BLOG - Blain Harasymiw

Exploring Hakone’s Hidden Cherry Blossom Photography Gems

APR

24

2025

Field Report from our Cherry Blossom Photography Workshop Leader! Join me on my annual cross-country cherry blossom photography workshop, where ...

APR

23

2025

Capturing Japan’s Cherry Blossoms: Mt. ...

I’m currently leading my annual cross-country cherry blossom photo workshop, an unforgettable journey through Japan’s most stunning ...

APR

20

2025

Ultimate Japan Cherry Blossom ...

Field Report from our Cherry Blossom Photo Workshop Leader I am currently leading my annual cherry blossom photo tour, visiting Uedajo—a ...

APR

18

2025

Cherry Blossoms & Samurai History: A ...

Currently, I am leading my annual cherry blossom photo tour, and we are visiting the iconic Matsumoto Castle in Nagano, Japan. Completed in the 16th ...

APR

13

2025

Ancient Cherry Blossoms & Wildlife: A ...

Field Report from the JDS Cherry Blossom Workshop Leader! I’m currently leading my annual cross-country Cherry Blossom photography ...

APR

10

2025

Discover Kofu’s Cherry Blossoms & ...

As I embark on my annual cross-country Cherry Blossom Photo Tour, our first stop is Kofu in Yamanashi Prefecture—a destination that captivates ...

MAR

31

2025

Ultimate Japan Cherry Blossom ...

Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) Photography Tour Leaders know that no two Cherry Blossom Photo Tours are ever the same. With Japan stretching over 3,000 ...

FEB

05

2025

Capture Japan’s Stunning Cherry ...

Cherry blossoms seen on Japan photo tours are among the most breathtaking sights, second perhaps only to the iconic Mt. Fuji as a symbol of Japan. ...

JAN

09

2025

Explore Untold Stories of Japan: Cherry ...

At Japan Dreamscapes (JDS), we are passionate about crafting unparalleled photography experiences. Leading Cherry Blossom Photo Tours means ...

JAN

04

2025

Unlock the Magic of Japan with Expertly ...

Cherry Blossom Photo Tours are among the most challenging and rewarding Japan Photo Tours to conduct. Many novice photographers fail to grasp why ...

OCT

23

2024

Essence of Cherry Blossom Photo ...

Leading participants on the annual JDS Essence of Japan Sakura Cherry Blossom Photo Workshop Tour provides me with the opportunity to introduce ...

OCT

21

2024

Cross-country Cherry Blossom ...

Cherry Blossom Photo Tours require versatility and back up plans for back up plans. Non-resident photographers of Japan and others with limited ...

APR

30

2024

Spring and Autumn Leaves Tour Japan ...

I am currently leading my annual cross-country cherry blossom photography workshop tour extension. For close to thirty years, I have ...

APR

29

2024

Cherry Blossom Photography Tour Japan

Currently, I am leading my annual cherry blossom photo tour. We are visiting Uedajo, a park that has been built around the main gates and ...

APR

15

2024

Long-lived and Historic Cherry Blossoms

I am currently leading my annual cross-country Cherry Blossom photography workshop. For the following few days, participants and I will be in ...

APR

15

2024

An All-Inclusive Cherry Blossom Photo ...

Field Report from our Cherry Blossom Photo Tour Workshop Leader Currently, I’m leading my annual cross-country Cherry Blossom photo tour, ...

APR

05

2024

Japan Autumn Photography Tour Workshop

Annually during the annual JDS Essence of Autumn Japan photography tour, our workshop leaders always introduce participants to the sea of ...

JAN

15

2024

Perfect Cherry Blossoms - Travel ...

Viewing and photographing the most beautiful Japanese sakura or cherry blossoms on a Japan cherry blossom photo tour will be best accomplished by ...

JAN

01

2024

Japan Cross Country Cherry Blossom ...

While leading my annual cross country Japan cherry blossom photo tour expedition, participants often ask me which cherry blossom I believe is the ...

DEC

04

2023

Japan Cherry Blossom Photo Tour - ...

Autumn in Japan is winding down, soon I will be getting ready for my annual Winter Hokkaido photography tour, and then in a blink of an eye Spring ...

NOV

06

2023

Cross-country Cherry Blossom Photo ...

My annual Cherry Blossom Photo Tours appeal to so many visiting and native Japanese photographers each year. The varieties, shades of different ...

NOV

04

2023

Cross-country Japan Cherry Blossom ...

Japan Cherry Blossom Photo Tours are different every year, and each year I lead a cross country cherry blossom viewing experience to allow for ...

OCT

28

2023

Tokyo Sakura - Japan Cherry Blossom ...

Every year, millions of visitors flock to Japan, specifically Tokyo, for a Cherry Blossom photography workshop tour, and if you don’t mind ...

OCT

11

2023

Untold Stories of the Perfect Cherry ...

Before I give you inside info about what a blissful Authentic Japan Cherry Blossom Photo Tour is, let me start with a ‘wake up call’ and ...

OCT

01

2023

Tohoku Japan Cherry Blossom Photo Tour ...

This spring while leading my annual cross country Cherry Blossom photo workshop, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom two and half weeks early; ...

SEP

22

2023

Why Take A Cross Country Japan Photo ...

Every Japan photography tour workshop itinerary has sunshine and rainbows written into it, but vital elements that aren’t written down anywhere ...

SEP

21

2023

Japan’s Samurai Fortresses - Historic ...

Scouting and leading cross country Cherry Blossom photography tour workshops means that I see nearly the entirety of Japan’s three main ...

SEP

11

2023

Discover the Enchanting Bloom - Akitas ...

Leading my annual cross country Japan Cherry Blossom photography workshop is a fantastic adventure. People unacquainted with the sakura ...

SEP

05

2023

Adventure Filled Summer - Japan Snow ...

During summer, I start looking forward to my annual Autumn Leaves Photo Tours and my Hokkaido Photo Tours. This time of year the adventurists ...

SEP

05

2023

Cherry Blossoms Japan Birding Photo ...

Japan's earliest blooming cherry blossoms are the Kawazu-Zakura (Cerasus lannesiana,) these cherry blossoms are the ultimate for Japan Birding Cherry ...

AUG

06

2023

Tourism Pollution VS Authentic Zen ...

Some ask me why I stopped adding Kyoto or the Kansai region to my Mt. Fuji Autumn Leaves Japan Photo tours or my Essence of Autumn Photo Tour, where ...

MAY

25

2023

Zen-inspired Cherry Blossoms - ...

Before setting out on my cross country Japan Cherry Blossom photography workshop tour, I was in a frenzy due to the cherry blossoms blooming two ...

MAY

22

2023

Returning to Mt. Fuji’s Spectacular ...

I am currently in the Mt. Fuji area leading my cross country Cherry blossom photography workshop tour. The Fuji Five Lakes are Yamanakako, ...

MAY

19

2023

Nagano - Japan's Perfect Cherry ...

For the next two days, I am leading participants on my cross country Cherry Blossom photo workshop tour to the grounds of Matsumoto castle, the ...

MAY

16

2023

Cherry Blossoms and Forest Bathing ...

Today, and for the next few days of my cross country Japan Cherry Blossom photo tour, I’m near my satellite office in Niigata enjoying the ...

APR

16

2023

Mt. Fuji Cherry Blossoms - Off the ...

I am currently leading my Japan cross country cherry blossom photo workshop tour to one of my must see locations for any visiting photographer, the ...

APR

03

2023

Earliest Sakura Bloom on Record 2023

The image in this newsletter is actually a painting of an ancient cherry blossom tree, in the Japanese high lands, I took the image of the painting a ...

MAR

30

2023

Akita Cherry Blossoms - Tohoku Private ...

Akita Prefecture is a sakura treasure trove and an integral destination for any Tohoku Cherry Blossom Photo Workshop Tour. Several festivals ...

MAR

05

2023

Hokkaido Cherry Blossom Photo Tour - ...

Scouting and exploring the Tohoku region for the upcoming JDS Hokkaido Cherry Blossom Photo Tour has led our photo workshop leaders into Akita. ...

FEB

15

2023

Aomori - Hokkaido Cherry Blossom Photo ...

As part of a Hokkaido Cherry Blossom Photo Tour, after Morioka in Iwate, another location that is part of a comprehensive Tohoku cherry blossom ...

FEB

08

2023

One of a Kind Cherry Blossom Views - ...

Leading Cherry Blossom Photo Workshops means scouting areas for years before our workshop leaders add them to JDS’s list of existing cross ...

JAN

31

2023

Authentic Japan Cherry Blossom Photo ...

Before I share what an Authentic Cherry Blossom Photo Tour is with you, I’m going to tell you what most visitors and visiting photographers ...

JAN

15

2023

Unpredictable Cherry Blossoms

Many experienced photographers know that viewing and photographing the perfect Japan cherry blossoms on a cherry blossom photo workshop, especially ...

MAY

17

2022

Species of Japan - Somei Yoshino Cherry ...

Somei Yoshino or Yoshino cherry 染井吉野ソメイヨシノ (Prunus yedoensis), this tree is a hybrid from Japan, and it is the most popular, widely planted Cherry ...

MAY

09

2022

Species of Japan - The Edo Higan (江戸彼岸) ...

The Edo Higan cherry blossom tree is so widespread throughout Japan, that it is commonly a part of my annual Cherry Blossom photo workshops as well ...

MAY

05

2022

Species of Japan - The Kawazusakura ...

Kawazuzakura is the earliest blooming Sakura in Japan. The Kawazuzakura/Cherry Blossom tree is well known in the Izu Peninsula and blooms in ...

APR

30

2022

The Fugenzo Cherry Blossom (Cerasus ...

The Fugenzo Cherry Blossom (Cerasus lannesiana ‘Albo-rosea' Makino) is one of the Oshima Satozakura cherry blossom cultivars that my ...

APR

22

2022

Eurasian Tree Sparrow Feeding Habits - ...

When most people think of cherry blossoms and birding, most would not even consider photographing together one of the top 10 most populous birds, the ...

FEB

15

2022

ALERT - Kawazu Sakura/Cherry Blossoms ...

The Kawazu Sakura is among the earliest blooming cherry blossom flower in Japan. These trees bloom annually in the first or second week of February ...

MAY

05

2021

Japan Photo Tours - Wisteria, A ...

While leading my Cherry Blossom Photo Tours, I remind my clients and friends when they join me that there’s more than one type of hanami to ...

APR

20

2021

Authentic Japan - Japan’s Historic ...

Hanami or cherry blossom viewing is a naturally occurring part of my cross country cherry blossom photo workshop. I say it’s, ...

APR

15

2021

Japan’s Cultural and Wild Frontiers - ...

An Excerpt From An Article Recently Published on Luminous Landscapes Every photography tour workshop itinerary offered has sunshine and rainbows ...

APR

10

2021

The Three Greatest Sakura Cherry ...

During my annual Cherry Blossom tour, I always make it a point to stop at one of the three greatest cherry blossom trees. I feel like a cherry ...

APR

08

2021

Shidarezakura - The Weeping Sakura - ...

The shidarezakura variety is a cherry blossom variety most commonly associated with Kyoto, as it the official flower of the ...

APR

04

2021

Cherry Blossom Photo Workshops - The ...

One of the most famous cherry blossoms, and most likely the sakura that people inside and outside Japan think of when discussing cherry blossoms, is ...

MAR

31

2021

Japan Rings In Spring With Cherry ...

Spring 2021, the Japan Cherry Blossom spring tour is once again canceled to the outside world, sorry. My team and I are almost positive that by ...

MAR

17

2021

Chasing Cherry Blossoms Tour Japan

Japanese sakura or cherry blossoms flourish at different times depending on which region of Japan you are visiting, so my Japan Cherry blossom tours ...

MAR

09

2021

From Steller’s Sea Eagles to Sakura - ...

If social distancing were already a thing of the past in 2021, I would be enjoying a little downtime after my annual Hokkaido tour winter wonderland. ...

FEB

27

2021

Japan Cherry Blossom Tour - A ...

After completing my annual Cross country cherry blossom photography tour workshops which start in mid-March and are completed in mid-April, I take ...

NOV

23

2020

Birding Photography Medley of Mejiro ...

I usually don’t return directly after my annual winter Hokkaido Photo Tour has completed, but last year I did, and I brought along my Hokkaido ...

MAR

08

2020

Sakura Photo Tours - Shidarezakura - ...

Of all the sakura available for viewing and photography on Cherry Blossom Photo Tours, the shidarezakura, or weeping cherry blossom trees are the ...

MAR

07

2020

Cherry Blossom Photo Tours - An ...

Visiting Japan for a Cherry Blossom Photo Tour means experiencing a variety of sakura beauty. The most cultivated variety of cherry blossoms is ...

JAN

21

2020

Tohoku’s Best Cherry Blossoms Tour

Fukushima, Miyagi, Iwate, Akita, and Aomori all have cherry blossoms, just like the other 42 prefectures across Japan. Tohoku's cherry blossoms ...

JAN

17

2020

Essence of Cherry Blossoms Photo Tour

Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) Photography Tour Leaders understand that Cherry Blossom Photo Tours are different every year. They know that the ...

JAN

13

2020

The True Untold Stories of Japan - The ...

Before I tell you what bliss and the Authentic Cherry Blossom Photo Tours of Japan is, allow me to tell you what the majority of visitors will ...

JAN

08

2020

Spring Cherry Blossom Photography Tour ...

Cherry Blossoms seen on Japan Photo Tours are one of the most noteworthy photographic sights second, perhaps, only to Mt. Fuji as an emblem of ...

JAN

06

2020

Cherry Blossom Photo Tours - Shinjuku ...

Cherry Blossom Photo Tours are sometimes overlooked due to the sheer amount of activities to take part in while visiting Tokyo. Take, for ...

DEC

20

2019

Cherry Blossom Photo Tours - Untold ...

To effectively lead Cherry Blossom Photo Tours, we at Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) believe that means constantly honing our skills to further improve our ...

DEC

17

2019

Cherry Blossom Photo Tour - The Most ...

Cherry Blossom Photo Tours are appealing for so many reasons. It’s no wonder that they are the goal of so many visiting and native ...

DEC

05

2019

Looking Ahead to Cherry Blossom Photo ...

Although the Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) Winter Photo Tour Season is just beginning with the annual photo adventure to Hokkaido on the horizon, we at JDS ...

NOV

18

2019

Yokohama Cherry Blossom Photo Tours

Most visitors associate Tokyo and Yokohama with exclusively cityscape photography, but both cities are amazing locations for Cherry Blossom Photo ...

NOV

14

2019

Tokyo's Blushing Cherry Blossoms

Tokyo Cherry Blossom Tours start with Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) often start in Hamarikyu Gardens which is nestled between the famous Tsukiji Fish ...

AUG

06

2019

Cherry Blossom Photo Tours - Yokohama

When clients think of Cherry Blossom Photo Tours, most often the first location that comes to mind is Tokyo or Kyoto, but Kanagawa also has some of ...

JUL

26

2019

Cherry Blossom Photo Tours - Matsumoto ...

Cherry Blossom Photo Tours could be focused exclusively on Matsumoto Castle and the castle grounds. The castle was completed in the 16th ...

JUL

24

2019

Tokyo Private Photography Tour - An ...

The Olympics will arrive in Tokyo in just about one year, so why not come and create your own Tokyo Private Photography Tour and see the city so ...

JUL

04

2019

Yokohama Cherry Blossom Photo Tour

Yokohama Chery Blossom Photography Tours should include Motomachi Park. Motomachi Park has something for every type of photographer when it ...

JUN

22

2019

Akita Photo Tours - A Vista for Every ...

The Shirakami-Sanchi area is famous for being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so, of course, it is also the focus of Akita Photo Tours. A few ...

JUN

20

2019

Chasing Cherry Blossoms Photo Tour

Cherry blossoms photo tours carry added significance due to the fact that they are one of Japan’s cultural icons. Every year during ...

JUN

11

2019

Cherry Blossom Photo Tour - The Iconic ...

Cherry Blossom Photo Tours take the single most recognizable element of Japanese culture and make every photo op one you’ll always ...

MAY

10

2019

Niigata Private Photo Tour - ...

Niigata Private Photo Tours with Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) means being able to sample from a wide range of different elements. The prefecture is ...

APR

26

2019

Chasing Full-bloom Sakura - Cherry ...

Cherry Blossom Photo Tours are some of the most challenging Japan Photo Tours to conduct. Many uninitiated photographers fail to understand why ...

APR

13

2019

Cherry Blossom Photo Tours - Hakusan ...

Cherry Blossom Photo Tours can be one of the most vexing type of Japan Photo Tours to host because of aspect in particular, timing. If cherry ...

APR

06

2019

Japan Cherry Blossom Tours - Funaoka ...

A Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) and Blain Harasymiw Photography Cherry Blossom Tour means you don't have to chase all across the nation of Japan to find ...

MAR

17

2019

Akita Cherry Blossom Photo Destinations ...

At the beginning of the Taisho Era, which lasted from 1912 - 1926 also marked the beginning of Mato Park. This Cherry Blossom Photo Destination ...

MAR

08

2019

Cherry Blossoms Can’t Wait!

It’s almost cherry blossom photography tour season in Japan. However, this year comes with a special notice. One thing that years ...

MAR

03

2019

Iwate Cherry Blossom Photo Tours

Tohoku Cherry Blossom Tours include Iwate mainly because of the Kitakami River and the Avenue of Cherry Blossoms that occupy the ...

FEB

21

2019

Tohoku Cherry Blossom Photo Tours - ...

Miyagi Prefecture is a centerpiece for many Tohoku Cherry Blossoms Photography Tours, and one location in particular stands out among others, the ...

FEB

11

2019

Kyoto Cherry Blossom Photography Tours

Kyoto Cherry Blossom Tours are considered by some to be the most beautiful and breathtaking in all of Japan. There are many locations in and ...

FEB

04

2019

Fukushima Cherry Blossom Tours

Fukushima Cherry Blossom Tours are not the earliest to begin during the flowering season in Japan. In fact, the sakura that grace Fukushima and ...

FEB

01

2019

Akita Historic Photography Tour

Akita is a gold mine of for Japan Historic Photography Tours. One location in particular resonates with the rich samurai history that once ...

JAN

21

2019

Tohoku Cherry Blossom Photo Workshops

Shimoda Park is a treasured visit on any Tohoku Cherry Blossom Photo Workshop. Shimoda Park is an expansive natural area for you to commune with ...

JAN

20

2019

More Aomori Cherry Blossom Photo Tours

Gappo Park, in Aomori, provides spellbinding views on a Cherry Blossom Photo Tour. With Aomori Bay as the backdrop for more than 500 cherry ...

JAN

16

2019

Aomori Cherry Blossom Tours

Aomori Cherry Blossom Tours begin after a relaxing shinkansen ride to the last station in the Tohoku region, Shin-Aomori station from Tokyo, and then ...

JAN

06

2019

More Tokyo Cherry Blossom Photo Tours

Tokyo Cherry Blossom Photography Tours should always include the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Japan Dreamscapes Photography Tour Leaders ...

JAN

04

2019

Tokyo Cherry Blossom Photo Tours

Some people consider Ueno Park to be the premiere Tokyo Cherry Blossom Photo Tour viewing area for all of Japan. The park has been popular ...

DEC

30

2018

Yokohama Cherry Blossom Photography ...

For any Yokohama Cherry Blossom Photo Tour, Minato-Mirai’s famous ‘Sakura-dori’ or Cherry Blossom Road is a must see. And on ...

DEC

28

2018

Yokohama Cherry Blossom Photo Tours

Yokohama Chery Blossom Tours should include Motomachi Park. Motomachi Park has something for every type of photographer when it comes to cherry ...

DEC

25

2018

Japanese White-Eye on Cherry Blossom ...

Cherry Blossom Photo Tours have more appeals than the cherry blossoms themselves. Birding can also be a part of your Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) ...

DEC

19

2018

Cherry Blossom Photo Tour

Cherry blossoms photo tours carry added significance due to the fact that they are one of Japan’s cultural emblems. Every year during the ...

DEC

14

2018

Emotion Expressed in Japan Photo Tours

Emotion expressed in Japan Photo Tours is something that comes up again an again when Japan Dreamscapes (JDS) discuss what they think distinguishes ...