2019 Cherry Blossom Photo Tour | Himeji Castle

Jul 16 | Evan | No Comments |

With Tokyo and Miyajima finished, the 2019 cherry blossom photography tour continued to Himeji, home of Himeji Castle. Famous for the thousands of cherry blossom trees, Himeji Castle is a great spot to capture the essence of Japan. Finding spots where the castle and the cherry blossoms can be photographed together is the goal but Himeji Castle itself provides lot’s of photo opportunities and the cherry blossom spots alone, around the castle are photogenic as well.

The photo below is courtesy of and created by one of our group’s photographers, Daniel Leffel. Take a look at Daniel’s website for more excellent photography not only of Japan but all over the word.

Bellow is a gallery of cherry blossom photos from our photography tour in Himeji and Himeji Castle.

The 2019 Cherry Blossom Photography Tour took a small group of photographers to Japan. We started in Tokyo and continued to Hiroshima, Miyajima, Himeji Castle, Kyoto and Mt. Fuji from Shizuoka and from Fuji Five Lakes. Here is the trip report from the 2019 Cherry Blossom Photography Tour of Japan and the 2018 Cherry Blossom Photo Tour of Japan. The 2020 Cherry Blossom Photo Tour of Japan is already planned and live! Limited spots are available for the 2020 Cherry Blossom Photography Tour of Japan, with first booking already reserved!

2018 Cherry Blossom Photo Tour of Japan | Himeji

May 16 | Evan | No Comments |

After 3 wonderful days photographing the cherry blossoms of Miyajima, the 2018 Cherry Blossom Photo Tour continued North East to Himeji, home of Japan’s most spectacular castle, Himeji Castle. Like most of the locations I choose for the photography tour of Japan during cherry blossom season, the castle has fantastic cherry blossoms, but also there are many views of the castle that we can create photographs of if they cherry blossom timing is off or if we are cherry blossomed out!

Like Mt. Fuji though, I believe Himeji Castle is most beautiful from a far, sometimes even as an item in the background. Perhaps I’m falling under the influence of Katsushika Hokusai where in a lot of his works of art of Mt. Fuji, it’s just a small point in the background of the image.

Of course sometimes you just have to give credit where credit is due for certain subjects, like Himeji Castle or photos of cherry blossoms themselves. Neither the cherry blossoms or Himeji Castle disappointed our photography tour!

The 2018 Cherry Blossom Photography Tour took a small group of photographers to Japan. We started in Tokyo and continued to Hiroshima, Miyajima, HImeji Castle, Kyoto and Mt. Fuji. Here is the trip report from the 2018 Cherry Blossom Photography Tour of Japan. The 2019 Cherry Blossom Photo Tour of Japan is already planned and live! Limited spots are available for the 2019 Cherry Blossom Photography Tour of Japan, with first booking already reserved! Below is a gallery of cherry blossom photos from our time spent photographing the area around Himeji Castle in Japan.

2017 Cherry Blossom Tour of Japan | Himeji Castle

May 21 | Evan | No Comments |

The cherry blossoms were catching up with our small group of photographers as we headed north in Japan from Miyajima to Himeji. Himeji is Japan’s most famous and spectacular castle but also famous for it’s hundreds of cherry blossom trees spread out across the castle grounds.

While the cherry blossoms were almost few bloom, we were probably still 2 days or so early for taking photographs of full bloom cherry blossoms with Himeji Castle. The cherry blossoms were still quite nice though and even the castle without the cherry blossoms can be a great subject for our photography tours.

Created by and courtesy of Tim Durham

I believe that Mount Fuji is best viewed and photographed from afar, and like Japan’s most iconic symbol, I really enjoy taking photos of Himeji Castle from a distance as well. The past few years I haven’t had much luck with the sunrises in Himeji, but this year’s sunrise at Himeji Castle was quite nice and colorful! Scroll down to see more photos of Himeji Castle at sunrise in the gallery.

The 2017 Cherry Blossom Photography Tour of Japan took our small group of photographers to Tokyo, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kyoto, Wazuka and Fuji Five Lakes. Take a look at the 2017 Cherry Blossom Tour Trip report to see more from our tour of Japan during cherry blossom season. Want to visit Japan during cherry blossom season with Japan Photo Guide? The 2018 Cherry Blossom Tour of Japan for photographers has limited spaces available, book now!

: Created by and courtesy of Tim Durham

Private and Custom Tour of Japan | Himeji Castle and Wedding

Aug 03 | Evan | No Comments |

The private photography and foodie tour of Japan was going along with great weather and after seeing and eating so much in Kyoto, we decided to take a day trip to Himeji to see the famous Himeji Castle. Himeji Castle is considered by most to be the most spectacular castle in Japan and also one of the best cherry blossom spots in Japan.

Every since finishing the renovation, Himeji Castle has been more crowded than ever, even on this random Summer day with very hot and overcast weather, there was no ends to the crowds visiting Himeji Castle. After visiting the castle grounds and going inside the main keep for a bit, we entered Koko-en Garden, next to Himeji Castle. A very nice strolling garden to walk through though would love to come back here during the Fall for maple season!

After the Koko-en Garden, I guided mom and daughter to a few other spots for scenic views of Himeji Castle. Actually, none of the photos of mine in this post were taken on Himeji Castle grounds. Like Mt. Fuji, I think Himeji Castle is best viewed from afar! Along the way to check out some spots to photograph Himeji Castle from, we had great timing as a couple had just been married and leaving the procession line while the crowd was throwing paper cranes. With our long lenses we were able to take a few great shots, including this spectacular capture below by Isabelle! I tried to take credit for the perfect timing but really was just another case of right time and right place! All the photos below are courtesy of and created by Isabelle Nazha Photography.