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| Click photo for more images from Tokyo, Japan. |
An invitation from Nikon to get a hands-on introduction to the new D3 and D300 DSLRs brought me and other journalists to Tokyo in late August.
Our time with the cameras and the engineers behind them was significant. These are, after all, complex and boundary-pushing products. And you can read about them in our comprehensive reports linked here.
While the new Nikons drew me to Tokyo, the city itself is one heck of a magnet. Yes, summer's heat and humidity can oppressive, but for a photographer, Tokyo presents so much to shoot -- and such a camera-loving culture -- that it's irresistible.
If you've been here, you know what I mean. And if you haven't, here are a few thoughts on what you can expect and what you might try when you visit Tokyo with photography on your mind:
Don't Worry. If there is one place in the world where you can walk the streets with a camera and not fear rip-off or outright robbery, Tokyo is it. While I'm sure someone at some time has had a camera stolen, in my numerous visits here, I haven't heard of it. I've never felt threatened, or even concerned. It's all a far cry from the tourists I see daily in Manhattan closely clutching, hiding, and even disguising their cameras (black tape over the brand name).
Get Religion. There are hundreds of wonderful places to make your first stop (Tokyo Disney Resort aside). I suggest the Asakusa Temple. Here, Buddhism isn't all solemn, and it's totally photogenic. The street leading up to this mammoth temple is lined with tiny shops selling souvenirs, gee-gaws, and fresh-baked sweets. Even if you're not in the market for a junior ninja outfit or a saki serving set, you can't pass up the photos. Tight shots of the colorful wares are a natural. So are portraits of the vendors. (Buy something and you'll get a pose and a smile.) To the left, a five-story pagoda towers over the scene. Ahead, just short of the temple steps, the faithful post their prayers on wire racks, wrapping the paper notes in delicate knots. There's also a giant bronze urn that smokes with the bundles of incense worshippers place inside. Virtually everyone who passes the urn waves the scented smoke their way in a good-luck gesture. Fountains, a Shinto shrine, and dozens of statues share the grounds with the temple. And everywhere, people are taking photos -- family portraits, children's snapshots, tourists, pros -- and none seem camera-shy.
Hit the Stores. Don't try to photograph inside any of Tokyo's big department stores or other major retail establishments, or you'll find out like I have on many occasions that it's not permitted. (If, on the other hand, you like meeting retail-security personnel, fire away.) Instead, think small. Some of the best and most colorful displays are not in the big stores, but outside the small ones. Merchants arrange everything from umbrellas to toothpaste in wildly eye-catching displays. And restaurants? Not only do they have the famous fake sushi, but there also are scale models of absolutely anything ingestible. Bowls of noodles, plates of fish, whipped-cream-topped desserts are often sitting on sidewalk tables looking totally life-like, but being totally fake. A great chance to practice your culinary shooting skills.
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