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RE: [OM] Going to Japan....

Subject: RE: [OM] Going to Japan....
From: "Olaf Greve" <o.greve@xxxxxxx>
Date: Tue, 7 May 2002 10:15:32 +0200
Hi Thomas (and others),

> Thanks for many interresting advices on what to do and see.

You're welcome! If you want more details on specific things to visit in the
places I have been, let me know. Basically, the trajectory I traversed was
from Tokyo to Kyushu and back (all by train), then from Tokyo we made some
two day trips, one to nearby Kamakura (nice, but more temples and temples)
and to a place where there were hot tubs and nice views from the mountains,
I don't remember the name of that place of the top of my head.

Some addendums:
> I'll probably fly in through Osaka,

I haven't been there, so I can't comment on it.

> and take a train to Yokohama (work) and from there to Tokyo.

In either of the two, make sure to at least once go up in one of the
skyscrapers for getting a grasp of the immense size of Tokyo. The
skyscrapers in Shinjuku are some 54 stories high, and at least one of them
was for free; the tallest one in Yokohama is taller, but it's not free.

> After absorbing a bit of Tokyo,

Yes, well, Tokyo is _so_ big that basically whatever you do there will be of
interest :) I don't have too many particular recommendations for that city,
though I liked my visit to the Tokyo - Edo museum.

> I'll head back to Osaka and from there Kyoto and (probably) some other
destinations.

Kyoto is the place to be for seeing temples (Nara as well, BTW). Of
particular interest are the golden temple in Kyoto, and the one in Nara that
is the tallest wooden building in the world. Both places are extremely
touristy, but very nice to visit nonetheless. BTW, if you're into modern
architecture, make sure not to miss out on the Kyoto train station ("the
cube"), which I found to be beautiful. After Kyoto and Nara, you'll probably
have had your share of temples --- I know I had! ;) So, from there on you
may want to concentrate on other specifically Japanese sights, such as
Samurai castles (there's one in the small town where I took the picture of
the Samurai bridge that appears on my page, this is somewhere between
Hiroshima and Kyoto, Iwakuna I believe it is called), this is definitely a
nice place to visit. Then, you could push further westbound, to Hiroshima
and Miyajima island (with the famous floating Torii gate and other sites of
interest), from there, push further to Nagasaki and get a grasp on the
history of that city (and perhaps their trade with the Dutch :) ), maybe
even go as far as Mt. Aso and to the Samurai castle that is located in the
south of Kyushu.

> I've heard that domestic flights are not that expensive (and I have a pile
of frequent flyer
> miles in StarAlliance - ANA is a member hereof..hmm...),

While that may be true, I'd also check into the options of getting a Japan
rail pass (if time permits this), and make use of the trains, which are a
lovely experience in Japan, especially the Shinkansen bullet trains, of
course. If time permits this, I would probably go for this, as it will
enable you to visit all (or most of) the above mentioned places.

> so I've thought about going to some farther away places (Being into
> japanese martial arts, I am definitely going to benefit from the trip to
> do some training - which may require hitting Okinawa). However much of
> that depends on the opinion of the CDFO (whom I, unfortunately, cannot
> bring on this trip).

Hmmm, can't help you there...

> Anyways, I have considred the following camera-setup:
>
>       OM2s/p + Winder2 (slides)
>       OM4 + MD1        (color print)
>       OM1 + Winder 2   (b/w)

No problem, though I personally think 2 bodies and 1 drive ought to be
sufficient, but that's just me.

> And the following lenses:
>
>       24/2.0
>       135/2.8
>       200/4
>       35-105/3.5-4.5

Good choice, though you may want to add a 50mm prime and a flash(!!!!) in
there for low light situations, such as museums.

> Since I may get to photograph in-door (martial arts training is among what
> I hope to encounter), I may either replace the 135/2.8 with the 85/2 or
> suplement with the 85/2 to get a little more light. Anyone see anything
> I've forgotten or anything that might be in excess?

Supplement the 135/2.8 with the 85/2 for this very purpose, also add that
flash (and/or some really high speed film) in there, or you'll regret it :)

> I'm not sure where to go with films...I'll probably bring Kodakchrome
> 25's, and probably also Ektachrome 100WS (I've grown to like the WS
> variation). I guess it should be enough slide-wise. B/w will be PanF, and
> color print will probably be Provia 160 (possibly VS).

There you go, all slow stuff. While good choices, I cannot stress the
importance of a flash (and perhaps a light tripod) enough. Suggestion bring
some Provia as well, the 100 ASA kind can safely be pushed to 400 ASA, and
the 400 ASA kind can even be pushed as far as 3200 ASA - a remarkable
characteristic.

> Which brings me to the final issue: any reccomended processing sites in
> Osaka? It would be fun to get (at least) the prints developed on the spot,
> however only if it can be done by a reasonably good lab....

No ideas there....

> That's all ;) Ohh, except that I am still looking for a Zuikoholics
> Anonymous meeting while in Japan. Are there really no list-members in
Japan??

Well, William Green used to live there, Tomoko is -I believe- at present in
Japan (not certain), and there were one or two more list members that are
located there....

Sayonara!
Olafo


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