For many of us, depending on the climate of our respective hometowns, sakura season 2021 has already came and went. Although the ephemeral nature of cherry blossom is often touted as part of its appeal, we can’t help but feel a bit wistful as we watch the last of the petals flutter to the ground.

Just to rub it in even more, talented Japanese photographer Takahiro Bessho recently uploaded the eight best shots he took in Hirosaki Park in Aomori.

This photographer is a master when it comes to natural scenery, and these idyllic pictures look almost otherworldly in their beauty.

Along with the photos, he left a comment stating that he’d heard that Hirosaki Park is the best sakura spot in Tohoku, but judging by the scenes he witnessed, perhaps it’s actually the best in all of Japan. Some enamoured commenters on Twitter went further, saying they think it could be the best in the whole world.

These eight photos show an impressive range, encompassing both day, dusk, and night views.

In Hirosaki Park, cherry blossom lovers can also get a glimpse of a ‘hanaikada’, literally meaning ‘flower raft’. This is when the sakura petals fall into the river, creating a perfect pink blanket that covers the water’s surface.

If you want to see more amazing scenery in Japan captured by Takahiro Bessho, check out his Twitter page!