Colors of My Heart

Aoyama Cemetery, located in Minami-Aoyama, Minato City, Tokyo, is a serene and peaceful place, quietly nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. In spring, the grounds come alive with the vibrant bloom of approximately 320 cherry trees, making it one of Tokyo’s most distinguished yet understated cherry blossom viewing spots. The cemetery features a diverse array of cherry tree varieties, with Somei Yoshino as the main species, complemented by Yaezakura and Shidarezakura, offering visitors a rich and colorful visual experience. One of the most captivating sights is the cherry-lined road that runs north to south through the center of the cemetery. This path stretches for about 750 meters, with cherry trees blooming on both sides, creating a breathtaking tunnel of blossoms. Simply walking along this road allows one to fully embrace the gentle spirit of spring. Due to the nature of the cemetery, no festive events, illuminations, or gatherings are held, making it an ideal ...

The flowering peach (Hanamomo) is a deciduous small tree belonging to the Prunus genus of the Rosaceae family. It is a cultivated variety of the peach tree, bred specifically for ornamental purposes. Unlike common peach trees, which are grown for their fruit, Hanamomo is cultivated primarily for the beauty of its blossoms. These photographs capture the exquisite Hanamomo trees in Shinjuku Gyoen, one of Tokyo’s most renowned gardens. One of the most striking characteristics of Hanamomo is the diversity of its flower shapes and colors. The blossoms come in various forms, including single-petaled, double-petaled, and chrysanthemum-like varieties. Their colors range from pure white and delicate pink to vibrant red and even bicolor combinations of red and white, creating a stunning visual display. Blooming from mid-March to early  April, Hanamomo flowers appear around the same time as cherry blossoms, adding to the vibrant scenery of spring. The tree typically grows to a height of 2 to ...