Watching

Here’s a collection of pictures about hanami and flowers—delicate cherry blossoms in full bloom, vibrant petals floating in the breeze, and gatherings under trees celebrating the fleeting beauty of spring. From soft pink sakura to colorful arrangements, these photos capture the charm and joy of nature’s seasonal display. A feast for the eyes and a celebration of renewal!

Edogawa Hanami

Edogawa Hanami

After more than 10 years in Iidabashi, I finally made it to Edogawabashi—just a 20-minute walk or one quick subway stop away. Can’t believe it took me this long! The area has its own charm, with quieter streets and little surprises waiting to be discovered. A great reminder that there’s always something new to explore,…

First Sakuras

First Sakuras

The first sakuras are blooming in Tokyo, and this year, no business trips will whisk me away during Hanami season—so happy! Finally, I’ll get to fully enjoy the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms, soaking in the serene views and vibrant atmosphere without any interruptions. A perfect start to spring! 🌸😊✨

Soft Pink
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Soft Pink

The XF 90mm f/2 delivered some gorgeous, creamy bokeh while shooting plum flowers this spring. The lens’s sharp focus on the blossoms combined with the dreamy blur in the background really makes the flowers pop. It’s such a joy to use for capturing the delicate beauty of springtime!

Pink Canopy
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Pink Canopy

A pink canopy of cherry blossoms greeted me on a short stroll after dropping the little one at daycare. The soft petals overhead and gentle breeze made for a peaceful and refreshing moment to start the day. Spring really knows how to brighten the everyday!

Shibuya Sakura
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Shibuya Sakura

I didn’t realize the tree above Hachiko was a cherry tree until now. Come to think of it, it makes perfect sense—it has to be. Seeing it in bloom adds a nice touch of seasonal beauty to such an iconic spot in Shibuya. A little detail I somehow missed before!

Lousy Hanami

Lousy Hanami

This hanami season was a disappointment for me, thanks to bad weather and a business trip. I only had a few hours to grab some shots around home. I used the 90mm f/2 mounted on the X-T2—a fantastic lens for sharpness and bokeh. Unfortunately, this is my second copy of the 90mm, as the first…

Roses and Rain
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Roses and Rain

A delicate close-up of rain-kissed roses in Hakone, their petals glistening with water droplets. The Panasonic Leica Summilux 15mm @ f/1.7 paints a dreamy bokeh backdrop, softly blurring the lush greenery and rain-speckled surroundings. The colors are rich but need a bit of tweaking—Adobe’s RAW handling strikes again. With some fine adjustments, though, it’s all…

Shinrin Koen
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Shinrin Koen

Shinrin Koen in Chiba truly earns its spot as the ultimate park escape near Tokyo. Just an hour’s drive from the city, it’s a green wonderland perfect for families and adventurers alike. Kids will love the wide-open spaces and fun activities, while parents can soak in the serene beauty of nature. Getting around is half…

Flowers & Flowers
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Flowers & Flowers

Shinrin Koen, Japan’s sprawling natural playground, is a flower lover’s dream. Come spring, fields burst into life with waves of nemophila, their tiny blue petals mimicking a sky that’s fallen to earth. In autumn, crimson kochia balls roll out like fluffy fireballs, painting the landscape in dramatic reds. No matter the season, Shinrin Koen’s blooms…

Lupins
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Lupins

Lupins are nature’s way of showing off. These spiky, colorful flowers stand tall like they’ve got something to prove, flaunting hues of purple, pink, yellow, and blue. Perfect for adding drama to a field or garden, they often look like a painter went wild with a giant brush. Their tall, cone-like blooms scream “look at…

Spring Flowers
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Spring Flowers

In Tokyo, even the simplest moments can turn into visual poetry—like spotting an ordinary flower on a quiet sidestreet. Through the lens of a 135mm f/2L prime, this unassuming bloom transforms into something extraordinary. The magic of this lens lies in its razor-sharp detail and buttery smooth bokeh. The flower pops in perfect focus, its…

Shakuji River
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Shakuji River

The Shakuji River transforms into a scene of quiet magic during hanami season. Cherry blossoms line the riverbanks, the gentle flow of the river adds a soothing soundtrack as petals drift lazily downstream. Strolling along the paths, you’re surrounded by nature’s artwork—soft pink blooms overhead and a peaceful atmosphere all around. A perfect spot to…

Blossom Canopy
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Blossom Canopy

Strolling through Ueno Park during cherry blossom season feels like stepping into a dream. The trees form a delicate pink canopy, their petals drifting down like confetti in the breeze. Crowds gather, smiling and snapping photos, while the air is filled with the soft hum of excitement and the scent of spring. It’s a moment…