by PhotoMann
Have 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...
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