A Stroll into the Sakura Blossom
Article by Club Canon Member Eddie Kwong
Flower viewing (Hanami in Japanese) is a traditional custom in Japan with a long history. At first it was only an activity for ancient nobles to dress up and enjoy banquets under the sakura trees. Today, this custom is enjoyed by all citizens in Japan. Everyone seizes the chance to view the flowers and have a picnic party with friends and family under the sakura trees during the sakura blossom season across the country.
Flower viewing (Hanami in Japanese) is a traditional custom in Japan with a long history. At first it was only an activity for ancient nobles to dress up and enjoy banquets under the sakura trees. Today, this custom is enjoyed by all citizens in Japan. Everyone seizes the chance to view the flowers and have a picnic party with friends and family under the sakura trees during the sakura blossom season across the country.
EOS 6D • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM • 1/80s • f/8 • ISO 640
Sakura viewing in Japan is a top travel destination and activity for many Hongkongers in the springtime. It’s romantic to immerse yourself in the world of pink sakura and the beautiful sakura scenery is worth photographing. To capture sakura at its best, check the forecast on full bloom dates instead of opening dates as it takes around 5-7 days for sakura to get into full blossom since it opens. Besides, sakura appears at different times in different regions of Japan. Those who want to take great pictures of sakura do remember to check the sakura forecast and the previous full bloom and opening dates of your destination before booking your flight tickets.
2018 Sakura Blossom Forecast in Japan
(Source: https://weathernews.jp/s/sakura/)
(Source: https://weathernews.jp/s/sakura/)
EOS 5D Mark III • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM • 1/125s • f/2.8 • ISO 200
Not in a right time for a wide shot of sakura blossom throughout the city? You can use a telephoto lens to zoom in to the blooming part to create photos with the same spectacular, dreamy result
Not in a right time for a wide shot of sakura blossom throughout the city? You can use a telephoto lens to zoom in to the blooming part to create photos with the same spectacular, dreamy result
Photograph Sakura Like a Painting
If the sky is a blank paper, your camera is a tool to draw a painting on it. Try angle up your camera and fill the sky with the trunks and flowers. This can be an art piece in photography as well as painting.
EOS 6D • EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM • 1/500s • f/8 • ISO 400
EOS 6D • EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM • 1/200s • f/6.3 • ISO 400
Who says the shopping mall is the only place to go on a rainy day? In fact, it’s perfect time to capture the alternative aesthetic of sakura, showing the persistence nature of it with softer light and poetic mood. Sakura only lasts two weeks from the day it opens till withers - that’s only 14 days in a year. So seize your chance.
EOS 6D • EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM • 1/200s • f/5.6 • ISO 400
Another kind of beauty is captured when raindrops hang on the flowers
Another kind of beauty is captured when raindrops hang on the flowers
EOS 5D Mark III • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM • 1/250s • f/7.1 • ISO 1600
The drizzle adds to the romantic mood of the photo
The drizzle adds to the romantic mood of the photo
EOS 5D Mark III • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM +1.4x III • 1/500s • f/6.3 • ISO 200
Try the diagonal composition when taking close-up feature shot of sakura to reveal its growth
Try the diagonal composition when taking close-up feature shot of sakura to reveal its growth
EOS 6D • EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM • 1/500s • f/5.6 • ISO 200
Close-up shot of the pistils and the translucent petals
Close-up shot of the pistils and the translucent petals
Castles and temples are usually the places to go when doing a sakura photo trip in Japan. The architecture and environment of these places embody the thoughts of art, Buddhism and philosophy. Spending a nice time strolling around these gardens will lead you to the questions of what is photography and why you photograph. Think it through and you may then discover the photo you want to capture.
EOS 5D Mark III • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM • 1/160s • f/6.3 • ISO 800
A kind reminder: The use of tripods may not be allowed in some temples
A kind reminder: The use of tripods may not be allowed in some temples
EOS 5D Mark IV • EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM • 1/800s • f/8 • ISO 400
Recommended Sakura Shooting Routes in Japan
[First Destination] Kyoto • Saga-Arashiyama
Japan is divided into 10 regions namely Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku and Tohoku etc. Many favorite travel destinations among Hongkongers like Osaka, Kyoto, Wakayama and Nara are all within the Kinki region (or Kansai). In fact, the Kinki region is a perfect place for Hongkoners to enjoy sakura, as the sakura blossom period of this region happens to coincide with the Easter holiday in Hong Kong. Besides, the prefectures in the Kinki region are only 1-2 hour apart by train. The trip will serve you both purposes if you happen to be a train fan. What’s better than capturing the fascinateing train going under the tunnel of sakura trees!
Japan is divided into 10 regions namely Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku and Tohoku etc. Many favorite travel destinations among Hongkongers like Osaka, Kyoto, Wakayama and Nara are all within the Kinki region (or Kansai). In fact, the Kinki region is a perfect place for Hongkoners to enjoy sakura, as the sakura blossom period of this region happens to coincide with the Easter holiday in Hong Kong. Besides, the prefectures in the Kinki region are only 1-2 hour apart by train. The trip will serve you both purposes if you happen to be a train fan. What’s better than capturing the fascinateing train going under the tunnel of sakura trees!
EOS 5D Mark III • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM • 1/400s • f/9 • ISO 400
EOS 5D Mark III • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM • 1/640s • f/4 • ISO 400
Sagano Scenic Railway
Address: Japan, 〒616-8373 Kyōto-fu, Ukyō-ku, Sagatenryūji Kurumamichichō
Website: https://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/tc/saga.php
Take JR train to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, then a 5-10 minute walk to change to Sagano Scenic Railway. Take the train till Umahori Station and enjoy the stunning scenery of the ride. To save time, you can purchase tickets in advance at JR Osaka Station. Be reminded that tickets for Car No. 5, “The Rich” Car, are only available for same-day services. After a ride on the Sagano Scenic Railway, you can take the return train back to Saga-Arashiyama and explore the area further. The blooming sakura trees lining along both sides of the river make a picturesque scene not to be missed.
Address: Japan, 〒616-8373 Kyōto-fu, Ukyō-ku, Sagatenryūji Kurumamichichō
Website: https://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/tc/saga.php
Take JR train to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, then a 5-10 minute walk to change to Sagano Scenic Railway. Take the train till Umahori Station and enjoy the stunning scenery of the ride. To save time, you can purchase tickets in advance at JR Osaka Station. Be reminded that tickets for Car No. 5, “The Rich” Car, are only available for same-day services. After a ride on the Sagano Scenic Railway, you can take the return train back to Saga-Arashiyama and explore the area further. The blooming sakura trees lining along both sides of the river make a picturesque scene not to be missed.
EOS 6D • EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM • 1/160s • f/5.6 • ISO 800
EOS 5D Mark III • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM • 1/60s • f/8 • ISO 400
[Second Destination] Kyoto • Keage Incline • Philosopher’s Path
If the scenic ride still can’t satisfy your craving for sakura, you can spend a day more to the Keage Incline to enjoy the sakura walkway, followed by a walk to the old aqueduct bridge at Nanzen-ji (a beautiful red-brick bridge frequently visited by couples) and the Philosopher’s Path. Approximately 2km long, the path follows a canal which is lined by three hundreds of sakura trees. It gets its name due to Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan's famous philosophers, who was said to practice meditation while walking this route daily. With beautiful sakura scenery that offers leading lines for composition, this place is a luxury for Hongkongers.
If the scenic ride still can’t satisfy your craving for sakura, you can spend a day more to the Keage Incline to enjoy the sakura walkway, followed by a walk to the old aqueduct bridge at Nanzen-ji (a beautiful red-brick bridge frequently visited by couples) and the Philosopher’s Path. Approximately 2km long, the path follows a canal which is lined by three hundreds of sakura trees. It gets its name due to Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan's famous philosophers, who was said to practice meditation while walking this route daily. With beautiful sakura scenery that offers leading lines for composition, this place is a luxury for Hongkongers.
EOS 5D Mark III • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM • 1/2500s • f/4 • ISO 320
EOS 5D Mark III • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM • 1/500s • f/8 • ISO 320
The Keage Incline is a popular spot for wedding photography. How wonderful it is to take your wedding photos in front of the blooming sakura
The Keage Incline is a popular spot for wedding photography. How wonderful it is to take your wedding photos in front of the blooming sakura
Keage Incline
Address: Japan, 〒605-0044 Kyōto Prefecture, Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward 339
Take Tozai Line of the Kyoto City Subway to Keage Station, then a 5-10 minute walk to the destination
Address: Japan, 〒605-0044 Kyōto Prefecture, Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward 339
Take Tozai Line of the Kyoto City Subway to Keage Station, then a 5-10 minute walk to the destination
EOS 5D Mark III • EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM • 1/25s • f/11 • ISO 1250
Approximately 2km long, the Philosopher’s Path is a walkway perfect for thinking about the art of photography. Take a stroll, photograph or rest as you wish, or you can even think about the meaning of life!
Approximately 2km long, the Philosopher’s Path is a walkway perfect for thinking about the art of photography. Take a stroll, photograph or rest as you wish, or you can even think about the meaning of life!
EOS 5D Mark III • EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM • 1/30s • f/5 • ISO 1250
A stroll along the canal enjoying the view of sakura while listening to the soothing running water sound can help you escape from the city’s bustle and focus on the beauty of nature
A stroll along the canal enjoying the view of sakura while listening to the soothing running water sound can help you escape from the city’s bustle and focus on the beauty of nature
Philosopher’s Path
Address: Japan, Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Ginkakujicho
Accessible by walking towards the east from Ginkaku-ji for about 5 minutes Or walk towards the north from Nanzen-ji
Address: Japan, Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Ginkakujicho
Accessible by walking towards the east from Ginkaku-ji for about 5 minutes Or walk towards the north from Nanzen-ji
