第四景
Sannomaru Square — Phantom Castle in Cherry Haze
Castle in Cherry Haze / At Sannomaru Square
Getting up close to the cherry blossoms in full bloom, the great keep is intentionally rendered as beautiful bokeh, melting into the spring haze. It may not be immediately recognizable as Himeji Castle, but I know for certain that it is.
The Story
On a day in April when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, I got up close to the flowers in Sannomaru Square to take this shot. The structure visible in the background is the Main Keep of Himeji Castle, though it is significantly blurred.
It might not look like a photo taken at Himeji Castle at all to others. But I know for a fact that it is.
Instead of capturing the landmark sharply for everyone to easily recognize, I intentionally reversed the roles, using the colossal castle as a luxurious background of soft color. It feels as though there is a secret, intimate dialogue that exists solely between the 400-year-old fortress and myself standing there in that exact moment. It is not just a visual record, but a capture of the spring air and my own personal memory—making it a very special piece to me.
Photo Tips
- LocationHimeji Castle Sannomaru Square
- Photo TipGet close to the cherry blossoms and shoot wide open (low f-stop) to transform even massive architecture into a dreamy bokeh.
- How to EnjoyCapturing a landmark in sharp focus is not the only way. Expressing the very feeling of spring air is also one of the great pleasures of castle photography.
