Essence of Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossoms are different every year. Japanese sakura, or cherry blossoms, flourish at different times depending on which region of Japan you are visiting because Japan is latitudinally long at over 3,000 kilometers and has 6,852 islands, and each island and specific location has individual characteristics that occur only in that region, so photography becomes a bit of a cat & mouse game as I am chasing cherry blossoms of different varieties cross-country. Weather also plays a key role in what type of blossoms I can see. An unseasonable weather front bringing unusually warm temperatures can start a cascade reaction and convince the blushing cherry blossoms to open and begin the hanami (cherry blossom) viewing season. Moreover, several international photographers who visit Japan think that visiting only one location that is reported to have the best cherry blossoms is all that’s needed to get the quintessential cherry blossom photo.

Many prefectures have their own amazing or highly recommended area, and each part of the location plays a key role in appreciating the ephemeral simplicity and beauty of Japan’s national flower. For example, in Aichi Prefecture, visitors can photograph the spectacular blossoms along the Gojo River and perhaps see some of the blossoms fall ever so artfully into the along the path and into the river itself. In Niigata prefecture, Takada Park is home to the prefecture’s best cherry blossoms, and again, the cherry blossoms come with another photo op, Takada Castle. The cherry blossoms, from the correct area, frame the castle and provide the opportunity for an unforgettable photo. The same blossoms may never come again, but I always enjoy chasing the perfect sakura, and I have created a home gallery with only sakura as the subject.

Of course, Tokyo also holds many of what are considered to be the best spots in Japan for enjoying hanami, as well as taking photographs of the open spaces that the park offers. This is definitely an on the beaten path location, but it has its value for the sheer volume of glorious blossoms and the opportunities to partake in a sampling of Japanese culture while viewing cherry blossoms.