Fuji over Kawazu cherry blossoms and rape blossoms at Nishi-Hirahata Park
Nishi-Hirahata Park in Matsuda Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a popular photography spot known for its early-blooming Kawazu cherry blossoms. During the annual Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival, the entire slope of Mt. Matsuda is covered with Kawazu cherry blossoms, turning the entire landscape a gentle pink. From the high ground of the park, in addition to the vivid contrast of cherry blossoms and rape blossoms, visitors can enjoy a view of Mt. On a clear, sunny day, the beautiful gradation of pink, yellow, and blue makes for an ideal spot for photographing the arrival of spring.
Key points for photography
The key to photographing Nishi-Hirahata Park is to take advantage of the sloping terrain, so from the hillside it is recommended to compose an overhead view that captures the cherry blossoms, rape blossoms, and Mount Fuji (or Sagami Bay) in a single shot. Kawazu cherry blossoms are dark in color, so backlighting or semi-backlighting the blossoms to create a sense of transparency of the petals will help create a three-dimensional effect. Adding rape blossoms in the foreground to create depth will create a rhythm in the picture. Also, since contrast tends to be high on sunny days, slightly reducing the exposure to prevent color saturation will help create a more beautiful gradation of pink, yellow, and blue.
Best viewing and photography timing
Best Season
春
Recommended times
Morning, noon
Access & Basic Information (Check Before Shooting)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 2951 Matsuda Soryo, Matsuda-cho, Ashigarakami-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture |
| subject | Kawazu cherry blossoms, Mt. |
| Admission fee | Yes |
| Admission Time | Yes |
| Parking lot | Yes |
| Restroom | Yes |
