When we see a water reflection, our first instinct is often to shoot the subject and its reflection head on. However, a different angle might unveil a different story about the location. Here’s how one photographer captured the scale of this stunning sakura spot that’s unknown to most overseas tourists.  (Reported by: Takashi Karaki, Digital Camera Magazine)

EOS R5/ RF15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM/ FL: 35mm/ Manual exposure (f/9, 1/80 sec)/ ISO 800
Location: Ono Sakura Dzutsumi Corridor, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

 

The longest sakura corridor in western Japan

One sakura-viewing spot that’s not very well-known to overseas tourists to Japan is the Ono Sakura Dzutsumi Corridor located in Hyogo Prefecture. Stretching along the Kakogawa River, it is a 4km corridor lined by 650 sakura trees that bloom from late March to early April. It is considered the longest sakura corridor in western Japan.

A place perfect for shooting “upside-down sakura”

The sakura trees are reflected in water surface of the rice fields that flank the other side of the corridor. These waters are usually still as the wind is mostly mild, so obtaining a clear reflection shot is easy. In recent years, it’s become quite a popular spot for sakura photography!

The scene is beautiful in the daytime. However, it is exceptionally stunning in the evening as the sun sets behind the trees, creating a beautiful orange backdrop that complements the pink sakura trees.

 

See the difference: Normal head-on vs. at an angle

A normal head-on symmetrical shot

You can create a simple symmetrical shot by shooting the corridor head on. Against the sunset, the trees become interesting silhouettes.

However, here’s what I got when I moved my position to capture the corridor at an angle: 

A diagonal composition captures scale

This captured the many, many more trees lining the path into the distance, creating depth and showcasing the corridor’s scale. It tells us much more about the place, doesn’t it?

Pro tip: The more trees, the better

As with other reflection shots, shoot from a low angle. You want to show as many sakura trees as possible, and that includes the trees in the reflection! 

For more tips on photographing reflections, see:
Reflections: A Castle at Night with the Trompe l'oeil Painting Effect (A unique effect for nighttime)
Reflections: A Steam Train Rides Off into the Dramatic Sunset (Tips for shooting reflections in backlight)

Lens used: RF15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM

About the location: Ono Sakura Dzutsumi Corridor/Ono Cherry Blossom Viewing Boulevard

Name in Japanese: おの桜づつみ回廊
Address: Suminagacho, Ono City, Hyogo, 675-1368
Access: 15 minutes walk from Ao Station (JR and Kobe Electric Railways)
More about the place:
- The corridor has 5 different varieties of sakura that bloom at different times in spring so that visitors can enjoy sakura for a longer period.

Official site: Ono Kanko Navi

Here are some other sakura photography ideas:
Stunning Sakura Scenes in West Japan to Shoot with a Telephoto Lens
Photographing Cherry Blossoms: Should I Shoot Wide-angle or Telephoto?
How to Capture Detailed but Dreamy-Looking Cherry Blossoms With a Soft Filter
Stunning Starscapes: Photographing a Spectacular View of Cherry Blossoms and the Milky Way at Night