Thursday, February 2, 2012

A Night at the Nakijin Castle Cherry Blossom Festival (Photos)


The photography at Nakijin Castle's Cherry Blossom Festival last night was a blast.


From the first photo, taken on the way in, until closing time at 9PM, it was like nothing I had ever seen, anywhere, on the island of Okinawa, Japan.


Candles were burning on the stone stairways leading to the top of the castle.


Floodlights pointed up at the cherry blossoms, illuminating everything around them.


Inside the upper courtyards, there aren't any cherry trees but, the multi-colored lighting.....


......turned this centuries-old fortress into a psychedelic journey.



As far as I know, this is the only time of the year Nakijin Castle puts on a show like this.


So, if you happen to be in the neighborhood, you might want to hurry and get on up there.


Less fortunate souls, who live somewhere else, should start saving up for the trip next year.


And, don't forget to pack your cameras.



NOTE TO LOCALS:  THIS YEAR'S NAKIJIN SAKURA FESTIVAL ENDS SUNDAY NIGHT AT 9PM.  GET UP THERE AND SHOOT THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS EARLY !









4 comments:

Japan Australia said...

The Cherry Blossoms look amazing at night under the lights. I'll have to check them out next time at night as well as day :)

Japan Australia

RyukyuMike said...

Japan Australia,
Oh, I like them much better in natural light but, the castle and forest were pretty cool with the colored lights.

Map It! Okinawa said...

Awesome comps Mike. I learn from you every time!!!

RyukyuMike said...

Anonymous,
Thanks. I wouldn't have gone if RyukyuRu didn't drive me up there!