Japanese Cherry Blossom

My family and I are just back home again after a fantastic vacation in Japan. The timing was just right for the cherry blossom season and Japan was more beautiful than ever. The japanese people call this period "Sakura" and they are just crazy about taking photos of the cherry blossom. They even have forecasts when the cherry start to bloom all over the country. You can have a look and follow the progress on the link below:

Cherry Blossom Forecast 2018 

This year's cherry blossom was quite early due to a warm and early spring in the Tokyo area. Luckily we managed to visit most of the spots when it was full bloom both in Tokyo and Kyoto. It's just an amazing sight and a great experience which I really recommend if you are planning a trip to Japan. Even though the season has finished in most parts of Japan right now, there is still chances in the north of the main island and Hokkaido.  

This was my second visit to Japan after experienced the country all white during a winter some years ago. To my disappointment that time, I didn't see any locals wandering around in their beautiful dresses and kimonos. That was not a problem this time because the japanese people were all out taking photos of the cherry blossom in their kimonos as well and if you are really luck you will even see a geisha! 

It will be major update of my Japan gallery (linked below) shortly but until then enjoy the japanese sakura!
  

Chureito Pagoda with Fuji and cherry trees in the background, Kawaguchiko

(Canon EOS 5D Mark III - ISO 100, 1/50 sec, f/4,5 @ 47 mm)
 

Cherry blossom in Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden, Tokyo

(Canon EOS 5D Mark III - ISO 250, 1/320 sec, f/14 @ 300 mm)
 

One of the best massive cherry blossom spots is Ueno Park, Tokyo

(Canon EOS 5D Mark III - ISO 100, 1/320 sec, f/6,3 @ 165 mm)
 

Tokyo Sky Tree in the background of pink cherry blossom tree, Tokyo

(Canon EOS 5D Mark III - ISO 100, 1/200 sec, f/8 @ 60 mm)
 

A japanese woman in its beautiful kimono along Philospher's Path, Kyoto

(Canon EOS 5D Mark III - ISO 100, 1/200 sec, f/5 @ 180 mm)
 

White cherry blossom in Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden, Tokyo

(Canon EOS 5D Mark III - ISO 100, 1/125 sec, f/14 @ 70 mm)
 

A lonely cherry flower along Philospher's Path, Kyoto

(Canon EOS 5D Mark III - ISO 1000, 1/250 sec, f/5,6 @ 300 mm)
 

Philospher's Path, Kyoto

(Canon EOS 5D Mark III - ISO 100, 1/100 sec, f/6,3 @ 50 mm)
 

Cherry blossom in Ueno Park, Tokyo

(Canon EOS 5D Mark III - ISO 200, 1/320 sec, f/5,6 @ 300 mm)
 

Japanese women with their beautiful kimonos along Philospher's Path, Kyoto

(Canon EOS 5D Mark III - ISO 100, 1/160 sec, f/5,6 @ 82 mm)
 

Himeji Castle, Himeji

(Canon EOS 5D Mark III - ISO 100, 1/400 sec, f/9 @ 70 mm)
 

Flowers on closeup along Philospher's Path, Kyoto

(Canon EOS 5D Mark III - ISO 100, 1/250 sec, f/5,6 @ 250 mm)
 

Himeji Castle, Himeji

(Canon EOS 5D Mark III - ISO 100, 1/400 sec, f/10 @ 70 mm)
 

Illuminated cherry trees along Meguro River, Tokyo 

(Canon EOS 5D Mark III - ISO 100, 30 sec, f/5 @ 24 mm)
 

Lanterns and cherry trees along Meguro River, Tokyo 

(Canon EOS 5D Mark III - ISO 800, 1/50 sec, f/4 @ 55 mm)
 

Mount Fuji framed by some cherry trees branches, Kawaguchiko

(Canon EOS 5D Mark III - ISO 100, 1/200 sec, f/7,1 @ 73 mm)