A Photographer’s Cherry Blossom Escape in a Quiet Coastal Metropolis

At this time of 12 months my Instagram feed is swamped with two varieties of posts — wonderful footage of sakura (cherry blossoms), and folks complaining concerning the crowds at sakura-viewing spots. We all need that excellent picture of the wonderful Japanese sakura in bloom, and I would like it too! But what I do not need is to battle my means by hordes of individuals to get it.

That’s why, with my restricted free time, I made a decision to do some hanami (flower-viewing) at an area spot in Chigasaki as an alternative of heading into Tokyo. 

Capturing Sakura in Solitude

It was a pleasant day (the one one this previous week), so I jumped on my bike, made a rapid cease at 7-Eleven for some hanami munchies, and headed over to a small spot close to an area river.

Now, I admit that this was by far the “most amazing sakura in Japan” kind of spot you see on social media. But it was quiet, and I used to be mainly alone.

Plus, I might fairly shoot comparatively unknown areas the place I can seize distinctive photographs, than repeat the identical picture of Sky Tree framed by sakura that everybody else can also be getting.

The Charm of Local Spots

It might be scary as a result of there isn’t a assure you’ll get nice photographs. However, exploring lesser-known areas of Japan might help you uncover distinctive gems. As a photographer, it can provide you a distinct perspective on what’s, fairly frankly, a saturated photographic style.

As I shot each pictures and video of the sakura timber at this location, being alone actually allowed me to be within the second. I may absolutely benefit from the inventive endeavor of capturing the pure and fleeting magnificence of those specific sakura timber — one thing I really feel would have been unattainable at, say, Nakameguro or Yoyogi Park. I used to be even in a position to chat with a couple of locals who wandered by, which I all the time get pleasure from doing. 

In the tip, I totally loved my hour of hanami within the quieter facet of Chigasaki. I extremely suggest that earlier than you take a look at the “Tokyo’s Top 10 Sakura Photo Spots,” see what smaller native spots may be in your fast space. You by no means know what hidden gems you may come throughout, and on the very least, you may get pleasure from a a lot quieter, slower hanami.

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Author Jason Halayko

Jason Halayko is knowledgeable photographer specializing in motion sports activities and portrait pictures. Follow him on X and Instagram.