Kyoto + R-D1 / Any advice ?

K

Kawabatnam

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Dear fellow members,
I plan to visit Kyoto at the end of April, and feel quite excited. It will be my first stay in Japan. I know that Kyoto is a beautiful place and I certainly intend to have my share of photo opportunities, however the information I couldn't find is about camera gear: do you know any camera shop I should visit there?
Thanks in anticipation.
(By the way I will bring a R-D1 with Voigtländer skopar 21mm for every day use and the ultron 28mm for low light).
 
Do the Poet's Walk, go to a tea ceremony, there is a wonderful restaurant that serves dishes made from buckwheat. Definitely try the buckwheat cookies. Look for a book before you go called "Old Kyoto". I believe that was the title.

Sorry I don't remember any camera stores there.

Enjoy!
 
I went to Kyoto for Christmas last year and took my R-D1 with 21, 28 and 50, It's a great combo. I saw a camera shop but can't remember where it was, the only thing I remember is that it was incredibly expensive!!

Enjoy Kyoto, it's an amazing city full of photo opportunities. I could only stay there for 4 days, I wish I had at least 2 or 3 weeks, there is so many things to see.

Sincerement
Maxime
 
I've been to Kyoto and it was probably the most beautiful place I've ever been. I didn't notice any camera stores, I think I was too busy just taking it in.

Personally I would just walk around, around the old parts of town or down the river; the temples are great but I guess you know about them already.

Have a good trip!
 
I believe most folks will enter Japan through Tokyo or Osaka, and the from these two cities, it's a road/rail trip to Kyoto. So if you have time in Tokyo or Osaka, there's plenty of opportunity to shop around as there are LOADS of good camera shops there.

You are going to have so much fun!

Cheers,
 
Hello

There are only about two used camera shops in
Kyoto worth visiting.

One is Mediajoy, which is more upmarket, but a bit expensive http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&u=http://www.mediajoy.com/mjc/

The other is Sanjo Sakuraya, which is bit cheaper and nicer.
http://209.85.135.104/translate_c?hl=en&u=http://www2.ocn.ne.jp/~camera3s/

Map
http://translate.google.com/transla...to-kawaramachi.or.jp/life/sanjo_sakuraya.html


Although both shops are more expensive and have less
range than shops you will find in Tokyo or Osaka.
Tokyo is a much much better place of used camera gear.
The other problem is the Yen has suddenly gone quite strong 190Y/GPB, where six months ago it was 240/GBP, so everything
will not be so cheap.

Kyoto is best for food [mostly better than Toyko] so go for that
instead !.
Visit Ipodo for tea and cake, and definitely have a Keiseki lunch somewhere.

-tc
 
I agree that Tokyo & Osaka are better for camera window shopping, especially for used cameras. Bic Camera opened a megastore near JR Kyoto Station last summer, which should have everything new under the sun, and might have a small used section.

As for non-camera things to see, there is much. It may be helpful to read some before you go to get a feel of the layout of the city and what you might want to see. Kyoto is rich in temples and shrines, though some visitors get bored after the 3rd or 4th one. If you're travelling with children, especially, you might want to find some less-ancient sights to see.

The JTB (Japan Travel Bureau) pocket guides are very good. "Must-See In Kyoto" gives you a nice historical/cultural overview and enough info about the premier sights, both modern and old, without burying you in detail. And it will fit in a pocket.

The eastern side of town has a large concentration of top-draw sights. Most are popular for good reason, and are well worth the crowds. My must-see list is all in the east, Higashiyama, and goes like this:

1. Kiyomizudera: if you only see one temple, it should be this: one of the oldest temples standing, breathtaking architecture and views; approach or leave through Sennenzaka, a narrow cobblestone street lined with traditional shops
2. Ginkakuji (Silver Pavillion): ancient, unlike the Golden Pavillion, and a very poignant, inward-looking response to raging civil wars and destruction in medieval Kyoto; located at the head of Tetsugaku-no-michi (Philosopher's Path)
3. Honen-In: further south on Tetsugaku-no-michi, my favorite temple, not so well known and relatively quiet; the head priest loves photography and hosted a Dennis Hopper photo exhibition some years back
4. Nanzenji: south of the end of Tetsugaku-no-michi; epic gate, romanesque acqueduct way back in the complex
5. Gion: narrow alleys, curtained entrances, geisha's wooden geta clacking on cobblestones

One day in Higashiyama is hectic. If you can spend 2 days there, you'll see much and not feel too rushed.

Day 1: Walk through Gion, take Shijidori St across the Kamo River into Maruyama Park, then head south for a longish walk or taxi to Kiyomizudera. Take Sennenzaka when leaving Kiyomizudera and stroll amongst the shops.

Day 2: Testsugaku-no-michi: start at Ginkakuji, then stroll south along the path to Honen-in. The path has lots of shops and crafts atelier. Nanzenji is a very long walk south from Honen-in, so a short taxi ride might help.

There's much, much more, if you have more time and maybe patience. The famous rock garden at Ryoanji, the cool anti-ninja devices at Nijo Castle, the 1001 Kannon statues at Sanjusangendo. Ginkakuji, the Golden Pavillion, has a gold-covered roof. The Imperial Palace is vast and stark, luxurious only in relative terms. Daitokuji in the north is a wonderful temple complex. And if the old stuff starts to bore you, there's plenty of modernity and shopping around Kyoto Station and midtown (Shijo-Kawaramachi).

Public transportation, taxis and your feet are all you need. If you're adventurous and want to cycle, the Kyoto Cycling Tour Project, near Kyoto Station, rents decent bicycles by the day.

Let us know how your trip goes!

PB
 
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