Essence of Cherry Blossom Photo Workshop

These days we are seeing too many “Fly-by-night international photo tours operators visiting Japan with clients”, a phenomenon our workshop leaders tend to call 'dart board' photo workshops.  The agency staff member picks a region using one or two prediction charts they found on Google or another search engine, and then book a bus to take their clients in hope of magically discovering full bloom sakura once they arrive.  On some occasions, there are even tour operators using public transportation, with camera bags and luggage that become  a total disaster headache.  JDS's pro Japan photography workshop leader with close to three decades experience in the field here in Japan know it’s not a game, and he doesn’t consult a magic eight ball for locations and directions while leading his participants across the country.  It’s a practiced art, as close to a science of photography as possible.  He factors in all the variables including data for weather, temperature, sunlight, rainfall, and altitude, and each one plays a key role in what type of blossoms you can see and when.  He takes all these factors into consideration when planning the annual JDS Cherry Blossom photography tour.

Each prefecture has its own amazing or highly recommended area, and each part of the location plays a key role in appreciating the ephemeral simplicity and beauty of Japan’s national flower.  For example, close to Mt. Fuji, you can photograph the spectacular blossoms along the Fuji Five Lakes and perhaps you can capture Japan’s iconic peak framed by shining white Somei yoshino (Prunus × yedoensis) cherry blossoms among other varieties.  In Niigata prefecture, Takada Park is home to the prefecture’s best cherry blossom illumination, and again, the cherry blossoms come with another photo op, Takada Castle.  The cherry blossoms, from the correct angle, frame the castle and provide the opportunity to take the picture of a lifetime.  The same blossoms may never come again, but you will have photographic evidence of your time spent in Japan, chasing the perfect cherry blossom.