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Anyone been to Japan?
Patrick Smith, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Towson | MD | USA | Posted: 12:23 AM on 10.26.07 |
->> Well, I just booked everything and I am officially heading to Japan from Dec.30 to Jan.8 with a friend who grew up there and still has relatives there.
I am staying in Shinjuku and will be shooting a couple new year events/ceremonies, but going mostly as a vacation. I've always wanted to visit and have been studying the Japanese language since mid-summer.
So, I am wondering if anyone has been in the past and has any recommendations on places to visit or things to do.
Thanks in advance. |
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Jenn Jedynak, Photographer
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Northern Ontario | ON | | Posted: 12:48 AM on 10.26.07 |
->> I've been there and though it's been awhile and some things might have changed, there's no shortage of things to see and do. Tokyo is interesting, but if you don't like crowds, not the place to be. There are hot springs in many locations, some hotels towards northern japan even have hot spring swimming pools. Very relaxing! You can go to Mikimoto Pearl Island and dive for real pearls, see Mount Fuji, take a bullet train, visit amazing shrines everywhere and if you're still able to tour it, I highly recommend a visit to Shogun's Palace.
Oh, and drink Saki.
Seriously, you won't have any problems at all finding things to see, do or photograph. It's awesome.
Have a great time and safe travels!
Jenn |
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Derek Montgomery, Photographer
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Duluth | MN | USA | Posted: 12:53 AM on 10.26.07 |
->> If you have the chance, you should hike Mt. Fuji. Buses take you to about 7,000 feet or so then it's another mile to the top. However, the trail up winds from side to side and ends up being like four or five miles. The hike can take 3-5 hours depending on how fit you are. Once up there, the view into the crater and of the surrounding countryside is incredible. Definitely worth bringing your camera.
Roppongi in Tokyo which is like the Las Vegas of Japan and Hiroshima for its historical significance are also great places to visit. Oh and while you are there, make sure you chow down on some Kobe beef. It is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.
I spent a few weeks there awhile back visiting my uncle and hiking around the country. It is a great time and you will love it. Good luck on your trip! |
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Darrell Miho, Photographer
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Temple City | CA | usa | Posted: 3:29 AM on 10.26.07 |
->> i went last year for the first time and it was amazing! i stayed in tokyo for a week. worked three days and played tourist for 4 days. the subway is great!!! just try to avoid it during rush hour unless you like being a sardine.
a good pair of walking shoes will do you well. warm clothing as well. tokyo can get cold. a good map of the subway tokyo system is mandatory! and i think a compass will serve you well. i often got turned around once i got out of the train station, but with a compass, i was able to navigate my way around and go in the right direction. i even got turned around inside the Shinjuku station...it's HUGE!
there is a long list of places to go and see and take pictures of. to see some of the places i went, i have a couple of photo shelter galleries with some select photos from my trip.
http://www.photoshelter.com/usr-show/U0000WPxY3G3cDYQ
if there is one thing you MUST see, Tsukiji Fish Market. i spent hours there walking around taking pictures and fascinated by all of the activity. get there before 6am. i got there at 6 and i feel like i got there too late and missed a lot of activity. i know its early, but because of the time difference, you will be getting up at 3 or 4am anyways the first couple of days you are there. so go before your body clock re-adjusts to japan time.
other places of interest...
Senso-jitemple in Asakusa, Ueno Park, the Imperial Palace, Meiji Jingo (near Harajuku), Harajuku, Shinjuku, Roppongi (nightlife), Akihibara (electronics district), Ginza, Edo Tokyo Museum (miniature models of old Tokyo).
if you haven't seen these sites, here is some recommended reading:
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/
http://www.japanvisitor.com/
even though you have been studying the japanese language, unless you have learned conversational japanese, it may not do you much good. you can communicate with them, but they won't be able to communicate with you cause most speak very informally with different verb conjugations. in universities hre in america (where i learned) the japanese they teach is more formal. so instead of saying wakarimasen (i don'tunderstand), most people in japan will say wakaranai, which is the same thing, just less formal.
my friends told me just to speak english cause if they think you understand japanese, they will reply in japanese. unless you are fluent, the accent and speed with which they speak may be overwhelming. and i'm japanese and somewhat accustomed to hearing the accent.
it was very strange. i was like in my own little world. i could over hear people speaking, but i didn't understand what they were saying. i could pick out words here and there, but nothing coherent. keep in mind, that i am not fluent either. far from it. but the japanese people will be much more helpful if they think you don't speak. if i were to speak, i would just confuse them because i look like i should be understand, but i only have a basic understanding of the language. my friend's 4 year old speaks better than i do. ha ha! so take that advice for what it's worth.
of course, if you want to practice your new language skills, have fun. one helpful phrase: yukkuri hanshite kudasai = please speak slowly. i'm sure your friend can help you a lot with the language.
also, if you are staying or visiting with your friend's family it is customary to bring a small gift (omiyage) to show your appreciation for their hospitality. it could be something you bring from the US that they can't get there or you can purchase something there like a box of manju (sweet rice cakes) or arare (rice crackers).
that's my little bit of insight. good luck and have fun! |
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Darrell Miho, Photographer
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Temple City | CA | usa | Posted: 3:34 AM on 10.26.07 |
->> and by coincidence, i just read this on yahoo's front page right now:
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan is to fingerprint and photograph foreigners entering the country from next month in an anti-terrorism policy that is stirring anger among foreign residents and human rights activists.
the entire story is here:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071026/wl_nm/japan_fingerprints_dc |
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Afton Almaraz, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Ventura | CA | USA | Posted: 3:39 AM on 10.26.07 |
| ->> Japan is my favorite place in the world. I was in Osaka for 3 months with a group of friends. Visited Tokyo and Kyoto as well. If you like cars, the drifting scene there is off the hook. There are so many things to do and see. The people are so nice and so cool. The cities seem endless......flashing neon lights everywhere, and the fashion trends, well, make New York seem far behind.... |
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TD Paulius, Photographer
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Orland Park | IL | USA | Posted: 9:32 AM on 10.26.07 |
->> Patrick:
A few words to the wise. Read up on Japan before you go. There are many excellent web guides available and one of the best is http://www.japan-guide.com. Darrell is correct about the Tsukiji Fish Market but you need to start there at 2-3 am when most of the bustling activity takes place. Stay out all night in Roppongi or Akasuka and then traipse down to the fish market, hopefully somewhat sober. The Tokyo subway lines shut down at midnight so do not plan on that as a reliable means of transportation late at night. You will have to use cabs instead.
Forget Fuji. Pedestrian climbing season ends at the end of August 31. Come September, many of the 5th station on Fuji will close, and snows fall in late October. In fact the snow cap appeared this year on October 20. In winter. the climb is treacherous and all public access is long closed unless you are a mountaineer and are willing to find and pay a guide.
Regardless of the weather go visit Hakone, which lies in the shadow of Fuji. It is very picturesque at ay time of the year and has ht springs and a very good set of Torii gates for imagery. Kagoshima, the southernmost city of Kyushu is also populated by many hot springs and lies underneath a volcano, Sakuriima. Spend some time flipping through a Japan guide book and you get many ideas. Obtain a Japan RailPass or an AirPass , but you must do so before you leave as a foreigner visiting Japan. Japan has a highly developed and efficient train system. If you have the time, go to Tokyo Station in the morning rush hour and catch the “pushers”, railway employees that push people into the subway cars, as well as the sea of humanity that appears when the doors open and the passengers disembark
Good luck! |
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Patrick Smith, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Towson | MD | USA | Posted: 9:56 AM on 10.26.07 |
| ->> All this information has been super helpful! I am so excited!!! |
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Chad Ryan, Photographer, Assistant
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Fort Wayne | IN | USA | Posted: 4:56 PM on 10.26.07 |
->> It's been a while since I was there, but when I went it was for three weeks. I spent two weeks with a host family in Takaoka, and the rest of the time in Tokyo hostels. Spending time with a family was a great experience in terms of being wittness to the everyday Japanese culture. Their work ethic and dedication to whatever it was they focused on was quite an inspiration. The best advice I could give you is to be respectful of others. Most Japanese people have the utmost respect for themselves and others. I'm not saying you're not a respectful guy. I'm just saying to be mindful of your actions. BTW, if you screw up, they're also very understanding.
A significant portion of Japanese people speak English. They're taught English all through their school years. You shouldn't have many problems communicating. If you're much of a sushi guy, a night at a sushi bar is a must. The yellowfin tuna sashimi is a delight, and make sure you're sake is warmed. Keep in mind, sake is for sipping.
Have fun. |
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Michael Rubenstein, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Portland | OR | USA | Posted: 5:16 PM on 10.26.07 |
->> I've been to Tokyo last year. Send me an email I'll give you some advice.
best,
m
michael@mrubenstein.com |
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Chuck Liddy, Photographer
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Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 5:44 PM on 10.26.07 |
| ->> sake is for sipping? CRAP!! so that's what happened!!! |
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Brandon Iwamoto, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Fort Collins | CO | USA | Posted: 6:01 PM on 10.26.07 |
| ->> darn you for mentioning manju Darrell.... ive been craving that all month, probably wont get any until next year's Sakura Matsuri!! But sorry, never been to japan, so i dont have much more advice than have as much fun as you possibly can... i hear Tokyo at night is AMAZING to photograph, so give it a try! |
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Ben Campbell, Photographer
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Auckland | NZ | New Zealand | Posted: 9:09 PM on 10.26.07 |
->> Japan is freaken amazing so much to see and do! I went last year for the Basketball World Champs so got the opportunity to go to Hiroshima, Osaka and Tokyo. Shinjuku is amazing and crazy so you will have a blast, check out the Prison Bar cant remember if its in Shinjuku or Shibuya but its a blast. Go to Harajuku on Sunday there is a bridge there where teenagers go and dress up as there favorite characters it is great for photographs! Check out a baseball game i didnt get to do this but my mate said it is a great experience.
Get hold of a lonely planet guide to Japan or Tokyo it is probably the best resource.
BC |
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Patrick Smith, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Towson | MD | USA | Posted: 9:22 PM on 10.26.07 |
->> Ben that's the fifth time I've heard good things about the Lonely Planet guide. I tried to find one locally, no luck. But from all my past travels I've always been a Frommers type of guy. So I picked that up the other day.
I LOVVVVVE Sushi... and from my friend's photos, I am very interested in all the food.
As far as things I am concerned about is mostly understanding Hiragana and Kanjis. (AKA Japanese characters). I understand them, but there are so many. I know I'll be all by myself at least two days. I just don't want to get lost. Ha. |
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Mike McLaughlin, Photographer
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Neptune City | NJ | USA | Posted: 10:24 PM on 10.26.07 |
->> Patrick - You will have a blast! I went two years ago, and am still feeling the effects. What an experience!
I visited Tokyo, Kyoto and Nikko while I was there, so much to see, so little time. I did find that although they all do take years of English in school, contrary to what I was told, and you've been told here, very few people in Tokyo or Kyoto spoke English at all. They are incredibly helpful, patient, and courteous though, so If you've been practicing the language you'll get by fine.
As for the Kanji and Hiragana, if you know some great, but the signs are almost all spelled out in Roman characters also. Funny, before I went I was told all of the signs were also in English, Japanese words spelled out in Roman characters are still Japanese words that I didn't know! I did however pick up the language very quickly, it has a beautiful rhythm to it once you catch on.
I have some pictures from my trip on my website http://www.mikemclaughlin.net under the Projects menu.
If you have any questions feel free to contact me.
Mike |
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Steven E. Frischling, Photographer
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Live HVN : Work SFO-NYC | | | Posted: 10:48 PM on 10.26.07 |
| ->> Shinjuku is home to a small sidewalk that overlooks a massive bunch of train tracks were the most "jumpers" leap onto the tracks each year..........fun tid bit I picked up from the valet at the Shinjuku Washington Hotel while I was there |
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Ikuru Kuwajima, Student/Intern
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Lebanon | NH | U.S.A. | Posted: 11:03 PM on 10.26.07 |
| ->> I like Kyoto better than Tokyo. I'm Japanese and grew up in Chiba, which is next to Tokyo. You can e-mail me if you have more questions. |
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Chet Gordon, Photographer
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Newburgh, | NY | United States | Posted: 11:08 PM on 10.26.07 |
->> Patrick,
the Japanese have mass transit down to a science. the taxis and buses are an experience unto themselves. ride the subways of course. the JNR between cities & the Shinkashen (bullet train), but I'm sure with the devaluing of the dollar, it'll be quite expensive. still cool to see it in stations though. I remember the massive camera shops and galleries in the Ginza district. I spent 2.5 years on Okinawa in the Marines and trained at the base of Mt. Fuji for three months, but jeez, that was 20 years ago... used to ride the JNR into Roppongi, Ginza, Shinjuku, etc. every weekend. spent some time in Yokohama where I saw Japanese baseball and Warren Cromratie was still playing. (am I feeling old or what...?) maybe try to see a suma match too.
I have a brief layover at Narita coming up in a few weeks, but won't have time to leave the airport...
you are sure to be overwhelmed culturally as well as visually. as a photographer, you will cherish this trip the rest of your life.
-Chet. |
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Michael Rogers, Photographer
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Kailua | Hi | USA | Posted: 11:29 PM on 10.26.07 |
| ->> picked up my 1st Camera ever when I was going to High School in Tokyo....you will be overwhelemed with the subject matter and will probably get a bad case of sensory overload!! Just got back from a trip to Shikoku in Southren Japan. That Country is such a pleasure to the mind and eye. You are also very lucky to have a friend there to take you around. Good Luck on your Holiday Shoot |
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Robert Benson, Photographer
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San Diego | CA | USA | Posted: 11:44 AM on 10.27.07 |
->> Hey Patrick:
I lived in Japan for seven years, and visit there a few times each year. I'll actually be there on the dates you mentioned. If you get in bind or need american to talk with, email me.
Do these things if you can:
-visit roppongi one weekend night
-go to a yakitori restaurant. One of the small, noisy ones on a small sidestreet
-for good sushi on the go, go to the kind where you sit, and the sushi plates roll by on a conveyor belt system. just eat what you want!
-harajuku, near the JR station, is always good for people watching. You'll be amazed at what you see there.
-shibuya is next to shinjuku and fun
-if you can afford the kobe beef steak at a restaurant, do it. |
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Cory Lum, Photographer
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Honolulu | HI | US | Posted: 2:13 PM on 10.27.07 |
->> patrick
i often travel to tokyo and yokohama. almost every 2 months.
actually looks like i'll be moving there.
i'm flying up on dec. 25 coming back january 21 on work/vacation
maybe some beers are in order ?
i might add, you might think about getting a JR railpass if u intend on using the shinkansen (bullet trains). you could save a lot of money. if u do, u need to get the voucher in the US, its not possible to buy it in japan.
http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en003.html
also, if you're expecting deals on new cameras, forget about it. prices are like retail in the US, you're better off shopping at BH photo or Samy's. Hong Kong is actually the best for new stuff. better than NY prices especially no tax there.
there are some wonderful kick butt, 2nd hand shops. the japanese seem to want the newest and the latest. sounds like SS members. hehe but there is a fantastic second hand photo place in Nakano (west tokyo) called 'Fujiya Camera'. you take the JR Chuo Line (ORANGE train) about 1 stop from shinjuku. there u'll see many new stuff and second hand, used stuff. most in great condition. if you intend on buying new stuff, carry your passport, foreigners sometimes get the 'consumption tax' (govt tax) waived.
y, i agree w/ darrell, get some really good walking shoes. you'll be walking a lot !
i'm actually working on some long term photo projects on japanese society.
pls view my flickr site. i have some photos of japan on here.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/corylum/
aloha
maybe we can rendezvous in the land of the rising sun.
have fun.
aloha
c |
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Patrick Smith, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Towson | MD | USA | Posted: 3:37 PM on 10.27.07 |
->> Man, who would have thought so many people would have been to Japan! Not to mention two SS members in the country when I am going. SS meet? Ha.
I am actually checking out Mike McLaughlin's images now, but yours will be next. |
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Chris E. Curry, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Norfolk | VA | USA | Posted: 8:49 AM on 10.28.07 |
->> I went to Tokyo a few years ago.
I got lost there searching for sumo wrestlers.
Luckily I found a cab and told him the only Japanese I knew:
Hotel Shimigawa.
A great place. I'm looking forward to going back. |
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Patrick Smith, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Towson | MD | USA | Posted: 9:01 PM on 10.28.07 |
| ->> On a related note, any recommendations on a nice shoulder bag to carry around? Something preferably not huge. I am more of a waist pack guy, but would like a nice shoulder bag for lenses and my camera when walking around Tokyo. |
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Mark Sutton, Photographer
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Herndon | VA | USA | Posted: 10:46 PM on 10.28.07 |
->> Pat,
Although I was stationed there for 2 years back in the late 80's and a lot has changed. One thing I can say to you, the weather is like here in the Balt - DC area. Don't even think about hiking Mt Fuji at this time of year or you will freeze your butt off. I used to ride the trains everywhere, so try to get some train time. From what I remember you will be in a very busy area of Tokyo, but also try to visit Roppongi, Asakusa which was real nice and Shibuya where I used to hang out at. I loved every day I was over there although it will be cold over there you will still enjoy it. Have fun, Try some Kobe Stake too..... Oh! They have some GREAT beer also.... |
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Steven E. Frischling, Photographer
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Live HVN : Work SFO-NYC | | | Posted: 12:43 AM on 10.29.07 |
->> Patrick
You want to be able to hide the camera, or just carry lenses and keep the camera on your shoulder?
If you want to stow the camera look at the Domke F6 bag. If you want to keep the camera on your shoulder look at the Domke F5xb, with or without a belt pouch.
The normal pace an "personal space" of Tokyo makes NYC, London, Boston, DC, Paris at rush hour all seem like a slow leisure pace. The trains are packed, the pace of people rushing through Roppongi on a Saturday night will make your head spin.
On my last business trip through the city I simply carried two bodies, one a 1Ds with 16-35f2.8 and a 1D with a 28-70f2.8. The bag would have been bounced all over the place......my shoot was in an office, so obviously I had more gear for that shoot, but not out in the street. |
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Jon Malinowski, Photographer
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New Windsor | NY | USA | Posted: 11:33 PM on 10.29.07 |
->> Patrick,
This is a great tool to get around on the Tokyo subway:
http://www.tokyo-subway.net/english/
It'll tell you where to transfer, the fare, and the time, with alternates. |
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Darrell Miho, Photographer
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Temple City | CA | usa | Posted: 6:20 AM on 10.30.07 |
->> the Lowe Pro Orion AW ROCKS! it is a belt pack with a contoured shoulder strap and rain cover that stows away. keeps most of the weight on your hips rather than your shoulders.
you can fit a 30D, 16-35 f2.8, 24-70 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8 and a flash. it also comes with a day pack that is detachable. |
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Andrew Malana, Photographer
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San Diego/Tokyo | CA | USA | Posted: 12:32 PM on 10.30.07 |
->> Some things to keep in mind...
When taking escalators in Tokyo, you stand on the left. Right-side is for walking up or down..
When in Osaka, you stand on the right, left side is for walking up or down.
When in crowded elevators, and it stops not on your floor, get out and then get back in. Dont stand there and wonder why people push you as they walk out. Same applies if your are on a train standing near the doors during AM/PM rush.
NEVER place your chopsticks (hashi) as a resporitory in your rice bowl. It conjures thoughts the departed and is very rude.
Be prepared to take off shoes when you see the floor slightly elevated with a shoe rack in the entrance of a restaurant. Always if invited to a house.
Before going into a public bath or onsen, wash yourself off first. But then again, if you have visible tatoos, you may be asked to leave. Politely of course.
Smoking is still the norm but many are quitting here. Expect in restarants, McDonald's, etc. Deal with it.
Dont expect camera bodies, lenses to be cheaper here. They are actually less in the States. Of course there are smaller shops here that sell about the same price back home.
But you have you find them...
If you have the craving for a Krispy Kreme donut in the southside of Shinjuku, be prepared for 45-60min. wait. There is a new shop near Ginza in Yurakucho, but still long lines.
Look at the ALL the newspapers especially the myriad of sports papers. Color pics abound!
Notice the customer service you will receive...even at McDonald's...Textbook customer service.
Though credit card use is increasing, along with prepaid cards, especially Suica, Pasmo and ICOCA, notice cash is still in use. Lots of it. Plus they are ALL folded nicely, treated with value. Unlike some of the dollar bills you see in the States.
When shopping, be prepared to receive tons of coins if you use only bills. You'll get alot. Trust me... Try to spend the coins. Keep in mind a 100 yen coin is about 85 cents. Your 1000 yen note is about $8.50. You will go thru them like playing Monopoly. A can of soda is 150 yen from the vending machines. BTW, there will be vending machines EVERYWHERE!
7-11 here along with the plethora of convenience stores are a bit more 'upscale' than in the States. Oh, AM/PM is here, but they dont sell gas.
In the States you typically enjoy personal space of about 6 feet, expect 6 inches in the big cities here in Japan. oh..15.24 centimeters.
In your backpack you may typically have a small pack of kleenex in States. If you fail to bring any, dont worry. People will hand them out to you as you enter/leave train stations and huge pedestrian crossings. Speaking of crossings, you must see, arguably the largest in terms of humanity... Shibuya crossing and Ginza crossing.
When you deplane at Narita, check 'The Guide'.
Lastly for this post, when you get thirsty after an all day sightseeing journey and for some reason you dont find a vending machine, but do find a 7-11 or AM/PM...dont expect to buy a BigGulp or see any self-serve fountain soda machines. Bummer.
There may be other posts from SS members who grew up here or spent time here...plus the ones posted above. All valid. Most of all, have fun here. Great place to be and your experiences will be remembered a lifetime. |
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Patrick Smith, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Towson | MD | USA | Posted: 7:01 PM on 12.27.07 |
->> I leave on Sunday and super excited. I am staying in Shinjuku for eight days and have friends of my friend showing me around each day just about.
Any last minute tips, advice or words of wisdom? |
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Alicia Wagner Calzada, Photographer
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San Antonio | TX | USA | Posted: 10:16 PM on 12.27.07 |
->> If you have a Palm, there is an amazing program called Metro which will take you from point A to point B on the transit system. It works around the world, but I found it especially useful in Japan.
http://surf.to/metro
For photo spots:
I also recommend Harajuku, a part of Tokyo where "the kids" dress up - great for people watching.
Hiroshima was an awesome experience just to be in that city and behold the meaning of what the bomb did and can do. Also a site for cool photos. Nearby is Miyajima Island, a beautiful site, and the Himeji Castle.
I also went to Beppu, site of some crazy cool hot springs- (also a nice place for a spa day- if you don't mind getting naked in front of a bunch of people when you can't understand what they are saying). Beppu also has a park with wild monkeys. All of the above made neat pictures.
I definitely got my favorite photos from Mt. Fuji, but it is closed to climbers now, so you will have to view it from below.
I second the fish market recommendation.
Keep an eye out for festivals. There is always a festival and they are always full of great scenes. I went to one in Kyoto that had cormorant fishing, and another in Tokyo with fireworks.
Some of my pictures from Japan are here:
http://members.aol.com/wagneko/japan.html |
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Marcus Laxineta, Photographer
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Murrieta | CA | USA | Posted: 2:05 AM on 12.28.07 |
->> I suggest the tomb of Kobo- Daishi on Mt. Koya. Stay at the Monastery Shojo jin which is well situated at the start of the mile long pathway of graves and lanterns. There is a gallery on my site "JapanTruk.
http://www.robovet.net
Marc Laxineta DVM |
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James Madelin, Photographer
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AKL | Auckland | New Zealand | Posted: 5:32 AM on 12.28.07 |
| ->> show us your photos when you get back ! |
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Mark Sutton, Photographer
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Herndon | VA | USA | Posted: 8:27 AM on 12.28.07 |
| ->> Take some Under Armor gear too with some shooting gloves.... |
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Chris Ivin, Photographer
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Sydney | NSW | Australia | Posted: 9:05 PM on 12.28.07 |
->> A cool day-trip (let's say freezing this time of year) is to visit and photograph the snow monkeys at Jigokudani. There are literally hundreds of these guys milling around and they frequently visit their own
outdoor natural hot-tub (onsen). You can get some very nice
shots if its been snowing and the monkeys have a fine sprinkling of powder snow on their heads.
Its a full day-trip from Tokyo there and back, giving you 2-3hrs at the park. Directions as follows :-
From JR Tokyo Station, take the JR Shinkansen to Nagano.
From JR Nagano Station, take the Nagano Dentetsu train to Yudanaka.
From Yudanaka, take a bus or taxi to Kanbayashi Onsen.
From there, it's about a 30 minutes walk to the Jigokudani Yaen-koen entrance.
It you can't be bothered or don't have the time, you can watch them from here instead :-
http://www.snowjapan.com/e/daily/webcam/nagano/snow-monkeys.html
p.s. you don't need anything over 200mm to get a tight shot
when they're posing in the hot springs. |
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Patrick Smith, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Towson | MD | USA | Posted: 4:36 PM on 01.09.08 |
->> Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread. I just got back and had a great time!
I stayed mostly in Tokyo on the Yamanote line, but did venture out of the city with some of my guides.
The Tsukiji Fish Market was closed the two days I tried to visit (New Year holiday).
Nonetheless, I loved my trip. I have plans on going back before the end of the year to visit everything south of Tokyo.
My images can be seen on my page and Web site (on my page, too). |
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David Bond, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Muncie | IN | United States | Posted: 5:52 PM on 01.10.08 |
->> Really nice photographs Patrick, looks like you had a great time.
Reading through these posts has really excited me. I'll be spending a good part of this summer in Japan with my brother who teaches English there. He's taking a few weeks off so that we can travel. I've studied Japanese for two years and can't wait for the chance to use a bit of it and experience the culture. It'll also be my first time leaving the country. |
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Samy's Camera
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Price: $3799.00 |
Notes:
We have 15 refurbished demo Nikon D3 cameras available. First come, first served! Comes with a 3 month manufacturer warranty, and extended warranties are available. Send an email to samys@sportsshooter.com, or call 866-726-9463 and identify yourself as a person from SportsShooter.
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