Japan in October - Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto

dugrant153 · Aug 1, 2014

Hi folks, so I'm heading to Japan in October. Planning on bringing a few cameras ... but I was really thinking about what kind of areas are great views.
I'm familiar with some of the touristy spots as I went in 2009 but this year wanted to check out some of the "off the beaten path" stuff.
I'm planning a day trip to Hakone to try to get a nice image of Mount Fuji. Maybe Tsukiji Fish market for some fish action.

Curious if you folks have any experiences or suggestions for places to go?

Nuff · Aug 1, 2014

Hakone is very much on the tourist path, it's one of the most popular destinations for people from Tokyo... if you want to go off the beaten path, go mountains, onsens in Nagano or even Yamagata etc...

I went to tsukiji fish market last August, you have to go there early morning. Long queues. Etc, lots of people with cameras and lots of people don't want to get photographed.
It's also very very low light, since it's early morning, etc... pretty much digital camera heaven. I didn't get a single decent photo there, but it could just be me. I don't like waiting in queues and I like to walk around and find things, or seat down and eat. The food is great at the market. So enjoy!

Here's few photos from Japan, most of them off the beaten path. (I think) Dead Link Removed

I want to visit Hiroshima, my ex went there and she enjoyed it a lot. You didn't say how long you would be there or exact dates. But personally in October I would head to North Japan, even as far as Hokkaido (awesome seafood there) and chase their Autumn.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2014_where.html

This map should give you rough indication of where to go depending on the dates you are there.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2014_when.html

aRolleiBrujo · Aug 1, 2014

I wish I could offer advice, however, have fun, be safe, and I can't wait to see those photo's! So lucky to visit this great place! Happy photography! -Americo

analoguey · Aug 1, 2014

If going in Oct, why not photograph around Fuji itself? I dont remember the exact place names (we had gotten lost on a night drive in 2006-7) but places around are fun to photograph too.
My client's office was opposite tsujiki fish market, but I never went there! (and back then photography wasn't much of an interest)
The countryside is amazing. Gorgeous locales with narrow winding roads (I don't know if you've been that side).

Oh and Ginza used to have lots of sports cars turn up around public holidays. If you're interested in those.

Have fun.

Buy lots of film!

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ericdan · Aug 1, 2014

If you're into night views try this:
http://www.yakei-navi.com/

ericdan · Aug 1, 2014

Btw. Until November fuji is kind of hit and miss. Lots of clouds in your way

mooseontheloose · Aug 2, 2014

How long do you plan to be in Japan? Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Kyoto are definitely on the beaten path and if you are looking for great views then I might suggest that you rent a car and spend some time exploring the countryside. Or head to lesser known areas, like Shiga (just east of Kyoto). I lived in Hiroshima for a couple of years but that was pre-photography, but I do have a fabulous little book about all the little weird and wonderful things you can do there (well, in all of Chugoku, which is everything from Yamaguchi to Okayama.). I'll have to get back to you about it though, as I am currently up north photographing the big festivals of Tohoku.

Regardless of what you decide to do, October is definitely the best month to be in Japan.

dugrant153 · Aug 2, 2014

I will be staying for just two weeks. Most of it is already planned out as there are a few places we want to check out regardless. Looking to see what little hidden paths there may be. Thanks so far for the responses so far.
It will be mainly 5 days in Tokyo and 5 days in Kyoto with a day and a bit in Hiroshima. JR Pass all the way!
Good to know Mt Fuji is hit and miss until November. We were planning on going to Hakone to try to get a good view of it. However, based on some videos I've seen, doesn't look all that great and maybe a bit TOO touristy for the wife and I.

ericdan · Aug 2, 2014

The fuji view from Hakone is beautiful. You can't really get tired of it. I've been there a million times and it amazes me again. Fuji won't have its snowcap until November Either. So it won't be the picture that you see online everywhere.

Nuff · Aug 2, 2014

If you are for 5 days in Tokyo, spend one of the days in Nikko. And make it a weekday, it should be pretty quiet then.

dugrant153 · Aug 3, 2014

Went to Nikko last time I was in Japan (2009). Would be easiest if we had a car but we're mainly bus/JR-ing it.

ericdan, saw your site and very cool that you're living in Japan! Will have to keep an eye on those Kodak prices. May have to bring it from over seas (here in Canada) but I don't think it's that much cheaper...

ericdan · Aug 3, 2014

I wouldn't bring any film. Fujifilm is readily available here. Maybe you can avoid the airport scanners and buy it here on arrival and have it developed here on your last day.

Nuff · Aug 3, 2014

I wouldn't develop on last day, from my experience it takes around 4 days at yodobashi.

Also I wouldn't panic about xrays, I had my film xrayed 6 times and on some dodgy ones in Nepal too and they came out fine.

ericdan · Aug 3, 2014

Kodak takes 6 days because they want to send it to kodak for development. All fujifilm they do in the store. Never had any issues with their development.

ericdan · Aug 3, 2014

btw. What film did you have scanned? Low speed ?

Nuff · Aug 3, 2014

100, 400, 800 and once by accident I had natura 1600 scanned once. Came out fine as well.
Every photo that I had taken outside of Sydney is xrayed. No issues.
Also all of the film that I buy online is xrayed. In australia all incoming mail/packages go through xray.
No issues, including delta 3200.

By the way, when I'm talking about xray, I'm talking about carry on, not check-in.

ericdan · Aug 3, 2014

Hmm. I never tried it on international flights but on domestic flights in Japan I can usually convince them to hand inspect it. Maybe I shouldn't worry about it that much.

analoguey · Aug 4, 2014

Is the Nikon gallery still around in Tokyo btw? Used to be right around the corner of my hotel back then, but I didnt utilise it enough.

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RattyMouse · Aug 4, 2014

I had Delta 3200 scanned and at the Rome airport and it came out just fine.

In Kyoto, I asked for and got hand inspection and I had 2 dozen or more rolls of film.

Japan is a fantastic country. Step into a Yodobashi at your own risk!! I walked out with a new Fuji GF670W. A totally unplanned purchase!!!!!

analoguey · Aug 4, 2014

Ratty,

How are Fuji film prices there?
Less than US?

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ericdan · Aug 4, 2014

Pro400H is 1000 yen per 36 frame roll.

analoguey · Aug 4, 2014

Hmm. I don't know current rates, is it 100 yen to a US dollar roughly? (to a Rupee, used to be 3 yen, now it's higher, 2 or so)

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ericdan · Aug 4, 2014

103-104 yen per dollar US

ericdan · Aug 4, 2014

$9.66 for a roll of fuji 400h

analoguey · Aug 4, 2014

Hmm. Not cheaper much then, I guess. Barring the 'Japan-only' version bit about it, I suppose.

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Japan in October - Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto

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