Cherry blossoms are synonymous with spring in Japan. Hanami, the tradition of cherry blossom viewing, holds a special place in the hearts of Japanese people, and is one of the essential occasions marking the arrival of spring.

When you see such gorgeous cherry trees, you just can’t help but want to capture their beauty!

But exceptional shots require more than simply pointing your camera at them and firing away. By keeping a few key points in mind, I'll share how you can achieve some truly wonderful photos yourself!

Smartphones make taking pictures a breeze, as they don't require complicated settings and are user-friendly. With most phones, you can simply tap the object you want to focus on the screen, easily bringing it into focus. And if your camera has an exposure function, you can adjust it slightly brighter right on your screen.

When using a smartphone, the composition (or aspect ratio and framing) becomes even more critical compared to traditional cameras. Depending on the photo app and social media platform you're posting to, you should have the flexibility to choose between square, portrait, or landscape orientations.

And when taking a photo, don't just snap away at the shutter button! Think about what you want to include in the frame while envisioning the scene you intend to capture. Where do you want to position the cherry blossoms? Are there people in the shot? What do you want to emphasize?

When capturing landscape photos, especially of cherry blossoms, using Aperture Priority mode (A mode/Av mode) is highly recommended. Aperture is a setting that adjusts the amount of light entering the camera, also known as the f-number.

Adjusting this value affects not only the brightness of the image but also the strength and range of background blurring. A smaller f-number means a blurrier background, while a larger f-number makes it clearer.

In Aperture Priority mode, the exposure (the amount of light captured by the lens), which controls the picture's brightness, is automatically set to the correct value, making it easier to use.

Most cameras also come equipped with a scene mode and a landscape setting. This setting is convenient for capturing wide landscape photos with cherry blossoms, such as mountain landscapes, tree rows along the river, or even one single cherry tree. Some cameras also have a "People + Landscape" setting, which is useful when you want to include people in the shot.

On cloudy days, the sky often appears white or grayish, resulting in darker images overall. To counteract this effect, aim to capture cherry blossoms with the darkest hues you can find and take close-up shots with the surrounding areas blurred out. This can yield stunning images, no matter how cloudy!

Another trick is to shoot photos as brightly as possible. Both smartphones and cameras have exposure functions, so adjusting the brightness can ensure photos are adequately illuminated, even on overcast days.

One of the things most commonly seen in nighttime shots is blurry photos from shaky hands. This happens because the camera or phone usually shifts a bit whenever the shutter is pressed, no matter how steadily you may think you’re holding it.

So, when shooting at night, consider using a tripod! If you don’t have one available, simply placing the camera on a stable surface like a bench or chair and using the timer function can help. Also, remember to turn off the flash for better results.

You’ll want to increase the ISO sensitivity on cameras. Since taking pictures with a camera can be challenging, a smartphone might be better for nighttime shots. By paying attention to camera shake and brightness, you can capture brighter and clearer images without using any special techniques.

There are even special apps for nighttime photography, which you may also want to check out for the best results.

Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the basic settings and functions, you can begin your cherry blossoms photoshoot! So, without further ado, here are some methods and conditions that will help enhance your photos even more!

Focusing on the cherry blossoms while blurring the background is an effective technique to accentuate their while lending a professional touch to your photos.

Even without an SLR camera, you can easily use your phone’s portrait mode. Both iPhones and Androids have portrait modes designed for creating a background blur effect, depending on the model.

The contrast between the blue sky and the light pink cherry blossoms is fantastic. One of the most popular and commonly seen cherry tree varieties in Japan is the Somei-yoshino.

And although the word "sakura" may evoke images of pretty pink petals, the hue of the Somei-yoshino is much lighter, to the point that it almost looks white. That’s why when photographed against a sunny backdrop with a clear blue sky, these pale pink flowers appear even more divine!

Capturing your photos from the direction that the sunlight is hitting the blossoms can significantly enhance their brightness, beauty, and vibrancy. The key is to position yourself at an angle where the sun is hitting your back.

In essence, aiming your camera or phone in the direction of "forward light" can yield stunning images. Pointing your camera or phone in a backlit direction towards the sun can also produce striking results. The interplay between sunlight and the shadows cast by the cherry blossoms contributes to a unique atmosphere that can really add to your shot!

One of the most effective photography tricks involves capturing images from an angle that differs from your typical line of sight. Try pointing your camera or phone from bottom to top. Popular cherry blossom spots are usually crowded with people, so to capture clear photos amidst the bustling scene, shoot from below to minimize the presence of people, cars, buildings, and other distractions in the frame.

When including people in your photos, one nice shot to consider is a back view of them gazing upward. This is especially recommended for those wearing kimono! The combination of the silhouette of someone adorned in a kimono looking up at the cherry blossoms from behind creates a truly captivating shot!

The sight of cherry blossom trees lining both sides of a road, stretching for tens of meters, and in some places, kilometers, epitomize the iconic sakura scenery of Japan. Particularly spectacular are the rows of cherry trees along the riverbanks, as well as the enchanting sakura tunnels covering a straight stretch of road. To really capture the beauty and impact of such scenes, opt for wide-angle and symmetrical shots.

The scattered petals of cherry blossoms floating atop ponds, rivers, and other surfaces of water create a mesmerizing sight resembling a carpet of petals. This spectacle is often called “hananakida” or “flower raft,” evoking the image of a floral raft adrift on the water. The gentle fluttering of the floating flowers adds to the touching beauty of the scene. So if you have the chance, don’t miss out on capturing this magical moment on video for yourself!

While the primary focus may be the blossoms, adding another subject into the shot can enhance their visual impact. For example, consider including other springtime flowers and plants into the frame, such as yellow rapeseed blossoms, vibrant red poppies, and tulips, or lush green lawns. The juxtaposition of these colorful subjects make for truly captivating contrasts.

For a more Japanese feel, consider capturing images against the backdrop of architectural landmarks such as castles, shrines, and temples. Including other elements like moving trains, steam locomotives, and buses can also add a tasteful touch to your photos. For a more urban perspective, blend the blossoms into everyday life by setting them against skyscrapers for a striking visual contrast.

You may also want to try out some creative compositional techniques, such as framing the scene by placing the cherry blossoms along the edges of the photo, or having the blossoms occupy about one-third of the image. Including furry friends like pets and birds can also add an adorable charm and a whole new level of allure to your shots!

Many cherry blossom viewing spots are lit up at night, further bringing out their beauty. Flowers illuminated in white against the darkness take on a different kind of beauty compared to daytime, creating a mesmerizing, magical effect.

Look for a location or tree with as many branches and blooming flowers as possible. While night photography can be a bit challenging, we recommend using night view mode or automatic settings, without using the flash.

We also recommend photographing the cherry blossoms alongside the lights of skyscrapers, towers, and other buildings with beautiful night views, or reflected on the surface of ponds, lakes, and riversides. Such compositions are unique to nighttime cherry blossom viewing. These compositions offer yet another unique and captivating way to capture the cherry blossoms at night.

The allure of cherry trees lies in the charm they exude, with their blossom-adorned branches poking out of the trees. When capturing your photos, try to include not only the flowers, but the entire tree trunk! Adding a person into the shot can also provide a sense of scale, while daring to blur the blossoms in the background can also create a captivating effect.

You may also want to get creative with your clothing for your photoshoot. However, if the main focus is the cherry blossoms, opt for attire that complements the soft atmosphere with light, gentle hues, such as white, beige, and earth tones.

Some trees, such as the weeping cherry tree, for example, grow in a manner where their branches cascade downwards, bringing their beautiful flowers close to our faces.

For a stunning close-up, hold the blossoms to your face. The soft hues of pink and white will bring out your complexion, making your face appear more radiant. Try averting your gaze from the lens and opt for more natural expressions, like focusing on the cherry blossoms above or admiring them with a gentle smile. Surrounded yourself by cherry blossoms all around will surely make for a fantastic photo!

Photography is all about capturing the moment. To ensure you don't miss any memorable opportunities, you should always be ready to release the shutter. However, instead of simply snapping away, it's important to consider what kind of image you want to capture, and what you want to include in the frame (whether it's cherry blossoms alone, or people, as well). This can significantly influence the overall impact of the photo.

And that's it! The key to capturing the perfect shot is to simply take lots of photos. Experiment with various compositions and settings o both on your camera and phone, exploring different modes and apps to see how they affect your shots. Just don't hesitate to snap away! By taking lots of pictures, you'll increase your chances of capturing stunning sakura shots that truly stand out from all the rest!

▼Recommended Tours for Sakura Photography▼

Information in article as of February 2024.


English translation by: Krys Suzuki