Just being dave

02/04/2026

Along the Meguro River, rows of Somei Yoshino line the banks, their branches leaning out like they can’t help themselves, stretching, reaching, almost curious to touch the water below. They spill over the edge in soft layers, as if trying to meet their own reflection, quietly blurring the line between sky, blossoms, and river. 🌸

31/03/2026

A dreamy sakura tunnel in Kamikitazawa, where rows of Somei Yoshino arch over the street and turn everything into a soft wash of pale pink. The branches are so dense they almost block out the sky, creating this quiet, cocoon-like atmosphere.

In the middle, a train glides past the crossing, its bright colors peeking through the blossoms. People casually waits across the tracks for the passing train, adding a sense of spring day life to an otherwise almost surreal scene. It’s that perfect Tokyo spring contrast, fleeting beauty, routine movement, and a moment that feels both calm and alive at the same time. 🌸🚃

19/03/2026

Tokyo Sakura right now...

Somei Yoshino, starting to bloom, full bloom in about a week.
The classic Tokyo cherry blossom. Pale pink (almost white), super soft-looking, and they all bloom at once this is the dominant Sakura variety and is the most sought after during the season.

Okamezakura in abscission phase
Early bloomer with strong pink petals. Small, cute flowers, and one of the first signs that sakura season is starting.

Yoko Sakura (Sunshine Sakura) 90% bloom
Bright pink and cheerful. The color really pops compared to softer varieties, kind of eye-catching in photos. They have been recently planted a few years back in Nakameguro along Yamatedori towards Ohashi adjacent to the famous Meguro River Sakura Promenade.

Shidarezakura around 30% bloom
The elegant “weeping” sakura with long drooping branches. Feels more dramatic and graceful like a floral waterfall.

Yaebenishidarezakura around 30% bloom
A richer, fluffier version of shidarezakura. The blooms are layered (yae), deeper pink, and look extra full and luxurious.

Kohigan Sakura full bloom
Blooms a bit earlier than Somei Yoshino. Slightly deeper pink and tougher against cold, so you’ll often see it popping first.

13/03/2026

13/03/2026

Harumeki Sakura is a relatively new variety of cherry blossom that’s become popular in parts of Japan, especially around Minamiashigara. It was actually developed from the Kawazu-zakura vareity, which is why it blooms earlier than the typical sakura most people think of.

The name Harumeki basically means “a sign that spring is coming,” which fits perfectly because these trees usually start blooming in early March, sometimes even earlier depending on the weather. The blossoms are a soft pink color and tend to stay on the tree a little longer than some other varieties, so you get more time to enjoy them. What I like about Harumeki sakura is that they feel like the opening act of sakura season. Before the big waves of cherry blossoms spread across Japan, these trees start quietly blooming and give that first real feeling that winter is ending and spring is finally on the way. 🌸

11/03/2026

This photo shows Ushinshiro no Mizume Zakura, a beautiful lone cherry tree surrounded by tea fields in Shimada. I took this shot about five years ago around 2021 April, and still one of my favorite sakura locations.

The tree itself is believed to be around 300 years old and is a variety of Edohigan Cherry, a species known for its long lifespan and wide, graceful canopy. Over the centuries it has quietly stood above the surrounding farmland, becoming a small local landmark for the community.

What makes this spot special is the viewpoint. Each spring, locals actually clear a small area on the hillside across the road so photographers can get this exact angle looking down at the tree and the tea fields. Because of that, it’s become a bit of a known place among landscape photographers.

During peak bloom, people start arriving really early in the morning to claim a good spot. It’s quiet, a little cold, and everyone’s just waiting for the soft morning light to hit the blossoms. When it does, the pink sakura against the deep green tea fields and dark forest behind it creates a really beautiful scene. 🌸📷

10/03/2026

Ipponzakura 「一本桜」, Lone Sakura Trees is one of my favorite subject to photograph. I have visited several locations over the years. There’s something special about a single cherry tree standing on its own. In Japan, sakura are closely tied to the idea of impermanence, the blossoms appear suddenly, fill the landscape with soft color, and disappear just as quickly. A lone tree makes that feeling even stronger, letting you really appreciate the shape, age, and character of the tree itself.

This one is Wanitsuka Sakura, a famous solitary cherry tree believed to be over 300 years old. It’s a beautiful Edohigan Cherry, known for its longevity and wide, graceful branches. On rare clear spring das, you can even see Mount Fuji in the background, something many photographers hope to capture, but conditions don’t always cooperate. I didn’t get that perfect view last year, but it’s definitely a place I want to return to and try again someday. 🌸📷

09/03/2026

This is a Brown-eared Bulbul (ヒヨドリ / hiyodori) perched on a branch of Kanhizakura (寒緋桜). These birds are very common around Japan and are easy to spot in parks, temples, and residential neighborhoods.

In early spring, hiyodori are often seen around cherry trees because they feed on the nectar inside the blossoms. Kanhizakura blooms earlier than the more famous Somei Yoshino, so birds like this are usually some of the first visitors to the sakura trees each year.

Seeing a hiyodori perched among bright pink blossoms like this is a pretty classic sign that spring is starting in Japan. 🌸🐦

25/02/2026

☕️✨ Wandering Nihonbashi mornings, people stopping by cozy cafés or grabbing a quick snack from the konbini, the city still soft and slow before the rush hits.

Here and there, the Okame Sakura オカメ桜 already blooming,
little pops of pink tucked passed the cobbled streets and sleek glass towers.
Warm drinks in hand, gentle breezes, and just enough blossoms to make the walk feel like spring’s first hello. 🌸🍵

24/02/2026

☕️✨ Wandering around Nihonbashi mornings, people stopping by cozy cafés or grabbing a quick snack from the konbini, the city still soft and slow before the rush hits.

Here and there, the Okame Sakura オカメ桜 already blooming,
little pops of pink tucked passed the cobbled streets and sleek glass towers.
Warm drinks in hand, gentle breezes, and just enough blossoms to make the walk feel like spring’s first hello. 🌸🍵

18/02/2026

Early spring along the banks of Kyunakagawa 「旧中川」.
Some of the Kawazu-zakura are near full bloom while others are just beginning.
Soft pink petals slowly waking up the riverbank.

It’s quiet. Just a few people passing by and taking photos.
And in the distance the majestic Tokyo Skytree watching over it all. 🌸

Spring, unhurried.

01/01/2022

Rarity
Hatsuhinode, The Japanese tradition of watching the first sunrise of the year, but 2022 offered something special as it allowed for a moonrise as well.