Japan - Photographer's hints?
I'm already posting in this thread Japan Travel Thread over in Travelling & Holidays but thought I'd get some thoughts from the Photographers specifically.We're going for 14 days at the end of the month
Osaka (2 nights) > Kyoto (3 nights) > Hiroshima (3 nights) > Tokyo (6 nights) //static.avforums.com/styles/avf/smilies/clap.gif
We've got a 7 Day unlimited rail pass to cover the trips from Osaka>Tokyo so a stop or a day trip are possibilities.Hopefully we'll manage to see the Cherry Blossom in at least one of these locations.
We don't really have any specific things to see or do
So any tips on must see locations to take pictures of?
I've heard the Fish Market in Tokyo is a site to see but I'm not keen on getting up at 3am to see it data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7
Mount Fuji should be possible - from the train or perhaps a pit stop enroute.
It's a family holiday so I won't be disappearing for hours or taking tripods and filters etc.
Any photographic bargains to be had?
I am trying to tame my GAS but will prices be similar to the UK.
Any thoughts appreciated data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7 Fat fingers - I posted in the sharing forum not general photography - I've reported and hopefully a friendly mod will be able to move it for me //static.avforums.com/styles/avf/smilies/facepalm.gif
Thanks @Zone for moving this data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7 Just stumbled across this on PetaPixel
https://petapixel.com/2018/03/09/shoot-cherry-blossoms-japan-practical-photo-guide/ A timely thread, I'm also planning a return trip to Japan in May!
We visited Japan last year, Tokyo for the most part with a trip out to the Izu Peninsula for a stay in a Ryokan (traditional Inn, complete with Kimonos, hot springs and 10 course dinner), so cant offer any tips for your first three locations, other than to check youtube; there are loads of english speaking vloggers based in Japan.
Tsukiji fish market is indeed quite an experience, the largest in the world allegedly. The site in Tokyo has been slated for closure for a while now, but hold ups at the new site means it's stayed put. The actual fish auction (inner market) for traders is in the early hours of the morning, and is limited and ticketed. The outer market is open for much longer, and is absolutely packed with stalls, traders and restaurants selling the freshest sushi possible. I'm not normally a massive fan of sashimi (raw fish) but the fatty tuna we had was just incredible! There's plenty to see and taste even if you don't make it to the auction.
/proxy.php?image=https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4782/40731264212_604276bb8b_c.jpg&hash=49f931f36d2b12fcc262eea2e8fa9ccdTokyo 2017(1 of 17).jpg by Thumpermawer, on Flickr
/proxy.php?image=https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4788/40731270522_50f7467532_c.jpg&hash=248e5f43c1608f44cc5e89e405a6b925Tokyo 2017(3 of 17).jpg by Thumpermawer, on Flickr
If you've not been to Tokyo before, it's layout is different to a lot of cities. Because it's so vast, there's no real city centre, but lots of distinct areas. For example, Ginza is the premium shopping area with high end shops, Akihabara is where you go for electronics or Manga or Shibuya for Japanese youth culture, entertainment and "that" crossing.
/proxy.php?image=https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4784/25902327657_c6acc23a65_c.jpg&hash=c1679eeb22f70d810a9fe07cfdc2ffbeTokyo 2017(6 of 23).jpg by Thumpermawer, on Flickr
You're never too far from a Shinto shrine in Tokyo, and the large Meji shrine in Shibuya or Asakusa are both worth a visit. A lot of Japanese people are spiritual and welcome visitors to join in. For example, at the Asakusa shrine we used the fortune sticks (if it's bad luck, you can tie it to the railings to leave it behind, or keep hold of it if it's good luck), lit incense, cleansed ourselves and offered prayers following the traditional ritual.
/proxy.php?image=https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4777/26903031968_2c6ee0133c_c.jpg&hash=0d1ac25fa02a70a6dfdd235c3b751c4bTokyo 2017(5 of 17).jpg by Thumpermawer, on Flickr
/proxy.php?image=https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4791/26903034098_a9f2d1f2b7_c.jpg&hash=e841b25bcc53b0d8ed714302e501a4e5Tokyo 2017(6 of 17).jpg by Thumpermawer, on Flickr
Of course, we didn't know how to do any of this, which brings me to a top tip. Have a look at TOKYO FREE GUIDE - Volunteer Tour Guide Service in Tokyo. This is a brilliant service, where locals volunteer their time to show tourists their city. You enter your details, the dates you are interested in, and the type of things you would like to see (traditional culture, food and drink, modern Tokyo etc). They then try to match you up with a guide who has that experience and is available on your dates. You don't pay, and tipping is frowned upon in Japan. You will of course be expected to pay any travel or entry fees for your guide, which is a price well worth paying for the insights a local can offer. We were paired with a lovely woman called Masako, who taught us the rituals at shrines, helped us explore parts of the city and picked out an excellent restaurant based on our preferences, ordered everything in Japanese and explained about the meal. Highly recommended.
/proxy.php?image=https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4782/25902386507_4532a8f65e_c.jpg&hash=cd6ba58eb17f7a73a556a9dda6420bf8Tokyo 2017(12 of 17).jpg by Thumpermawer, on Flickr
Another activity to consider is visiting a Sumo stable to watch a mornings training. There are agents that have arrangements with stables where - provided you follow the rules - are allowed to watch the wrestlers in action.
/proxy.php?image=https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4791/40063131504_bc15e0c6d9_c.jpg&hash=32782bd16efcc764ca87ba32abbba6e2Tokyo 2017(2 of 39).jpg by Thumpermawer, on Flickr
/proxy.php?image=https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4773/38962702920_8d27052fa3_c.jpg&hash=01d7b882d5cd952fc4bb8269bbaf9602Tokyo 2017(5 of 39).jpg by Thumpermawer, on Flickr
Some will also allow you to pose awkwardly for photo's with the wrestlers after training has finished.
/proxy.php?image=https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4790/25902197967_c22ec24ae9_c.jpg&hash=677bd75d34feab4628ad4af861f516cbTokyo 2017(6 of 39).jpg by Thumpermawer, on Flickr
As you are there for a few days, I would have a look at getting a passmo card (Japanese Oyster card) to save time using the underground - which is all you need to get round the city. A lot of places won't take cards, there's a preference for cash so stock up before you go.
No matter where you go, what you do, or who you meet, I'd bet a hefty sum you'll have a great time! Tokyo is an incredible city, but you can really get the most out of your time there with a bit of planning on where to visit. I carried a DSLR around with me nearly the full trip and never once felt anything but perfectly safe.
/proxy.php?image=https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4785/26902823078_e7ed957330_c.jpg&hash=94e9ec9065710265f73b81146d0728f9Tokyo 2017(1 of 39).jpg by Thumpermawer, on Flickr Thanks @Thumpermawer that's a lot of interesting information and some great pictures.
I'll look into the guide thing as that sounds really cool!
We're arriving in Osaka so we'll be buying the subway card there - which according to my research can be topped up and used in Tokyo as well as our other destinations.
data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7 Yeah - great way to look slim - get a selfie with a Sumo.... data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7 I only charge £20 per photo too! I have a bit of an itch for a fisheye lens.Ideally for this trip as I suspect it would be fun in Tokyo.
Has anyone bought camera gear in Japan - any cheaper? Just registered for this - feel like I'm registering for Internet dating or something data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7
Slightly nervous about it but I'm keeping my fingers crossed we won't feel awkward for too long data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7
Your pictures have all disappeared from this thread but they're still visible on Flickr - odd. Good stuff, looking forward to hearing how it went!
I've sorted the images - i think it was because i changed publishing settings in lightroom and republished so the old images were "gone".
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