tgreenhaw

The missus and I are travelling to Japan with 3 days in Tokyo self guided and then a tour to Tokyo, Kaga, Takayama, Kyoto, and Hiroshima.

I'm looking for tips on things we shouldn't miss. I'm also trying to decide if I should use my best L glass or my lightweight small primes. I'm worried that the big fancy stuff will be discourteous taking candid street photos. I use a Canon R5 and have a pretty complete selection of zooms and primes.

Finally, should I bring a tripod, monopod or just go handheld?

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Just be sure to have a wide angle. A tripod shouldn't be necessary unless you plan shooting the lights at night. Have fun it is a great trip in a great country.

dadaist

Make sure you visit Tokyo's "Broadway" at night. It is a grid of 4 blocks-extremely well light up, so you won't need a tripod; also a dense crowd of people walking about that would make a tripod unmanageable. You will enjoy all that you see as you visit each area!!!

ejw 46 Loc: Tempe, AZ

If you get a chance, rise early and go to the Tokyo fish market (auction). You will see almost every creature in the sea being auctioned off to wholesalers and restaurants. It is a fun experience. But you will have to get up early to get there in time.

JFCoupe Loc: Kent, Washington

I am going to Kyoto in November. Just received an update from out tour leader. The advice is to not take a tripod or even a monopod as many indoor and outdoor garden venues do not allow tripods/monopods and you are then scrambling for a location to 'hide' the tripod while at the venue.

If you anticipate taking shots indoors, then wide aperture lens would make sense. I am planning to take my Olympus 12-100 f4 Pro and a 25mm f1.8 on my trip. If you shots will primarily be exterior shots, then your non-L lenses would probably be good.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

First, there are too many things to even contemplate a list.

Second, lightweight zooms are best. A wide angle zoom and something in the midrange. I think Canon has a zoom that tops out at 105mm.

Third. Japan is crowded. A tripod is just a liability. I have been there 3 times and relies on hand holding my camera and VR to do the job. I frequently found myself bracing against anything solid.

johnh1944 Loc: North Las Vegas

If you are doing any traveling while in Japan, I would recommend you purchase a Japan Rail Pass.

MJPerini

Japan is generally a very camera friendly country.
A lot depends on the kind of photography you do. There are lots of times when a wide angle lens and a tripod are helpful. But as noted above there ARE limitations, but those can usually be known in advance.
I say that because there are lots of night and early morning opportunities. The Fish Market is a sight, but all business, stay out of the way. An individual Tuna can cost more than a car.....
A Good table top tripod, like the Leica or Manfrotto can be extremely useful, I brace it against a wall or column or tree , or table or railing. You are going to be there a very short time, so don't over pack equipment.
If you never use a tripod now, you won't use one there, so ignore my advice. A really good 24-70/2.8 (or equivalent)Will cover a lot of ground. There will be times when something wider or longer would also be helpful.
Having travelled a lot, I have gotten my best results with 2 cameras and 2 or 3 lenses. This keeps lens changing to a minimum, and you are always ready.
Good Luck, Great place

rcarol

Lights at night hand held should not be a problem. Most camera have a nighttime mode where the camera takes several images at a high ISO, combines them in camera to produce a very acceptable nighttime image. I have included an example taken with an Olympus OM-10.

(Download)

tgreenhaw

Thanks for all the great tips!

Jsykes

Coincidental i was looking at a potential Japanese trip the other day and came across the Rail Pass link. I noticed that Shinkansen were included. Do you know if the pass covers all Shinkansen routes across the island?