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Leading a Mt. Fuji Cherry Blossom photography expedition never gets old — each year brings its own surprises, its own light, and its own story. On my 2026 group cherry blossom photo tour, we spent three immersive days exploring the iconic Mt. Fuji region, cameras in hand and eyes wide open for every fleeting petal.

On our arrival, I gathered the group and delivered what might have sounded like disappointing news: the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms had already passed their peak bloom and were now pushing out fresh green leaves. For many participants, the Somei Yoshino is synonymous with sakura season — it is, after all, Japan's most beloved and widely planted cherry blossom tree, accounting for roughly 80% of all cherry trees across the country. Its soft, pale-pink blossoms are the image most people picture when they think of hanami.

But here's the thing — Japan's cherry blossom story doesn't begin and end with the Somei Yoshino. I was quick to reassure the group that Japan is home to approximately 600 varieties of cherry blossom trees (sakura), spanning everything from ancient wild species to meticulously cultivated ornamental hybrids. These varieties differ dramatically in petal count, colour — ranging from pure white to deep rose pink and even rare shades of green — and bloom timing. Some varieties peak weeks after the Somei Yoshino has already faded, which is exactly what makes knowing the land so valuable. As a local guide with years of experience in this region, I know precisely which hidden corners and lesser-known spots will still be bursting with colour long after the famous trees have leafed out.

I reassured the group: we would absolutely find cherry blossoms in bloom at Mt. Fuji. And I was right. Upon arriving at our first location, the reaction was immediate — wide eyes, gasps, and cameras raised in unison. There before us was an abundance of Kanzan and weeping willow cherry blossoms in full, breathtaking bloom.

The Kanzan is a showstopper in every sense of the word. Its blossoms are a rich, rose-pink and extraordinarily voluminous — a human-made cultivar classified as a type of yaezakura, or multi-layered cherry blossom, each flower boasting anywhere from 30 to 50 densely packed petals. That layered structure also makes the Kanzan considerably hardier than the more delicate Somei Yoshino, allowing it to hold its blossoms longer and stand up better to wind and rain. If you've ever enjoyed a cup of sakura tea, there's a good chance it was brewed from salted Kanzan petals — their robust size and fragrance make them ideal for culinary use. Personally, I consider Kanzan one of the most visually striking cherry blossom varieties. There's something almost theatrical about it — the sheer density of its petals gives it a lushness that photographs beautifully in both soft morning light and the golden tones of late afternoon. 

In the coming days, I will be heading to Northern Japan to lead a private cherry blossom photo workshop for a group of returning clients — always a special experience when you’re working with photographers who already know how to read the light and trust the process. Our itinerary will take us through Aomori, Akita, Yamagata, and Niigata Prefectures — a stunning stretch of Japan where the sakura season arrives later, and the landscapes feel wilder and less travelled. The north has a quieter, more contemplative energy that I find deeply inspiring, and the cherry blossoms there — often set against snow-capped peaks or alongside rushing mountain rivers — offer a completely different visual palette from what we experienced at Mt. Fuji. After completing the northern circuit, we will fly back to Tokyo to wrap up the tour.

 

Looking further ahead, I am planning to open an entirely new cherry blossom photography route further north, likely launching in 2028 or 2029. The groundwork is already being laid — scouting locations, building local connections, and mapping out an itinerary that will offer something truly unique. In the meantime, the next couple of years are already filled with private workshops, so if you’ve been thinking about joining one of my tours, now is the time to reach out and get on the list.

Wishing everyone a Beautiful and Happy Hanami 2026. May your days be filled with soft petals, good light, and the kind of quiet wonder that only sakura season can bring.

 

 
Cherry Blossom Photo Workshop 2027 and 2028 is fully booked. Contact to be put on the waitlist
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