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My Recommendations for Cherry Blossom Portrait Shoot in Tokyo. A Photographers Point of View.

Writer's picture: Deniz DemirDeniz Demir

Top Cherry Blossom Portrait Location close to Tokyo

With the weather currently a chilly 3 degrees as I write this in a cafe in Tokyo it's hard to believe that the pretty pink flowers and the influx of tourists that come to see them is right around the corner. No doubt it is a special time of year throughout the country and while I personally prefer the fall foliage there's no denying the unlimited potential photo opportunities during this short season. You just haven't experienced Japan until you've experienced hanami season.


This year the bloom forecast is expected a few days earlier than last year starting March 24 and full bloom expected on March 31 in the Tokyo region. There are about 10-14 days to catch them in bloom and only a few days to catch them in full splendor so with such a short schedule expect crowds. Lots of them. And plan accordingly as it's the busiest time of year in Japan.


But not all locations are equal.


Reality is that some places, especially places on a lot of those cherry blossom guides online, are not photoshoot friendly and can be extremely stressful in general if you don't like crowds. Plus it's essential when planning a photoshoot that the trees in that spot hang low enough to have your face floating in those pretty pink clouds. Some places are great for landscape photography but not so much for portrait shoots.


Lets take a look at a few options if you are looking for a photoshoot.


Shinjuku Gyoen

Of all the major parks in Tokyo I would consider this one to be the most relaxed for viewing and photos. It will be busy but unlike some of the other parks like Ueno or Yoyogi the vibe will be much more chill and calm. If doing a photoshoot there please be mindful that you will need to pre-register on weekends and holidays. With wide walking paths and plenty of trees (over 1300!), Shinjuku Gyoen is a great place for a cherry blossom photoshoot.


Sumida Park

The park in Asakusa can definitely get crowded but as it's not a gated park and open all the time you can get there early and beat the crowds. Try for 9 am! In the park you have a beautiful shrine, Ushijima Jinja, which is located inside Sumida Park on the east bank of the Sumida River. Plus you are right by Senso-ji temple which itself has a few great spots including a more unknown, hidden location called Denpoin Temple Garden (hours are from 9:00 - 17:00).


Ueno Park

With over 1000 cherry blossom trees rest assured you're going to get your cherry blossom fix here and Ueno Park hanami is quite famous across Japan. While it is a feast for the eyes it is also one of the most famous if not most famous spot for picnic-goers so the crowds can be insane. There are a few areas away from the picnic crowd and if you can get there really early in the AM to beat the crowds there is an area of trees when in full bloom that can give you some beautiful portraits.


Local Areas

If you really do your research you can find some great spots that are extremely local neighborhoods that may not be insta-trendy but will deliver you beautiful photos. For example, my studio is in an area called Nishiochia, not far from Nakano. There are some local parks that have no tourists and not an over-bearing amount of locals either. In fact, there is a beautiful park right beside my studio which I get to look out at everyday during bloom season and I have done some great photo shoots here.


LYBELL MAGAZINE Published photo by Deniz Demir Cherry Blossom Sakura Portrait Shoot
Shot in a park next to my studio and made the back cover of LYBELL MAGAZINE Issue 76

I can go on with this list with other really famous spots like:


  • Hamarikyu Gardens

  • Chidorigafuchi

  • Sumida Park

  • Naka-Meguro

  • Rikugien Gardens


But the problem in Tokyo will always be the same.


The crowds.


It is the busiest time of year for tourists who flock to Japan to see the Cherry Blossoms specifically as well as a very special time of year for the Japanese who don't want to miss a good hanami party in the park. Also, finding trees that are low hanging enough to get the full 'floating in a cloud of cherry blossoms' effect we all dream of is quite difficult to find and when found you can be sure there are a lot of people taking photos there already.


Solution

If you want to have the best cherry blossom portrait session with little crowds and an abundance of variety in shooting locations I highly suggest stepping outside of central Tokyo and into some slightly further out, off the beaten path locations.


And it turns out I know of one of these great 'hidden' spots and I am now offering it to you all in a brand new Sakura Portrait Shoot package for individuals or couples!







Both packages will give you 1 hour of private one on one shooting time with me as well as 30 fully edited and retouched photos per person. These packages are for those willing to put in the time to get the absolute perfect sakura portrait photos as the location where we will meet is about 2 hours via a simple and easy to navigate train ride. Full transportation instructions will be provided!




Shot at the location and published in PENG MAGAZINE Issue 28



The sakura season is fleeting and very short so bookings fill up very fast. If you are interested in knowing more please contact me directly through the contact form on my website or DM through instagram and I'd be happy to answer all of your questions.


Safe travels to Japan and hope to see you in the spring!


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