I saw the Myohoji hydrangeas on a hot day in June 2022. It was about 32°c. Not that hot, but it was when I had to walk in the sun for nearly an hour. On top of that, I had my camera and a bag full of lenses. But it was worth it for some …
Hydrangeas, Jizo statues, rain and no umbrella. I think you can see where this story is going! It all happened at Takahata-Fudo temple. Things didn’t work out as planned. But in the end, I was happy. The weather forecast said it would be a partially cloudy day. Around lunchtime, it was precisely that. The sky …
In November 2019, I went to the annual Omiya Hachimangu chrysanthemum exhibit. It is usually my first stop each season. And that is why I never get the flowers in bloom, which is a pity. I’m always too early for them. Wouldn’t it be fantastic to have unlimited time to do the things you love? …
The Hakusan Shrine Hydrangea Festival 2022 was good. In 2020 and 2021, it was canceled. And this time, it was a little different from years past. That was okay. I was happy it was back. And along with me, many people were there to see the flowers. I would have appreciated some blue sky. But …
Hakusan Shrine Hydrangea Festival 2022 on a dull day Read More »
Japanese Irises and kimonos! What a great combination for summer. That is what I enjoyed at the Ninomaru Garden of the Imperial Palace. Even with ominous clouds above, it was a great afternoon. The garden in the Ninomaru is lovely. Like the rest of the East Gardens, entering is free of charge. And it is …
In mid-April 2021, Tokyo exited its state of emergency. It was time for people to enjoy their flower festivals again. One that made a welcome return was the wisteria at Kameido Tenjin. I had been looking forward to it for a long time. Only a couple of days prior, I thought I shouldn’t go. …
Kameido Tenjin wisteria festival with a beautiful sunset Read More »
In early summer 2022, I saw my first Japanese irises of the season. On a Sunday morning, I went to Horikiri Shobuen. And I was happy I went. I had wanted to go to this place for quite a few years. Finally, I ticked it off my flower photography bucket list. I’ve been a fan …
2020 was a terrible year to photograph cherry blossoms. Coronavirus was the culprit. The hardship it caused, on many levels, was unbelievable. It especially ruined my cherry blossom schedule. I avoided going out as much as possible. But, I wanted at least one good session with the flowers. Once again, I headed to my …
One last chance with Aoyama Cemetery cherry blossoms Read More »
On a cloudy day in 2021, I saw the Takahata Fudoson hydrangeas. I hadn’t been there for two years, so I was looking forward to it. It turned out to be a good day. Well, it was a mostly good day! There were a couple of minor problems. For me, there is always a hiccup …
Meiji Jingu Gaien is the garden of Meiji Jingu Shrine. And Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue is one of the roads that lead to it. One hundred forty-six beautiful ginkgo trees line it. In autumn, they turn yellow. That makes it a popular place for photographers. I visited them in 2019 for the first time with …
My first visit to beautiful Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue Read More »
