Japan Photo Guide

Wedding Photographer in Tokyo, Japan

babibubebo — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:10:45 +0000

Getting married in Japan is expensive. Luckily hiring me as your wedding photographer is not! I am now offering my professional photo services for your wedding, party, event or even private photography tours of Tokyo and Kyoto. Contact me for a quote or check out the gallery for photos from a previous wedding.

My wedding photography services include:

Unlimited shots on your wedding day. All images are hi-resolution so you can make large prints.
All photos will be given to you on a DVD(s if necessary).
You will have full rights to your photos. This means you can print/use them as you please and get as many images printed at any photo lab you want.
Professional edit of the photos. This means I will go through the photos one by one and select about 200 of the best ones and retouch/color correct them if necessary. This enhances them for printing.

Optional Services:

Digital enhancement of all your images, not only the best ones I choose.
An online gallery where all of your photos will be uploaded. This makes it really easy to share photos with friends and family anywhere. Also, friends and family can order professional prints and other gifts directly from the gallery. I can add a password if you want. Here is an example of a past wedding.
A 8.5″ x 11″ hardcover bound photo book with the best images.

If you are interested in hiring me, please contact me. Also, like I said, I am also available for other parties, events and private photography tours of Tokyo and Kyoto. Use the link above to contact me for inquiries.

Kasuga Taisha

babibubebo — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 03:22:58 +0000

Kasuga Taisha, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a famous Shinto shrine in Nara. The Kasuga Grand Shrine is most famous for the the stone and bronze lanterns (well into the thousands) that can be found all around the shrine. It is at the far end (northeast I think) of Nara Park but is worth the walk, which is probably about 20-25 minutes from Todaiji. According to The Yamasa Institute:

Kasuga Taisha Shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Nara and is one of the “Three Great Shrines” of Japan. It was officialy established in 768 by the Fujiwara clan, but is believed to date from the beginning of the Nara period (710). The shrine is located at the western foot of Mt. Mikasa and Mt. Kasuga, sacred mountians from which the Shinto kami (gods) first descended. The powerful Fujiwara clan (one of the most powerful aristocratic families of the period) and the Imperial court worshipped here, making it very prosperous. Kasuga Taisha Shrine was unified with Kofukuji Temple in the later half of the Heian period (794-1185) with the emergance of the new theological philosophy of Kami-Buddha Fusion. The Shrine’s affiliation with Kofukuji lasted until the Meiji restoration (1868-1912) when the government established Shinto as the state religion and ordered the separation of Buddhism and Shintoism.

If I had to pick a time of the year to go, I would try and go when they have festivals where they light the lanterns. They do it only twice during the year, once at the beginning of February and the second time during the Obon season in the middle of August.

Of course going anywhere in Japan during the fall is not a bad idea. Also, apparently there is a really nice botanical garden with over 300 different kinds of flowers/plants. The garden is most famous for Wisteria which bloom from around the middle of April to the middle of May. Also Camellia flowers can be seen from early February to early April and Japanese Andromeda from late February to the middle of March.

Nakamoto Spicy Ramen in Ikebukuro

babibubebo — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 02:29:13 +0000

Before I had ramen in Japan, I thought ramen only came in the form of “almost tasteless instant ramen” that costs like 30 cents for a single bag. I had no idea how many different kinds of ramen there are(Sapporo and Fukuoka quickly come to mind as two of the most famous kinds) or exactly how delicious ramen can be. If you go almost anywhere in Japan, you will find tons of ramen ( ラーメン ) shops and probably will get something decent at most places. That being said, I have decided to share with you an excellent place in Ikebukro, Tokyo, Nakamoto with their spicy ramen, or I think they call it “tantan-men.”

If you like ramen and/or spicy food, you will like this place. First a warning though, it is REALLY spicy. Let me repeat that, it is REALLY spicy. I am not talking about wasabi spicy, I am talking super red chili pepper spicy. On their menu, they have a rating system from 0 to 5, of course 0 being not spicy and 5 being beyond comprehension spicy. As for myself, I like spicy food so I thought I could handle it and went with a level 3. This was barely eatable but after adding a lot of vinegar to cut back on the spiciness, it was delicious. My friend got a level 2 and it was still really really spicy, but much more eatable. After eating, we both got upset stomachs, but it was so good that even despite that, my friend wanted to go back the next day before he left Japan to go back to the USA. The next day we both went with level 2 and we both added a little vinegar and that was about perfect for me, just below my tolerance level for spiciness. If you make the trip, I suggest starting with 1 or 2 and then working your way up. Trust me it is spicier than you think it will be.

I made a very simple map for you. Basically, from Ikebukuro station, go out the exit OPPOSITE side of Sunshine City (Sunshine 60) and look for Maru Ichi Maru Ichi (circle one circle one, sometimes called Marui or Oi Oi). It is very close to there on the second floor. It is somewhat famous so if you ask somebody in the area where is Nakamoto, they can probably get you close.

Another warning, if you go at peak times you might have to wait a while to get a seat…

My friend suffering from eating two bowls in two days of Nakamoto’s spicy ramen.

Not really actually, I just wanted to use this photo of him assimilating to Japanese culture.

Here is another photo and some information about Nakamoto Ramen at World Ramen and another account of just how spicy it is.

Nectar of Japan

babibubebo — Fri, 30 May 2008 02:05:25 +0000

Nectar has been around for a long time, in fact, so long that it is becoming more and more rare to find it in vending machines. Nectar is a peach “juice” drink made by Fujiya. I say “juice” because well, it isn’t really juice. When I was doing study abroad there was one machine in my dorm that had Nectar and if we were at the machine together, we would have to play paper, rock, scissors to decide who would get the first one because a few times, somebody took the last one. Nothing was worse for us than feeling the summer heat and humidity in Tokyo, in a dorm, with no air-conditioning, watching your buddy drink some Nectar that you missed out on. So what makes Nectar so good that we would actually care so much?

The best way to explain what Nectar is would be to think about the last time you had canned peaches. You know the syrup in that can of peaches? That stuff is probably a little too thick and sweet to just straight up drink it, but imagine something just below the line of being too think and too sweet. That my friends, would be Nectar and oh how delicious it is. I especially recommend it after play sports or on a hot and humid day.

Tsukiji Fish Market

babibubebo — Mon, 26 May 2008 02:12:39 +0000

I already wrote about Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo, but when I went last time, the wholesale part was closed and I only took photos in the consumer market. Unfortunately, from April 2008 the market has apparently restricted tourist access during the peak hours and for the Tuna auctions and only allow tourist in certain areas, so I went in March to get some photos…By the way, I have heard that they have not been too strict so far, anyone recently go? If you have been since April 1st, please leave a comment about your experience…

After going, I understand why they want to stop tourist from coming as no matter how hard I tried, I always felt I was in the way. I went with a friend of mine and he probably saved my life a couple times because the workers drive this mini reverse forklift things around and don’t seem like they would stop if you were in the way… Especially since they might not always be paying attention!

Like this guy above who looks like he is sending a text or browsing the internet on his cell phone while driving! Anyway, I really understand why they want to close it to tourists. First of all, I know it would be annoying if tourists were coming into my workplace all the time whether they were actually getting in my way or not. I mean, these people are trying to do their job, which does not include tour guide. Second, it is not like it is one or two tourists come, but A LOT of are/were coming daily. Third, I saw a few of the tourists do things that are against the rules, such as try and touch the huge tunas or use flash photography. It is too bad, because even though I felt really guilty for getting in everyone’s way, it was really interesting to see once. In any case, check out all the tourist and other photos below.

Click the thumbnails to see the full image.

Koiwai Brand Milk Coffee

babibubebo — Fri, 16 May 2008 05:39:12 +0000

I have been posting about different kinds of food I will miss after I leave Japan and decided I needed to add one drink to the list: Koiwai Brand Milk Coffee. This is the most delicious coffee I have ever had (not that I am an expert). I usually drink one of these bottles of goodness a day. Anyone who has been to Japan can attest to the fact that there are about 2395802 kinds of coffee drinks you can buy from convenient stores and vending machines; while it would be impossible for me to have tried them all, I have tried a lot of them. Hands down Koiwai is the best.

It is the perfect balance of coffee, milk, and sugar (or whatever sweetener they use). Not bitter and not too sweet, just perfect. Here is the description from the label:

The mild flavor of this coffee drink is made using deliciously flavorful milk, which was selected by Koiwai.

If you like coffee (even just a little) you MUST try this coffee. Unless you like your coffee black and bitter, you will think the 147 yen was very well spent. Really it is that good.

There is only one other drink I plan to add is the ever elusive and deliciously sweet, Nectar. Look forward to it.

Chashuman

babibubebo — Mon, 12 May 2008 00:38:49 +0000

Chashu is “Chinese” style pork that is usually boiled or grilled, and served sliced or sometimes in chunks. I used quotes because I have only had it Japan, so for all I know it could be different in Japan, you know like how in America, Chinese food isn’t really Chinese food and Japanese food usually is not really Japanese food (in my 3+ years I have never eaten or even seen teriyaki chicken). Anyway, chashu is usually served atop ramen, but sometimes you can order it as a side dish, or as my favorite, Chashuman. Chashuman comes in a couple different variations, but the one that is the best is this one that you can get from Family Mart. Don’t be fooled by impressions, notice the unique shape of this one (hint: it is not round)!

Chashu by itself is quite delicious, but there is something about putting it inside one of these doughy buns that just takes it to the next level. Be careful when eating it though, as it tends to be juicy and the juice tends to be pretty hot. First time I ate one of these, the juice definitely spilled on my shirt…but it was worth it!

So in conclusion…
Chashuman easily gets a 5 out of 5.

Gyozaman

babibubebo — Tue, 06 May 2008 01:05:27 +0000

Like pizzaman and chocoraman, gyozaman combines two things that I love, gyoza (which is the Japanese version of Chinese dumplings. In the USA often they are called “pot stickers”) and the fluffy, warm, doughy goodness of nikuman. So you might think that I am all about the gyozaman…

And in general, you would be right! To be fair though, I have somewhat of an obsession with gyoza, so it is hard for me not to like gyozaman. Also, they are a little more difficult to find compared to the others, so that adds to the appeal. The one complaint I do have is that it might be a little too doughy. I mean I know that is the nikuman part, but I think I prefer just the strait up gyoza to the gyozaman. By the way, if anyone is a super fan of gyoza like myself, I STRONGLY recommend checking out Gyoza Stadium, in Namja Town of the Sunshine 60 Building in Ikebukuro.

So in conclusion…
Gyozaman barely gets an 4 out of 5.

Pizzaman

babibubebo — Thu, 01 May 2008 02:54:03 +0000

I have already brought you chocoman and the run of the mill nikuman, now I present to you their Italian cousin, pizzaman! I love pizza and I live these doughy balls of goodness, so…
Compared to real pizza, pizzaman actually doesn’t quite cut it, but compared to Japanese pizza, it might be a step up! Seriously though, it is quite tasty; however it is a little heavy on the sauce side and not enough cheese. Also, usually the “toppings” are almost non existent. Actually, to be honest, I am not completely sure what is inside. There is some kind of tomato based sauce and I promise there is a little cheese (even though you can’t see it in these photos–really it is a little) and maybe some meat and a few vegetables. Maybe.

So in conclusion…
Pizzaman gets 3.5 out of 5.

Shinjuku Gyoen and Cherry Blossoms

babibubebo — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 03:12:14 +0000

Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the most famous and popular places for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in Tokyo. The park itself is huge and literally has thousands of cherry blossoms trees, and a few different kinds. It might even be a little too big as I felt like I didn’t really know where to go; however, truth be told, it doesn’t matter so much where you go as I am sure you can find something to your liking.

I am a pretty big fan of Yoyogi Park and after visiting Shinjuku Gyoen, I think I still prefer Yoyogi, but I was really happy I went to see the cherry blossoms there.

It was really crowded and all the nice trees had a ton of people by them, under them, around them, taking photos of them and painting pictures of them. This makes for a great opportunity to take some nice people photos and if you are patient you will catch some really nice moments between friends and families.

Also it was nice that my timing was also pretty good. I was there just as the blossoms were starting to fall off but not late enough to where there weren’t blossoms still on the cherry blossom trees. Good stuff!

If you want to see the rest of the photos from Shinjuku Gyoen, check out the gallery.