Aoyama Cemetery: Cherry Blossom Photography in 2020

The year 2020 was a difficult one, largely due to the unbelievable hardship caused by the coronavirus. For me, it completely ruined my flower photography schedule, as I avoided going out as much as possible. However, I was determined to get some good photos of the cherry blossoms, which led me back to my favorite place, Aoyama Cemetery.

Observing the 2020 Cherry Blossom season in Tokyo

The year was marked by a specific gravity. The passing of comedian Ken Shimura due to COVID-19 served as a significant marker for the public. While I did not follow his work closely, his five-decade career made him a constant in the Japanese media landscape. His sudden absence underscored the reality of the situation and changed the way I approached my observation of the city that spring.

The weather presented its own set of challenges. Two days of heavy rain had physically weathered the trees across the city, making it difficult to find intact flowers. I felt a sense of urgency to document the end of the season before the petals were entirely lost.

Logistics: Visiting Aoyama Cemetery during the 2020 pandemic

To avoid the morning commute and the general public, I caught the first train of the day to Gaienmae Station. My goal was to reach Aoyama Cemetery early, complete my photography, and return home before the streets became active. I had visited the site a few days prior, but the need to see the season through to its conclusion remained.

The timing proved effective. The morning light was clear, and the flowers remained in full bloom despite the recent rain. While many consider various parks to be the best places for cherry blossoms in Tokyo, the cemetery offers a different perspective—one of order and quiet.

My photo gear for this session

Camera body: Fujifilm X-T3
Lens: Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR

This kit was good enough for my morning shoot. It handled the low light of dawn and the increasing brightness of the sunrise without the need for frequent lens changes

Photography results: Hanami with the Fujifilm X-T3

Capturing these images during hanami in 2020 provided a necessary focus. In a period of significant uncertainty, the physical act of framing a shot and adjusting settings offered a sense of control. The blossoms were at their peak, providing a clear subject for my morning practice.

The visit allowed me to conclude the season with a set of images that reflected the actual state of the city: quiet, regulated, and fleeting.

Was the Aoyama Cemetery cherry blossoms worth it in 2020?

Summarizing the experience, the trip to Aoyama Cemetery wasn’t about letting the world situation defeat me. It was about me making the best of my lot to continue my (photography) life as much as possible.