Follow this Tokyo Cherry Blossom Photography Itinerary to get the most out of you days in Tokyo in Cherry Blossom season.
Day 1: Classic Tokyo Sakura
Morning: Chidorigafuchi Moat
- What to shoot: Rowboats gliding past a sea of blossoms, sakura-lined paths reflecting on the water.
- Tips: Go early—this spot gets crowded. Use a wide-angle lens to frame the blossoms with the moat.
- Bonus: Rent a boat for a unique low-angle composition.
Daytime: Ueno Park
- What to shoot: Vibrant crowds beneath blooming trees, local picnics and hanami scenes.
- Tips: Use a zoom lens to isolate candid moments. A low f-stop adds beautiful bokeh behind the petals.
- Eat here: Grab street food like yakitori or sakura mochi from vendors.
Evening: Tokyo Midtown (Roppongi)
- What to shoot: Illuminated cherry blossoms in a more modern urban setting.
- Tips: Try long exposure with a tripod to capture glowing branches and moving crowds.
Day 2: Hidden Corners & Unique Perspectives
Morning: Yanaka Cemetery
- What to shoot: Peaceful paths lined with blossoms, traditional temples in the distance.
- Tips: A great place for more serene, documentary-style shots. Go black and white for moody contrast.
Daytime: Sumida Park (Asakusa)
- What to shoot: Sakura with Tokyo Skytree in the background, riverside scenes.
- Tips: Capture reflections in the water. Use leading lines to draw the eye to the tower.
Evening: Meguro River
- What to shoot: Thousands of lantern-lit blossoms along the canal.
- Tips: Perfect for handheld night shots. Use a fast prime lens and high ISO.
- Stay a while: Sip hot sake or sakura themed cocktails from riverside stalls.
Pro Tips:
- Cherry blossom season can vary! Aim for the last week of March to the first week of April.
- Bring a small mirrorless or DSLR camera, but a good phone cam with manual settings can work magic too.
- Pack a neutral-toned outfit if you want to appear in your own shots—it keeps the focus on the blooms.
I would love to see some of your images. Share them in the comments.
If you love photographing flowers, see our post Top 10 Flower Destinations You Can Visit on a Short Trip
