Welcoming Spring in Nihonbashi, Tokyo
As the cherry blossom season slowly arrives in Tokyo, Nihonbashi stands out as one of the earliest spots where sakura bloom. On a sunny yet windy day, I began my photowalk the moment I stepped out of Mitsukoshi-mae Station. The streets were alive with subtle spring energy, and it wasn’t long before I found myself drawn to the charming scenes around me—like a white truck parked beneath a blooming cherry tree, giving the illusion that the blossoms were growing straight from the vehicle. These little coincidences create unexpected moments of beauty, making each walk unique.
One of the highlights of this walk was capturing a cherry tree backlit by the afternoon sun, casting a striking silhouette on the pavement and beautifully framing a vending machine behind it. These small but powerful details are what I treasure most in street photography. I continued exploring the neighborhood, searching for combinations of modern architecture and delicate blossoms. At one point, I discovered a sunlit corner of a building, where passersby momentarily became part of a dramatic, sakura-colored scene. Every corner of Nihonbashi offered a new layer of contrast and character.
Throughout the photowalk, I used the Ricoh GR III paired with my own custom preset, Asano Ueno, which helped bring out the soft tones and textures of spring in the city. From classic cafés to glass-walled reflections and even the warm pastel colors of a Lawson convenience store blending perfectly with cherry blossoms, this walk was a perfect start to the season. If you’re looking to catch early blooms in Tokyo, Nihonbashi is a quiet gem worth visiting. Check out the full video for the complete visual journey.
