English Landscape, and French Formal garden styles. Ideal for landscape and portrait photography, the park peaks during the spring cherry blossom season and vibrant autumn foliage, offering a…