Japan Photo Guide

Just like in real life, it is not good to always have your subject in the center of your frame. Actually, it is almost always better not to have your subject in the center because it usually makes the photograph more dynamic. Of course there are some situations when you want the subject to be in the center, but in general you should avoid putting your subject in the center to make your photograph more interesting. Here is an example of Himeji Castle where one of the photographs has Himeji Castle pretty much in the center and one where Himeji Castle is not.

Basically imagine if you divide the the photo into 9 sections with 4 lines (2 horizontal and 2 vertical). Like the example below. A good rule of thumb is to put your subject at one of the four intersections 1/3 of the way from either side. Of course you don’t have to aim exactly for 1/3 of the way from the side but you get the idea. Check out another example below from cherry blossom tree in Kyoto.

I actually like both of these photographs for different reasons, but visually speaking the photo of the cherry blossom tree on the bottom is much more interesting and dynamic.

See the rest of the travel photography tips and tricks!

Not only is Himeji Castle considered by many to be the best castle in all of Japan, but it is also considered by many to be one of the best places to view the annual cherry blossoms. Knowing this I made plans to go during cherry blossom season season and I would have to say that in both ways Himeji Castle lives up to it’s reputation. Himeji Castle is lucky enough to never have been damaged by war or earthquake and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I had planned to spend only half a day at Himeji Castle (this would have been easily possible if I wanted to) but I found Himeji Castle and the surroundings too beautiful to only spend half the day making photographs there. Many people do make this a day or half day trip when visiting Kyoto or Osaka. If possible I STRONGLY recommend you visit Himeji Castle during cherry blossom season (around 1st week of April) but if you are in Japan at another time of year, the castle itself (and view from the top of the castle) is worth the trip.

By Shinkansen, Himeji Castle is an about 45 minutes to an hour away from Kyoto and about 3.5 hours from Tokyo. For detailed information about getting to and around Himeji Castle please see Japan-Guide.com. Also, here is the official Himeji Castle English Homepage