Japan in October - Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto

[ericdan]

It's a ridiculous thought. I doubt it'll ever happen to me but for what it's worth
http://www.deepjapan.org/a/3491

 

[ericdan]

Here's the link to the story of the guy who recently got arrested for taking a photo of a woman inside a train.
http://www.japantoday.com/smartphon...d-for-taking-normal-picture-of-woman-on-train

 

[dugrant153]

I'll keep that in mind and try not to be too creepy!! Yikes!
Seems like it's very similar to Canada. Most people are pretty cool about it but occasionally could spark an issue.

Boarding the plane in a matter of hours now. Looking forward to epic landscapes, cool streets to document... and Map Camera... haha

 

[mooseontheloose]

Honestly, as a foreign tourist in Japan, you really have nothing to worry about. I mean, don't go taking creepy photos of anyone, but I doubt you would.

(I have, on occasion, seen Japanese men with very long lenses hide in bushes to take photos of (mostly) foreign women on the beach, or hide in nooks and crannies of buildings to take photos of (what seemed to me) foreign (re: blond) women in highly touristed areas here in Kyoto. However, that was some time ago, so perhaps these so-called laws are having some effect here in Japan). In all probability, you'll probably never see such behaviour, or have to worry about it yourself.

As many here have mentioned, myself included, Japan is a photographer's paradise/haven compared to many other places, so have fun while you're here!

And don't forget to visit Yodobashi Camera in Tokyo -- building 4 (everything camera-related, but the topmost floors will be of most interest to you) and the first floor of building 9 (film). This Dead Link Removed is shows where you need to go. (When you come out of Shinjuku station, building 1,2,3 (the same building) will probably be the first one you come across.

 

[ericdan]

and if you end up scanning some of your pictures please post a link for us!

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

In my 12 years in Japan, I never once had a negative experience when out with my 8x10 in the street or countryside. Going back this December (Kyushu, just south of Fukuoka City), as I have a solo show to promote world heritage designation of an old coal mine in Omuta. Hopefully I'll have some time to visit my old haunts with the camera again!

 

[dugrant153]

Okay so I've done some damage at mapcamera... A lot of damage actually. The variety of selection is downright astounding!!
Just missed the typhoon that passed. Phew!

 

[Nuff]

It sound like you didn't go to all the other small 2nd hand shops around mapcamera, otherwise you would do even more damage...

 

[dugrant153]

Its for that reason I probably stayed away from them but man, there's so much to choose from. Great service from mapcamera though.

 

[dugrant153]

Just an update: enjoying Japan a whole ton. Weather has been good overall. Typhoon on the way but I think I'm clear of the major hit areas.
Does anyone know if Yodabashi or Bic camera do film processing in their Kyoto locations (by JR Kyoto station)?

 

[mooseontheloose]

I don't know about BIC, but Yodobashi does. I've only ever had slides done there a couple times, and the turnaround is not too bad (for example: drop off on Sunday/Monday, pick up on Wednesday).

As for the tropical storm over us now, it doesn't seem any worse than the rainy season. That being said, they did send us home early from work today because the train lines were shutting down in the afternoon. Looks like the rest of the week will be nice though -- great for photography!

 

[dugrant153]

So its been a really awesome trip. I hope I can come back to Japan in the future. Camera shopping is amazing here and its a great place for us film users!

I'm about to get on the plane in a while. How does one say "please swab my film. It can't take xray."?

 

[ericdan]

レントゲンしないでください。
手で確認できますか。

 

[ericdan]

Show them that. I NEVER had a problem. They always hand inspected my film at Haneda and Narita in Tokyo.

 

[dugrant153]

Thanks, Eric and also mooseontheloose and others. A lot of great info here. Will have to refer back on this if I drop in again