30th Mar 2025: Cherry Blossoms at Koishikawa Korakuen

Koishikawa Korakuen, located in Bunkyo City, Tokyo, is a stunning Japanese garden that dates back to the early Edo period. Originally created as a private garden for Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, it later served as an imperial garden for the shogunate and is now designated as a scenic spot by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Covering a vast area, Koishikawa Korakuen features picturesque ponds, hills, pathways, and rocks, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature throughout the four seasons. The cherry blossoms and autumn foliage are particularly popular among visitors. The garden also houses a tea room where events are sometimes held, allowing guests to savor matcha in a serene setting.

This remarkable place offers a perfect opportunity to spend a quiet moment while appreciating its cultural background and beautiful landscapes.

Despite forecasts predicting rain up until the day before my visit, I was prepared to photograph cherry blossoms in the rain. To my delight, the weather turned clear, and I was able to capture many stunning images of the blossoms. What made the experience even more wonderful was sharing this adventure with a senior colleague who shares my passion for photography.

While capturing close-up shots of the cherry blossoms is delightful, using a telephoto lens from across the pond offers a unique perspective. The weeping cherry trees were beginning to shed their petals, but I anticipate that the Somei Yoshino and other cherry blossoms will be at their best for the next week.