🌸 Lotus Flowers at Ueno Onshi Park｜A Dreamlike Summer Encounter at Shinobazu Pond｜Healing Photo Walk with the Nikon Zf [2025 Best Viewing Season & Access Info Included]

Introduction | Encountering Summer’s “Silence and Healing” in Ueno

In one corner of Tokyo’s Ueno Onshi Park lies Shinobazu Pond (Shinobazu-no-Ike), a tranquil oasis that comes alive in summer when lotus flowers bloom across its surface.
The vibrant pink petals and lush green leaves bring a refreshing sense of peace and beauty to all who visit.

But this place offers more than just flowers—it offers an experience.
The gentle morning light, the rustling of lotus leaves in the breeze, and the slow, graceful unfolding of each blossom—all of it creates a moment of stillness, a quiet escape from the rush of daily life.

In July 2025, I took a proper break for the first time in a while.
With my Nikon Zf and a NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 prime lens in hand, I made my way to Shinobazu Pond for a healing photo walk.

In this article, I’ll share that experience through nearly 20 photographs,
exploring the charm of Ueno’s lotus season while also delving into the theme of “flowers and healing” from my perspective as a medical doctor.

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Lotus Flowers of Shinobazu Pond｜Ōga Lotus and a Colorful Floral Symphony

Shinobazu Pond is home to a variety of lotus species, including the legendary Ōga Lotus,
an ancient flower that was excavated and successfully germinated in Chiba Prefecture in 1951.

The Ōga Lotus sprouted from a seed estimated to be over 2,000 years old, discovered in a Yayoi-period archaeological site.
It has since been cherished and cultivated across Japan as a symbol of the “miracle of life.”

At Ueno Park, the lotus flowers are not limited to a single type.
You’ll find blooms in shades of white, soft pink, and deep magenta, with petals that vary in shape and leaves that rise to different heights.
This diversity creates an ever-changing landscape, offering endless inspiration for photographers and a fresh, captivating view for every visitor.

Best Time to Visit｜Truly Beautiful in the Morning Light

Lotus flowers begin to open with the rising sun and slowly close around noon.
That’s why being mindful of both the season and the time of day is key to fully enjoying these fleeting summer blossoms.

Best Season: Mid-July to early August
Best Time: Between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM

I visited on a weekday morning in mid-July 2025, just before 7:00 AM.
Even at that early hour, the area around the pond was already lively—tripod-bearing photographers, people sketching the lotus blooms, and early-bird tourists enjoying a morning walk.

Still, a sacred stillness hung over Shinobazu Pond in the morning light.
Everything was wrapped in the quiet, refreshing air of a day just beginning—a perfect atmosphere to pause, breathe, and take in the beauty of summer’s start.

Camera Gear & Shooting Settings｜Nikon Zf × 40mm f/2

今回For this shoot, I used the Nikon Zf paired with a NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 prime lens, shooting primarily in P mode (Program Auto).

This lens stands out for its bright maximum aperture of f/2, beautiful background bokeh, and natural color rendering.
The 40mm focal length also felt just right—perfect for capturing lotus flowers from a natural and intimate distance.

Sample settings from the shoot:

• Mode: P (Program Auto)
• ISO: 100–400 (Auto)
• Aperture: f/2 to f/5.6 (depending on the scene)
• Shutter Speed: 1/200 to 1/1000 sec
• Focus Mode: Single AF with manual focus point adjustment
• Post-processing: RAW development in Lightroom (subtle adjustments to saturation and contrast)

Using Program Auto allowed me to focus more on composition and lighting in the moment,
responding quickly to subtle changes in nature and capturing the serene atmosphere just as it unfolded before me.

Furin Wind Chimes and Wagasa Umbrellas｜A Delightful Collaboration with the Summer Festival

Lotus viewing at Ueno Onshi Park offers one more unique charm:

During the Ueno Summer Festival (Ueno Natsu Matsuri), the area is adorned with artistic displays of furin (Japanese wind chimes) and wagasa (traditional paper umbrellas).

Furin are hung along the paths and around the pond, their cool, gentle tones adding a layer of elegance to the already beautiful lotus scenery.
The red and purple hues of the wagasa decorations not only enhance the visual appeal of your photos but also offer creative opportunities for composition and contrast.

It’s a perfect expression of Japanese summer aesthetics—a multisensory experience that delights the eyes, ears, and even the skin with the soft breeze that moves the chimes and umbrellas.

📷 The Lotus Viewing Deck: A Photogenic Spot with Stunning Views｜A Beautiful Harmony with Wind Chimes

The Lotus Viewing Deck at Shinobazu Pond is a must-visit spot for both casual visitors and photography enthusiasts.
This wooden deck extends out toward the center of the pond, placing you right above the area where the lotus flowers bloom most vibrantly. It offers a rare, intimate perspective—bringing you beautifully close to the blossoms.

In 2025, the deck was further enhanced with decorative wind chimes as part of the Ueno Summer Festival.
This created an enchanting scene where lotus flowers and furin could be captured together in a single frame.
Among photographers, it’s known as a place where you can “capture compositions found nowhere else.”
The soft morning light, delicate lotus petals, and gently swaying chimes create a serene, photogenic moment that feels like the very definition of healing in summer.

The deck also offers shade and a refreshing breeze from the water below, making it a pleasant escape from the summer heat.
With benches available, it’s a relaxing place where visitors—families with children, elderly guests, or anyone needing a break—can take their time and enjoy not just the view, but the full experience of the lotus season.

When photographing from the deck, try including both lotus and wind chimes in your composition, or capture the flowers reflected in the water with the sky above.
This unique vantage point invites creative angles and emotional storytelling.
And if you’re using a classically styled camera like the Nikon Zf, the blend of traditional Japanese scenery and timeless gear transforms the act of shooting into an artistic experience of its own.

A Doctor’s Perspective｜The True Nature of Healing Brought by the Lotus

As a medical doctor, I spend my days caring for many patients, constantly engaged in a fast-paced environment.
Through this work, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the importance of making time to reconnect with nature.

Lotus flowers, which take time to bloom and then remain still and graceful, offer a quiet presence that encourages our nervous system to shift into a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state—a phenomenon well supported by research in the field of mind-body medicine.

Strolling through lotus gardens while observing and photographing the blooms—what we might call a “photo walk”—also functions as a form of light aerobic exercise, which helps stimulate serotonin release in the brain.

In my experience, the result is simple yet profound: reduced stress and a sense of inner calm.

It’s more than sightseeing or photography.
Lotus viewing can be a restorative ritual, a way to reset one’s mind and body in today’s overstimulated world.

And perhaps that’s the true healing power of the lotus—something we all need more than ever.

🌃 Shinobazu Pond at Night｜A Dreamy View of Bentendo and Lotus Under Lights

When we think of lotus flowers at Ueno Park, the early morning comes to mind.
But don’t overlook the stunning scenery from sunset into the night.

As the sun begins to set, the lotus flowers are gently framed by the warm glow of the evening sky.
Then, after dark, the Bentendo Temple in the center of the pond is illuminated,
casting a soft glow across the lotus leaves and reflecting beautifully on the water.

For photographers, the golden hour and early night offer a magical atmosphere.
The Nikon Zf pairs perfectly with the evening tones, capturing the scene with a nostalgic elegance.

While the daytime lotus blooms evoke a sense of life and vitality,
Shinobazu Pond at night offers serenity and reflection—a quiet, spiritual contrast worth experiencing if time allows.

Exploring Other Lotus Spots｜A Comparative Experience in Gyōda and Chiba

In the summer of 2025, I found myself completely captivated by the charm of lotus flowers.
That passion led me to explore several other famous lotus-viewing spots.

✅ Kodai Hasu no Sato, Gyōda (Saitama Prefecture)

Located in Gyōda City, this is one of the largest lotus gardens in the Kanto region, boasting over 120,000 lotus plants across 42 varieties.
The sheer scale—lotus flowers stretching as far as the eye can see—is truly breathtaking.
A major highlight is the observation tower, which allows you to capture the expansive lotus fields from above.

→ [Blog post: Gyōda’s Ancient Lotus Village and Lotus Views from the Tower]

✅ Chiba Park (Home of the Ōga Lotus)

Known as the birthplace of the Ōga Lotus, Chiba Park hosts the Ōga Lotus Festival each year.
Visitors can enjoy unique experiences such as the “Lotus Leaf Shower”, and local guides offer explanations about the lotus’s history and symbolism—making it a fun and educational destination for families as well.

→ [Blog post: The 2025 Ōga Lotus Festival at Chiba Park]

Visiting multiple lotus spots made me realize how each place has its own unique way of blooming, its own atmosphere, and its own style of appreciation.

• Shinobazu Pond stands out for its beautiful fusion of city and nature
• Gyōda amazes with its overwhelming scale
• Chiba Park warms the heart with its history and human connection

Each offered a different lotus experience, and all of them left me wanting to return again someday.

Access, Crowd Tips & Nearby Information

📍 Location

2 Ueno Park, Taito City, Tokyo

🚶 Access

• 10-minute walk from JR Ueno Station (Park Exit) to Shinobazu Pond
• Also accessible from Ueno-hirokoji Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line) and Okachimachi Station (JR Line)

🎟️ Admission

• Free of charge, open all day

📸 Best Photo Spot

• The Lotus Viewing Deck area offers the highest flower density—perfect for photogenic shots

🚻 Facilities

• Toilets and rest areas available
• Plenty of benches and a Starbucks nearby for a break

🕰️ Best Time to Avoid Crowds

• Weekdays between 6:00–8:00 AM are the quietest and ideal for photography

🌼 Why don’t you start a life with flowers?

There’s something timeless and powerful about giving flowers. Whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or simply a “just because” gesture, a thoughtfully arranged bouquet can speak volumes when words fall short.

As a flower enthusiast and physician, I’ve seen how even a single bloom can lift someone’s spirits. If you’re looking for a reliable way to send flowers—not only within the U.S. but also internationally—I recommend Flower.com. They offer beautiful seasonal arrangements, gift baskets, and even same-day delivery in many countries around the world.

From Japan to Europe to the Americas, Flower.com partners with local florists to ensure your heartfelt gift arrives fresh and on time.

Because flowers don’t just decorate—they communicate care, warmth, and connection, no matter the distance.

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Conclusion｜The Beauty of Lotus Flowers Is Meant to Be Felt with All Five Senses

Engaging with lotus flowers not just as something to “look at,”
but as something to feel with your whole being, can bring a fresh rhythm to everyday life.

Spending quiet moments beside the softly blooming lotus, away from the noise of the city,
is the very definition of luxurious stillness.

Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Onshi Park offers this experience—freely and effortlessly.

Next summer, I hope you’ll find time to return to this place,
and once again share a quiet moment with the lotus.

🌸 Why Not Explore Other Flower Spots, Too?

For those who’ve been captivated by the beauty of flowers at Ueno Park—
I invite you to explore more seasonal flower spots across the Kanto region,
shared from a doctor’s perspective with care and reflection.

Let these journeys—accompanied by vivid photos—
guide you to peaceful moments and a more balanced heart.

▶︎ Click here for more flower-filled travel stories

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