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I am currently in the heart of my annual cherry blossom photography workshop tour — an eleven-day cross-country adventure through Japan, chasing golden light and the fleeting perfection of sakura in full bloom. In my last newsletter, I shared that our very first day delivered the perfect cherry blossoms, and that we were heading to Niigata to experience one of Japan's top three cherry blossom lighting-up events. I was confident we would not be disappointed — and we were not.

At Takeda Castle in Joetsu, Niigata, the blossoms were 100% Mankai — absolutely, breathtakingly perfect. The castle grounds, bathed in soft evening light, were so stunning and rich with history that we simply could not leave after a single night. We stayed two nights, wandering the illuminated paths, capturing images I know will stay with us long after the petals have fallen.

Now, at the halfway point of our workshop, I am happy to report that every single day has gifted us with peak blossoms. The group's energy is electric — there is something deeply moving about witnessing nature perform at its finest, and these photographers have been rising to the occasion beautifully.

Today, we journey from Niigata to Nagano, where we will photograph ancient Zen Buddhist pagodas and sacred Shinto shrines nestled among the mountains. Our home for the next few nights will be a traditional Japanese Ryokan in a town that has welcomed Hanami seekers for over five hundred years. This region is especially celebrated for its graceful weeping cherry blossoms, along with several rare and stunning varieties that I cannot wait to share with you.

 

I will write again in a day or three. Until then, wishing everyone a beautiful and peaceful Hanami 2026.

Cherry Blossom workshops 2026-2027 are fully booked. Contact us to be added to the waitlist.
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