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A Photographer's Candy Storeby PhotoMannHave you ever had several hours in Tokyo and didn't know what to do? A visit to Yodobashi Camera near Shinjuku Station in Tokyo can prove to be an exciting time for any photographer, amateur or professional. Four of the six floors are jam-packed with almost anything you can imagine that's photography related. You can find just about everything from large format equipment down to disposable. Their inventory includes large, medium and 35mm cameras and their accessories. The film selection found in the 50+ feet of refrigerated display cases is unbeatable. Studio lighting, darkroom equipment, slide projectors, video cameras and printers, archival supplies and albums can also be found. Last year when I went on business to northern Japan and scheduled my flights so I would have a 5 hour layover in Tokyo. My intent was to look at lenses and play with equipment but ended up spending $160 on impulse purchases (film, filters, etc). I had been considering buying a super wide angle zoom lens and found several there to check out. On the basis of my what I saw and reviews I ordered the Tamron 20-40mm f2.7-3.5 lens from B&H. Most of the prices are high but the occasional bargain can be found. Yodobashi is a great place to check all of your options before you buy. Film prices can rival or beat B&H in many cases. I bought 10 rolls of Provia for 7800 yen. How to get there: The first thing to do is get rid of extra bags you don't want to carry by depositing them in the coin lockers that can be found near the exits from the arrival area. The trip from Hanada airport to Shinjuku will take about an hour. Take the monorail from the basement of the airport terminal to Hamamatsucho (460 yen). Then change to the Yamanote Line (green) heading toward Shinigawa and Shinjuku (190 yen). At Shinjuku you might be initially overwhelmed by masses of people transiting through Tokyo's busiest train station but just head for the exit toward the Neio department store. Once to the street turn left and proceed to the first sidewalk. Cross the street and continue in the same direction and turn right at the first narrow street. Yodobashi will down the street about 50 yards. Please refer to the included map as it's easy to come out at the wrong exit from the station. If you have time left over you can explore the Shinjuku area. The area where Yodobashi is located is a highly concentrated area of high-rise office buildings with camera, electronics and cloathing stores on the ground floors. The opposite side of the train station (east side) has an incredible combination of high class department stores, discount shopping arcades, flashing neon, stand-up drinking bars and an entertainment district. The colorful advertising signs and store fronts provide wonderful backdrops for picture taking. You'll also find other unique attractions like a huge large screen TV which covers the side of the Studio Alta building. Of course you can do one of my favorite past times which is just people watch. It's estimated that two million people go through Shinkuku station each day so you'll have plenty of sights to gawk at. Enjoy... |
