Cherry Blossom Season 2023
Every year, from the end of March to early April, Tokyo is showing herself from her very best side. Cherry trees all over the city are in bloom at this time, transforming parks, streets and rivers into places that could have sprung right out of a fairy tail. At the same time, the buzzling city becomes even more crowded. Tourists come from all over the world and join with the locals to enjoy the beautiful sceneries.
It is also a busy time for me, as I am trying to capture all of it with my camera.
This year it was raining quite a bit, but I still managed 10days of shooting Tokyos cherry trees.
Ichigaya, March 21st
The cherry trees were’t in full bloom yet when I took these first photographs on a walk to Ichigaya.
By the way, the river in the second shot (taken close to Ichigaya station) is part of the outer moat of Edo Castle.
Komagome, March 22nd
On this day, cherry trees in Tokyo officially were in full-bloom.
What makes it official?
The Somei Yoshino cherry tree at Yasukuni Shrine.
The Japan Metrological Agency uses this one tree as the measurement for Tokyos cherry blossom season. When five buds on this tree have bloomed the cherry blossom season has officially started in Tokyo, and when 80% of its flowers are in bloom, full-bloom is officially reached.
Shinjuku, March 24th
Still in full-bloom, the cherry trees kind of remind me of cotton candy.
Komagome, March 27th
While petals are starting to cover the ground, the trees are still looking their best.
A great time for outdoor portraitures!
Roppongi, March 29th
I have to confess to have taken both of these pictures with my phone. As I had a physiotherapy appointment and went to the gym, I could not manage to also take my camera along. Still, I just had to take a few pictures!
Ueno, March 30th
Ueno Park is one of the most famous and most visited spots for viewing cherry blossoms.
I went there very early in the morning and got about an hour of shooting done before the masses arrived.
I have to admit to ‘losing’ some time and getting distracted taking pictures of seagulls.
But I can see why so many people are visiting the park. The cherry trees alongside the pond and the Shinobazunoike Benten-do, a buddhist temple, really make for a beautiful sight.
Kanda River, March 31st
I don’t think my photos manage to do justice to this beautiful walkway along the river and it’s many cherry trees, reaching their branches down towards the water.
Shinjuku Chuo Park, April 1st
I took my best photographs on this day, towards the end of the cherry blossom season, and I hadn’t even planned to get a lot of shooting done. Actually, Peter and I were meeting friends of ours for Hanami, viewing the cherry blossoms and having a picnic. It was a beautiful day! I was relaxed and having a good time, and I guess that was just what I needed to let go of the pressure I put on myself and be my most creative.
Shinjuku, April 4th & 5th
The beginning of April came with strong winds, blowing the already fading flowers from the trees.
Gusts of wind swivelling petals through the air make for a last unreal beautiful sight as the cherry blossom season ends.
