Spring has finally arrived in Tokyo—one of my favorite seasons of the year. The cherry blossoms bloomed about a week earlier than usual, and by last weekend, they had reached full bloom. Pale pink petals now flutter across the city like a soft, swirling snowfall, transforming Tokyo into a dreamlike landscape.

This year, the cherry blossoms bloomed a bit later than usual. In Japan, April marks the season of school entrance ceremonies, and this year’s late bloom perfectly coincided with these special occasions. It felt as though the sakura were celebrating new beginnings with us, creating a unique and heartwarming atmosphere.

I work at a web design company, and today’s photo was taken on my way home from work. The blossoms were just past their peak, and the fallen petals had begun to form a soft carpet on the ground. Personally, I find cherry blossoms most beautiful at this fleeting, final stage.

On my way home, I got off at Ueno and Kitasenju—places I usually pass by without stopping. This time, I intentionally got off the train to explore areas where I might find cherry trees. It was refreshing to rediscover familiar neighborhoods through the lens of cherry blossoms.

What I enjoy most when photographing cherry blossoms is capturing them alongside something else—like shops, trains, or elements of everyday life. I was pleasantly surprised to find so many places with these kinds of combinations. Rather than focusing solely on the blossoms, I try to capture the atmosphere and surrounding scenery as well.

I’ve been photographing in Tokyo for about five years now, but I still find new sights all the time. Each outing brings a fresh discovery, and I look forward to continuing this journey. Experiencing the seasons through photography—especially spring—reminds me just how rich and ever-changing the scenery of this city can be.