JoeB Loc: Mohawk Valley, NY

My family and I returned last Friday from an 11 day, 600 mile road trip in Japan. It's been about 45 years for me since I was last there and this is the first time for my family. To say we had a great time would be an under statement, a trip of a life time. It was a guided tour so we got to visit some very beautiful and interesting places. I did visit a camera shop and was very close to purchasing a Nikon D810, but did not. The price was about $300 less than I can purchase it for in the States, to be honest, I thought it would be a lot cheaper. I've attached a few photos from the trip, hope you enjoy them.

JoeB

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

I lived in Japan for 3 years during a tour in Yokosuka while in the Navy. I agree with you ...... the photography subjects are non-pareil. I climbed Mt. Fuji while I was there and I chuckle when I remember the advice about that mountain. "If you are in Japan and don't climb Mt Fuji, you are a fool. If you climb it twice, you are an even bigger fool." I'm happy to report I got it just right.

JoeB Loc: Mohawk Valley, NY

Thank you for looking Bob. It's funny you talk about climbing Mount Fuji, our guide who is 57 years old never has. He told us a story about his son climbing it, ended up sleeping on the side of it with a bunch of other climbers, was totally miserable, said he would never do it again. Our guide said that all Japanese people were expected to make the climb at least once in their life time, but I got the impression that our guide is going to pass on it.

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

Some things are the worth the pain. There are 12 "stations" on the climb to the top, number 12 being the summit. It is traditional to climb to station 11, just a short distance from the top, and spend the night in a small inn. However, if you arrive too late, like I did, you end up sleeping outside on a piece of cardboard on a hard, cinder mountainside during a very cold night (winter coats are de rigeuer). Depending on the season, sometime between 4:00 a.m and 6:00 a.m., everyone gets up and walks the final distance to the summit so that you can be there when the sun rises. That event is full of "kami' - mystical significance. Even as a Westerner, I enjoyed the experience. I have the "chop", a Japanese Symbol branded into my hiking stick, showing I was there. Climbing Mt. Fuji and swimming a 2.4 mile open-ocean swim off the coast of Honolulu (the distance swum by triathlon competitors) are the two most significant physical feats I have experienced in my life. They both give me great pleasure as peerless memories.

sailorsmom Loc: Souderton, PA

Outstanding photos, Joe! Really beautiful! Our son (Navy) is heading for Japan and I hope he takes lots of pictures!

JoeB Loc: Mohawk Valley, NY

Thank you. Without a doubt he will have many excellent photo opportunities there. I was in the Air Force and was stationed in Okinawa. When my squadron was moved I was then transferred to the Philippines.