Japan – Page 2 – Photogeek Blog

Days 6 & 7; Hakone

Exploring, Finding your Zen, Hakone, Japan, Landscape Photography

When friends and family got wind I was heading to Japan for the holidays. The overwhelmingly predominant response was “Take lots of pictures.” Understandingly so, considering most of the people I know see me as a photographer, or at least, someone who is constantly inspired by it. As I began to pack for the trip. I thought to myself, “Maybe just a few really good pictures would help me enjoy my trip a lot more.” The thought of reaching for my camera at every turn doesn’t resonate with me as much as it might have in the past. While documenting every family moment, meal and visit is perfectly fine. I thought about the moments and exchanges I might be missing while fumbling for my camera and the perfect setting.

So with my first week here I’ve had my share of opportunities to take hundreds, if not thousands of pictures I’d spend countless hours reviewing. I’ve decided to keep my shooting to a minimal. Something that is pretty easy when you constantly find yourself in good company.

And while I do find myself wandering off at times or wanting to jump from my chosen mode of transportation. I’ve kept it pretty low key. Arriving in Hakone, perhaps one of my favorite areas of Japan. I allowed myself some time to indulge myself by putting my camera to use. I honestly feel that going on without writing about what a very special place Hakone is, might be criminal. However, I feel that perhaps that’s best for another time and maybe, place. For now, a few pictures and a very Merry Christmas.

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A Christmas Story

Humor, Japan

I woke up from my best sleep yet at about 8:00 am. Three hours later than my previous days here. After a short breakfast, headed downstairs to soak in the hot springs. After a thorough soak and a refreshing shower. I headed to the adjacent room to dry off and get dressed before heading upstairs. Suddenly, I realized I had forgotten to bring a towel and the only thing there in the room to help me dry off was a box of tissues by the sink. Sopping wet with no phone or buttons to push for help. I took the shirt I wore downstairs and wrapped it around my waist hoping to slink back to the apartment unnoticed. Unfortunately for me and anyone else who might run into me in the halls or elevator. My entire back side was left exposed. With no other choice I began my journey back to where I started. First, the hallway, check. Elevator, check. Front entrance, check. I was home free. That was until one of the staff curiously peeked out from his office. Noticeably soaked and ¾ naked.

I did my best to back track my way up the stairs. Bowing respectfully, repeating Japanese pleasantries as I attempted to slink my way towards the apartment. While his view of my back side may have been limited to just a few seconds. I’m sure the memory will haunt him to his grave and beyond.

As I got back to the apartment I called down the long narrow hall for Kayuri. Instead, her Mom was the first to respond erupting in laughter as she looked on. Next in line was Kayuri’s Dad who immediately reached for the camera bag to document the holiday cheer. The laughter throughout the apartment could not be contained. We were all holding our belly’s, attempting to recover, long after I got hold of a towel. I’m glad I chose such wonderful people to expose myself to. A less humorous group might not take it so lightly. This little exchange far outweighs the first time her parents saw my tattoos, thinking I was in a gang. Or the time then entire family tried to coax a scorpion out the bathroom. Merry Christmas.

Day 5; Heading out of Hayama

Family, Finding your Zen, Hakone, Hayama, Japan

With a long drive to Hakone’s hot springs just hours away. Kayuri, her Mom and her middle sister Chisato felt an urge to reward my craving for traditional Japanese noodles with a trip to Wakana in rural Hayama. Though the drive there seemed to be a long one. The area we travelled had me more excited than anything on my trip thus far. As I stated in my Tokyo Post. I was really looking forward to exploring the rural side of Japan in the days coming. The narrow roads we travelled were highlighted on both sides by tiny houses, boat graveyards and rustic shacks that most likely served as homes to some of the workers in the area. The scene outside our car window reminded me of the climactic end of the Movie “Point Break” People running to and fro. Running for cover from the coming storm or apocalypse. The rain was coming down pretty hard by the time we made it to the restaurant and the wind seemed to threaten many of the shacks I mentioned. As we turned in to the parking lot of the famed noodle house. The rain stopped as if to allow us safe passage. Allowing us to reach our tasty destination without getting completely drenched. The pictures below were taken after our lunch. Left to Right Chisato, Nobue (Mom) and Kayuri. The noodles at Wakana are by far, the best I’ve ever had. Sitting seiza style will take a little more flexibility in the future, but I’m willing to work on it.

Ladie (1 of 1).jpg Wanaka (1 of 1).jpg Family (1 of 1).jpg

Day 4; Tokyo

Japan

Whether you’re in Japan for a day, week, month or year. You’re eventually going to find yourself in Tokyo. With this being my third visit to Japan. I think I’ve been to the city enough times to say, without pause, it is my least favorite part of the country.

Having travelled to many of my own countries bigger cities, as well as ones across Europe. I honestly feel they pretty much offer the same thing. Yes, Tokyo is beautiful and bright, but I can say the same thing about Times Square. Having lived a short few blocks from there for eight plus years. I avoided it like the plague. All comparisons aside, we enjoyed our day exploring the streets,the bus routes and trains. Kayuri insisted I do some crate digging. Even insisting I take a few records home. As for her, she took advantage of some of the discounts and tax free saving at one of the city’s electronics megastore. Not a bad day by any means. I just feel that my best days here will be spent exploring shrines and the rich history of the rural countryside. Below are a few images I took along the way. 楽しむ; 恵まれる

Day 3; Close to Home (Hayama Style)

Finding your Zen, Japan, Street Photography

Not much at all happening today. A lack of sleep the night before, indecision and some inclement weather kept us local for most of the day. Boogie (1 of 1) The most extensive journey made was down the forever winding hill that leads to the towns main road for the days grocery. As we were navigating the narrow sidewalk that is the main road. We briefly stepped aside to make room for an oncoming group. At the end of the line was a particularly slow walker who, for one reason or another, caught my attention, thus causing me to look back. The back of his jacket reading “The Bronx Boogie Down” came as somewhat of a surprise considering his otherwise local appearance. The moment felt like a little taste of home. Ultimately serving as a reminder of how universal music really is. Today’s lack of movement gave us plenty of time to plan out the days that lay ahead. Tomorrow we’ll be headed to Tokyo for the day. Until then, my camera’s battery is charged and ready to go.

Day 2; Kamakura and More

Canon Lenses, Canon lenses and equipment, Finding your Zen, Japan

With Kayuri’s Mom gone golfing and her Dad sailing. We had the house to ourselves for the first time since we had arrived. So for the second day we were out early. This time heading to the shrines, shopping and street food that make Kamakura such a popular area to visit. A lot of walking and climbing the many, many flights of stairs within the shrines. The monuments, shrines and temples along with the sound of chanting and the scent insense of have a way of both lifting your spirits and energy level. The shrines and buddhist temples have always been a favorite part of my trips to the area. We were so inspired by today’s trip that we signed up for a zen event that is taking place this coming Sunday. From there we headed down towards the main shopping area of the city where we stopped for snacks and window shopping while navigating the tight sidewalks as the cars wizzed by.

After the day ended and we began to climb the hill that led to Kayuri’s parents home. All I could think about was a couple of hours sleep before we went out for dinner…. And then came our nephew Youdie and Bang! Bang!! Bang!!! More on that later.

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Day 1; Hayama

Japan

After a fourteen hour flight from Newark to Narita Airport and a two hour train ride to Hayama. I wanted nothing more than a hot shower and some much needed sleep. So after a little catching up with the in-laws, some dinner and some shots of “Damn if I know” with Kayuri’s dad. It was off to dreamland. With a good eight hours of sleep in us we were able to rise before the sun, have breakfast and head to the nearby beach by foot.

While it had been a good fifteen years since I had been to this particular beach. I remembered the pathway quite well. However, as we came upon the gates of the Hayama Imperial Villa we stopped to ask one of the guards in order to avoid any imperial entanglements. With a smile and a joyous “Hai”, we were pointed towards the entrance the the beach.

As we arrived, about a half dozen surfers and paddlers were finishing up their morning routine.One man in particular finished his morning surf by using the plastic bags he had brought with him to clean the beach of any debris or litter. My wife and I were so moved by the gesture. So moved by the gesture that we soon found ourselves accomplices in his very mindful attempt to keep the small beach free from others carelessness.

Surf (1 of 1) $Ennv (1 of 1) Env (1 of 1)

And while the day itself was very laid back. The amount of ground we covered gave us quite a workout. From the winding streets to many hills we had to climb on the way back. Perhaps the best part of my day was avoiding any vehicular trappings. No trains, planes or automobiles. Just the sun on my face, the wind on my back and my best friend at my side. Until tomorrow.

A Fresh Start

Finding your Zen, Japan

Last night I finally had the chance to thoroughly attack the many images I had taken during my recent trip to Japan. It’s been two weeks since we returned and I’m finally finding the words to describe just how important this trip was for my mind, soul and perspective as a photographer. In the days, weeks and even months prior to the trip I went through some personal struggles that had me questioning just about everything. As far as I was concerned, removing myself from many of the causes of what had manifested was the best solution to the problem. From the moment I landed in Japan and set foot in Hayama. All of the stress, anger and anxiety I had built up in the prior months began to melt away.

As we shared a hearty breakfast and watched the sun rise over Hayama that first morning. I was asked a very important question. “What do you want to do while you’re here?” I took a while to collect my thoughts before raising my head and replying “I want to be the untourist.” “I don’t want to go near anything remotely related to what I’m used to.” “I want to absorb and experience everything this culture offers.” It was a pretty big statement for someone who had just experienced a fourteen hour flight, four hours sleep and had yet to take a sip of his first cup of coffee in Japan, but it was honest. I just wanted to leave behind all the baggage I had accumulated back home. I wanted a fresh start. Luckily for me, my mind, body and spirit was about to get the full treatment.

Japan Unmasked!!!

Japan, Surgical Mask Culture, Uncategorized

As I headed towards baggage claim at Japan’s Narita Airport I began to notice the handful of people going to and fro adorning surgical masks. Though it struck me as strange at the time; With a fourteen hour flight behind me, retrieving my bags and embarking on the final trip to our resting place in Hayama was of the upmost importance.

The next day as we traveled to Asakusa to visit one of the famous Buddhist temples. As we navigated the subway and streets leading to our destination, I noticed more and more of what seemed bizarre to these foreign eyes. Was the air unsafe? Was there an airborne virus I was not made aware of? Perhaps a Michael Jackson flash mob waiting to spring into action? Or was it preparation for the coming Mayan Apocalypse? Whatever it was, it was starting to make me feel unsettled. My wife gave me a number of possibilities that would explain this phenomenon; but it wasn’t until I sat down with her sister Chisato that night until it all came to make sense. I’ll leave this article to better explain things. After reading this you can decide for yourself if their very cautious, crazy or amazingly courteous. For me personally. After living in and around New York City most of my life and experiencing the disgusting habits of many of my fellow citizens, I’d choose the latter. http://boingboing.net/2009/02/13/japanese-surgical-ma.html