They do and they don't, at least in Kyoto. All the major players are represented at Yodobashi - Kodak, Ilford, Fuji, Rollei - plus smaller players like Lomo and sometimes Cinestill. But - whether or not they have the amount of stock that you want is another story. For example, they may only have one or two pro packs available, or just a handful of individual boxes. Now, if they don't have the amount you want, they can easily order it for you and it will arrive (in all likelihood) the next day, or you can order it yourself from the website and have it delivered to your hotel (even faster). BIC Camera next to the station has a small selection of film and may have extra rolls if Yodobashi doesn't. And the branch in Osaka, right outside Osaka/Umeda station, also has a lot of stock (although their customer service leaves a lot to be desired).
The Yodobashis in Tokyo are definitely better stocked than the one in Kyoto. I've only been to the Akihabara branch once, but they had a nice selection there, with lots of stock available. However, in my limited experience, I have found that the branch in Shinjuku really is the best in terms of films available.
Edit: I just realised you are focused on colour film, but the advice still applies.
Akihabara Yodobashis had Provia 100 when I went there a few months ago. But their selection was very small and the actual film fridge was turned off. It was just a display of empty boxes, and then you took it to the counter and they got the "real" film out of a small fridge behind the counter. This was far from a glory I remember from just a couple years ago, when their film selection was almost jaw-dropping, but at least they did have the Provia I needed.
Funny, I found the city to be just like any other city in Japan. Nothing special... but then all those temples! Amazing.
Funny, I found the city to be just like any other city in Japan. Nothing special... but then all those temples! Amazing.
Just my opinion, RattyMouse. Just my opinion...
Well, it's hard to understand your opinion. Kyoto is like no other city in the world, all because of the massive concentration of Buddhist temples, representing all major Japanese schools of Buddhism. It's hard to comprehend Kyoto as the same as any other Japanese city.
Not everyone is into Buddhism and/or can understand the subtle differences between the schools and temples. Don't get me wrong, Kyoto is special for these and other reasons, but if you take away all the temples and shrines, it's just another Japanese city full of concrete (and I can say this having lived in many concrete cities in this country, and having visited almost every prefecture (only 5 more to go!)). I've known a lot of people (both in person and online) who were disappointed with Kyoto because it did not live up to their expectations of what this traditional Japanese city should look or feel like. Many were much more impressed with Tokyo. I know people who've lived in Japan for years and have never bothered coming to Kyoto (although, even for me, that's a bit odd). However, since moving here 3.5 years ago I've come to like Kyoto much more than I did in the past, and I've taken to exploring it in different ways (mostly to avoid the massive amount of tourists).
Yes, I remember having such big eyes 10 years ago seeing the film department of Bic or Yodobashi, as large as the food department in a supermarket! Now it has faded significantly but film is still available in 135, 120 and large format. I found Tri-X to be more expensive than in Germany, but I think we are blessed here.This was far from a glory I remember from just a couple years ago, when their film selection was almost jaw-dropping, but at least they did have the Provia I needed.
I went there with no interest in Buddhism... but I was interested in the temples...including Shinto shrines. I have a Jewish friend who visited the Vatican. No interest in Catholicism. Only the architecture. Took great photos (he eats bacon..sssssh, I wasn't supposed to tell anyone).
I agree with your last sentence.
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