There are many beautiful aspects to Japan, but for me the absolute winner is seeing Japan in cherry blossom season. The bountiful gorgeous blooms that might cover historic temples or pop up between skyscrapers and everywhere else in between are for me the most photogenic sight in the world, and really something that makes my heart leap at their beauty.
Getting the timing right to enjoy cherry blossom season in Japan is a bit tricky, cherry blossoms start to bloom in January, and in far northern Hokkaido, they usually bloom in May – everywhere else is somewhere in between, with an average blooming date in Tokyo and Osaka of around late March or early April.
The best cherry blossom photos I have are usually combined with beautiful historic temples or castles.
