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World Photo

Photography in the Land of the Rising Sun by Jeff Kent A visit to Japan can provide a striking cornucopia of photo opportunities Article rating: 4.88

Japan is a fascinating country, a stirring place where age-old traditions meld with cutting-edge technology. It’s a land of bucolic rural scenes, dramatic mountains, stunning coastlines and futuristic cities. It’s a place full of dramatic festivals and interesting people. As a photographer traveling in Japan, your options for good photographs are nearly limitless. In fact, it can be a little overwhelming. So, to help guide you a little, we’ve broken things down into the major questions: When should you go? Where can you find good photo opportunities? Who should you photograph? What should you concentrate on? And how should you conduct yourself as a photographer?

When?
Japan has four distinct seasons, each offering its own specific appeal. Some photographers like the mild natural light found in the Tokyo area during the winter. Others prefer the cherry blossom season, which is usually around the first week of April. Says Marian Goldberg of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), “At that time of year, the natural colors are magnificent. The weather is great. People are in good spirits and often out in their traditional kimonos. There is also a good amount of natural light.”

Where?
Japan is a fairly large country (a little smaller than California). It has a diverse landscape with mountains, plenty of coast, rural valleys and bustling cities. During the cherry blossom season, Mt. Yoshino in Nara is doused in blossoms. Tokyo’s Ueno Park is another hotspot during the cherry blossom season, or on any nice day.

According to Nori Akashi, a photographer who works with the JNTO, photographers shouldn’t miss the Eihei-ji temple in the mountains of Fukui prefecture. The site is a prominent place for monks to practice their religious rituals. “It’s very solemn, quiet, and full of Zen,” says Akashi. “It is calm but strong-spirited, and it’s beautiful during all four seasons.”

Who?
To photograph Japanese children in traditional dress, visit any shrine during Shichi-Go-San (Seven Five Three Day). During this event, children aged 3, 5 and 7, dress in traditional outfits and go to the shrines to be blessed.

Some monks will also allow themselves to be photographed, but it’s always a good idea to ask permission. That bit of etiquette goes for anyone you want to photograph in Japan. “Japanese people are usually very shy,” explains Akashi. “Ask for permission for sure. At religious sites, you may need to obtain a permit in advance. The protocol would be pretty similar in other countries. When in doubt, go with your common sense.”

What?
Japan is teeming with festivals and spectacular events that provide top-notch photo options. There are fire festivals in the summer, which involve spectacular fireworks displays along river banks, in parks, and in other public spaces. During these festivals, Japanese people often go out in heir yukatas (summer kimonos) and the streets are lined with carts selling food.

Float festivals occur throughout the spring, summer and fall. Among these, Akashi recommends the Sanja-Matsuri (matsuri means festival) in Asakusa, one of the old quarters in downtown Tokyo. The event involves crowds of people moving along the street while carrying floats and chanting.

There are so many festivals that we couldn’t possibly list them all here. Luckily, there’s no need. The good folks at JNTO have listed the events for us: http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/rtg/pdf/pg-805.pdf.

How?
As we mentioned before, always ask permission when photographing people. Also ask before photographing inside a store or a home, and at religious sites.

As far as traveling with your photographic gear, you should take the normal precautions to safeguard your equipment during travel. Japan is known as an extremely safe country where theft is a rarity. “You don’t have to be nervous about someone stealing your equipment,” says Goldberg. “And if you lose a piece of equipment, there’s a good chance you will get it back.” That said, you should always use common sense, as is the case when traveling in any country.

Why?
All that leaves is the “why.” As a photographer, that is a question only you can answer. Many experienced travel photographers recommend skipping the pictures you feel you should take, and concentrating on the images you feel you have to take. In other words, follow your heart. If something grabs you, photograph it. There will be certain scenes, certain images, that almost compel you to photograph them. Try different angles and techniques and produce the kind of photographs that will spark memories of your trip for many years to come. The bland shots of famous tourist sites—leave those for the guidebooks. Make your photography your own and you will produce better, more fulfilling images every time. 

For more information on traveling in Japan, be sure to visit the Japan National Tourism Organization Web site: www.japantravelinfo.com.

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I realy thankfull to you for lsuch wonderfull picture specially the picture taken in natural light. I prefer to take picture of natural beaut, singing birds, flying birds. The picture of quarrelsum animal also facilitate me. Your site is marvalous Posted by: Manmohan Kumar Jun 21, 2008 @ 2:14 AM EST

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