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Tokyo and Kyoto in June photo ideas


martin_glazer

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<p>Hi</p>

<p><br />I am taking a trip to Tokyo and Japan in June. I will have 3 weeks there. I am interested in Photo locations that are note worthy. I like landscapes and architecture. I am sure I will visit Tokyo sky tower, for a panorama. I will be bringing my Nikon D7200 and the Nikon D7000. I want to bring my Nikon 35mm f1.8g and the Nikon 24-70 f2.8 an possibly the Nikon 70-200 f4. I will also bring my Benro travel tripod.<br>

I could always get some picture postcards, when I get there for ideas. I know that people here have been to Japan, what were your favorite shots ? I could possibly get the Nikon 14 - 24 f2.8</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

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<p>I'm glad you posted. I am taking a similar trip in May and am curious what responses you get. I was considering limiting my Nikon kit to a 14-24mm and a 24-70mm. Maybe the 24mm PC (tilt/shift). <br>

One thing you may consider working on now is securing tickets to the moss garden in Kyoto if you are interested in seeing it. Reservations are available beginning 2 months prior to your visit. It is a whole process so read up on it. I found it easier to ask the concierge at the hotel we will be staying at in Kyoto to take care of it for us and they were very nice about helping. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3937.html </p>

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<p>I've been to Japan six or seven times, and answered this question before, but none of my answers were as complete or helpful as that of Rachelle M. <a href="/travel-photography-forum/00XJC3"><strong>in this thread.</strong></a> I with Rachelle and can add little to what she and the others wrote there. Kyoto is lovely--sometimes just walking around will give you the best opportunities. Remember that a trip to Kyoto is inherently a trip to Nara, Kobe, and Osaka, because you can travel between these cities by subway or light above-ground rail. Nara Park is full of opportunities for photography. Osaka Castle is a good visit. In Tokyo, consider going out to the base of Mt. Fuji. How are you traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto? If you buy a Japan Rail pass, you can use the Shinkansen (bullet train) for that trip, and also for getting around. If things haven't changed you have to purchase it from outside Japan. With the JR pass, you can make a day trip of the Peace Park in Hiroshima--wake up before you want to, nap the two hours on the way there, visit the Park, which is very moving and worthy of photography, and have your dinner on the train going back.<br /> <br /> I found little need for a longer zoom during my visits, but your preferences might be different. You could consider renting the 14-24, especially for indoor shooting. I've visited in June, an OK time, not too hot, not too touristy, but not special for photography like winter (snowy landscapes) or spring (cherry blossoms.) It should still be a wonderful trip and full of places to photograph.</p><div>00dDZR-556065684.jpg.233b08fdcc0f76d62100118457989edf.jpg</div>
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<p>Hi Kyle and Hector<br>

Thanks for the response. I only have 7 days in Tokyo. I will have 2 weeks in Kyoto. I will have to buy the Nikon 14 - 24. I will look for a used one. My Nikon 24 - 70 is used.<br>

I am probably going to take a train from Tokyo to Kyoyo. I fly out of Osaka. A rail pass is a possibility. Thanks for the thread. I will start reading it Having a Nikon with a crop sensor, the 14 - 24 is a little wide. I will definitely see MT Fuji.<br>

I want to see a Sumo match. I will see Hiroshima also. My supervisor is from Japan, she says Kyoto is where it's at.</p>

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<p>Hi Martin,</p>

<p>Lots of good advice from Kyle and Hector. I'm still living in Japan but I now live in Kyoto. As per Hector's suggestion for the old thread (totally forgot about it!) I thought I would try to update and add to the information.</p>

<p>For Kyoto, you might want to look at these sites: <a href="http://www.insidekyoto.com/">Inside Kyoto</a>, <a href="http://www.kyotoguide.com/">Kyoto Guide</a>, <a href="http://kyototraveler.org/">Kyoto Travel,</a> and <a href="http://www.deepkyoto.com/">Deep Kyoto</a>.</p>

<p>Kiyomizudera is currently being renovated so there will be limitations on the kinds of photos you can take there, although it's still worth a visit. The Arashiyama area in the northwest is also worth visiting, as are temples and shrines south of Kyoto station (this area, other than Fushimi Inari Shrine, tends to get overlooked by most tourists and guidebooks/sites). I live very near Daigo-ji temple, which is a World Heritage Site, and well worth exploring. Like Ginkakuji, it's possible to hike up the mountain behind it. I am planning a visit to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saih%C5%8D-ji_%28Kyoto%29">moss garden</a>, as I have been unable to get there yet. But it can be expensive - if you want to see other moss gardens in the city, <a href="http://www.kyotoguide.com/ver2/thismonth/Hydrangea-and-moss.html">this guide </a>has some good suggestions. As you'll be there in June, which is the start of the rainy season, any moss garden would be a great to visit. </p>

<p>As for day trips from Kyoto (or in the Kansai area in general), Nara is a good bet, and Osaka is worth a day. If you want to go further (or perhaps on your way to Hiroshima) stopping off at Himeji to view the castle would be worthwhile. The castle has been under wraps for renovation for years and it just opened two weeks ago. It's stunning and definitely the most beautiful, and one of the most interesting, castles in Japan. Another day (or better yet overnight) trip from Kyoto would be to Koya-san, a beautiful temple complex. The cemetery there is one of the most atmospheric places I have ever been to.</p>

<p>There won't be any sumo tournaments on while you are here, but I would highly recommend a Japanese baseball game -- it's fun and different to watch and experience. You could see the Giants in Tokyo or the Hanshin Tigers in Osaka, or the Carp in Hiroshima. You can buy tickets <a href="http://www.japanballtickets.com/index.html">here</a>, and more information <a href="http://www.japanball.com/baseballjapan.htm">here</a>.</p>

<p>I don't have much to say for Tokyo, except to say that it will provide endless opportunities to get great street and architectural photos. Visiting Yodobashi Camera, the mecca of all photo stores, should also be on your list. If you want to do Fuji (Five Lakes area), 1-2 days would be the minimum. Try to get at least one sunrise, and it's worth renting a bicycle to explore the areas around the lakes.</p>

<p>A good day trip out of Tokyo (one of many) could also be to Kamakura - you can see the large <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3100.html">Amida Buddha</a>, and several temples, including <a href="http://en.rocketnews24.com/2014/06/24/the-beautiful-flowers-of-hydrangea-temple-possibly-the-best-thing-about-japans-rainy-season/">Meigetsuin</a> and <a href="http://en.japantravel.com/photos/hasedera-hydrangea-garden-kamakura">Hasedera</a>, will be stunning with thousands of hydrangea in bloom. In fact you'll find hydrangea all over the country since their blooming coincides with the rainy season. Japan is a country very in tune with its seasonal variations, which includes flowers, blossoms, and turning leaves. Regardless of whether or not you like photographing those things yourself, I find it hard to photograph Japan and not include those kinds of seasonal elements to it.</p>

<p>Well, I think this is more than enough for now. Let me know if you have any other questions.</p>

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<p>I was actually just in Japan for 3 weeks, primarily for cherry blossom viewing. I had my D800e and my Sigma 35/1.4 ART (95% of the time and Nikon 20/1.8 AFS (5%). There were a couple of occasions when a 70-200mm would have helped but I did not want to lug around a lot of gear throughout the rail and subway networks (be prepared for a lot of walking). The 24-70mm/2.8 will probably suffice. <br>

Some favorite places:<br>

Within Tokyo or a day trip from Tokyo: Senoji temple, Mt. Fuji.<br>

Kyoto, Osaka (and surrounding areas): Nijo Castle, Gion Quarter, Nishiki Market, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Philosopher's Walk, Dotonbori Street, Osaka Castle<br>

Still haven't processed all of my photos (still on vacation), but here are a few:</p>

<p><img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/19089_10206292665185555_3171491067119654150_n.jpg?oh=905c6754bf91c8fdb7778438ae98c079&oe=55A6A39A&__gda__=1436049619_a924f53f373e06f588407bcc875b1dcf" alt="" width="960" height="641" /><img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10649920_10206306906101569_8755576583745391581_n.jpg?oh=812b148833c47b5563b533c1f8fdde16&oe=559C79A6&__gda__=1437412851_62dbef6880c468d35d83cf07a2143e91" alt="" width="960" height="641" /><br>

<img src="https://scontent-nrt.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/11096516_10206306905421552_1780192638829875760_n.jpg?oh=a4fead09fc7d3eadab6b60523949044b&oe=55AA995E" alt="" width="960" height="641" /></p>

<p> <img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t31.0-8/11078164_10206284980233436_2709315065630071867_o.jpg" alt="" width="2000" height="1333" /></p>

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