I am currently leading my annual cherry blossom photo tour, visiting Uedajo—a historic castle site built in 1583 by samurai leader Sanada Masayuki. This site, which endured two attacks by Tokugawa Ieyasu’s army, features over 1,000 cherry blossom trees, primarily Somei Yoshino. However, through decades of exploration, I have discovered unique varieties and hidden locations I share exclusively with my tour participants.

One of the most remarkable trees I have found is a millennium-old shidarezakura (Prunus pendula). Each time I photograph it, I imagine the samurai, geisha, and artisans who stood beneath its blossoms centuries ago. Visiting and capturing this tree feels like becoming part of Japan’s history—an experience I am honored to share on my cross-country Cherry Blossom Photography Workshop.

My journey in Nagano began even before the 1998 Winter Olympics put it on the global tourism map. Today, I take participants beyond the well-known sites to explore breathtaking, lesser-known cherry blossom locations. Ueda, in particular, is a premier hanami (cherry blossom viewing) destination, home to a site with over 500 cherry blossom trees, including Somei Yoshino, shidarezakura, and higanzakura (Prunus subhirtella). There is also a rare species that blooms only in this region—its name and location are a secret shared only with my tour attendees.

Experiencing these blossoms is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. One of the most distinctive varieties here is yae-zakura, known for its rich magenta color and lush, multi-layered petals. Unlike the five-petaled Somei Yoshino, yae-zakura has ruffled, plump blossoms, creating an unforgettable visual experience. With over 300 cherry blossom species in Japan, I’ve dedicated years to documenting them in my journal.

The Ueda region is home to some of Japan’s most ancient and treasured cherry blossom trees, dating back over a thousand years. If you’re a passionate photographer looking to capture the magic of Japan’s historic sakura season, my Cherry Blossom Photography Workshop offers an unparalleled opportunity.