Patience Pays Off: Capturing Mt. Fuji and Cherry Blossoms in Shizuoka

May 02 | Evan | No Comments |

After a spell of endless rain and unexpected adventures in Tokyo, our 2023 Cherry Blossom Photography Tour continued towards Shizuoka. Our mission? To capture the majesty of Mt. Fuji framed by the delicate cherry blossoms. As anyone who’s tried to photograph this elusive mountain knows, patience is key, and a little help from Mt. Fuji never hurts either.

On arrival, I have to admit, my heart sank a bit. The mountain was shrouded, hidden from sight, and I couldn’t help but feel our trip might be a lost cause. But one thing I’ve learned in my years of photography is the power of patience, and so we waited. As the day faded and the sun disappeared, something incredible happened – for a brief 15 minutes, the clouds around Mt. Fuji parted. It was like the mountain knew we were waiting, and it rewarded our patience with a stunning, albeit fleeting, appearance.

The next morning, we set off for Miho no Matsubara, a stunning beach known for its pinetrees and views of Mt. Fuji. The haze that morning was heavy, masking much of the mountain, but we could just make out its iconic outline. We captured what we could, the hazy silhouette of Fuji adding a mysterious touch to our shots.

Even as the sun came out later in the day, Mt. Fuji remained stubbornly hidden. But if there’s one thing our rain-soaked Tokyo adventure taught us, it’s to make the most of unexpected circumstances. So we turned our lenses towards Shizuoka’s beautiful tea plantations. Bathed in sunlight, the vibrant green fields offered a whole new world of photographic opportunities, a stark contrast to the elusive snow-capped peak we’d been chasing.

We also took the time to delve deeper into the history and significance of Mt. Fuji at the Fuji World Heritage Centre. The experience added a layer of depth to our photographic journey, reminding us that the mountain we were so keen to capture is more than just a beautiful landscape; it’s a symbol of Japan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Our time in Shizuoka was a testament to the unpredictable nature of photography tours. We didn’t get the clear, sunlit shots of Mt. Fuji framed by cherry blossoms that we’d envisioned. But we left with something possibly even more valuable – a deeper appreciation for the process, the patience, and the ability to find beauty in unexpected places.

Whether it’s rain in Tokyo or a shy Mt. Fuji, the 2023 Cherry Blossom Photography Tour has taught us that the best way to capture Japan’s beauty is to embrace the unexpected. And for that, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Japan’s cherry blossom season in 2024! Reach out now to secure your spot on our guided photography tour, or explore our 2023 cherry blossom tour of Japan posts to get a glimpse of the unforgettable experiences that await you.

Embracing the Unexpected: Cherry Blossom Photography Tour in Rainy Tokyo 2023

Apr 20 | Evan | Comments Off |

Back in March of 2023, I had the unique pleasure of guiding a photography tour in Tokyo during the cherry blossom season. This was the first cherry blossom tour I lead in Japan since covid so we were all super excited to be in Tokyo for Now, Tokyo in cherry blossom season is nothing short of magical, but this year was different. What made it stand out? Rain. And lots of it. From gentle drizzles to dramatic downpours, rain was our constant companion, redefining our adventure and pushing us to think outside the box.

As a seasoned guide, I’m always prepared for a curveball from Mother Nature. After all, one of the joys of photography lies in embracing the unexpected. And so, we took the wet weather in our stride, swapping sunny cherry blossom picnics for moody rain-soaked shots, reflections, and indoor explorations.

We found ourselves, umbrellas in hand, wandering towards the Tokyo International Forum one day. Inside, I spent hours experimenting with slow shutter speeds and panning techniques, capturing the pulse of the city in a way that’s impossible under the bright sun. The rain may have pushed us indoors, but it also pushed us creatively, and I couldn’t have asked for more.

Another favorite spot of ours was the grand Tokyo Station. The rain-soaked ground in front of the station turned into a natural mirror, reflecting the splendid architecture and bustling city life. The sight was awe-inspiring, and our cameras were thrilled with the unexpected gift from the skies.

With our eyes set on indoor locations, we sought out buildings with interesting architecture that could offer us unique photographic opportunities. The rain had given us a chance to explore Tokyo’s architectural marvels from a different perspective, and we relished the chance.

In between our photographic escapades, we were invited into a local Japanese chef’s home for a meal. The delicious, home-cooked meal was a welcome break and a heartwarming experience, making us feel a little bit more at home in the sprawling city.

However, the rain did grant us a few free moments to catch the cherry blossoms. We seized these precious opportunities and headed to Chidorigafuchi, Aoyama Cemetery, and the Meguro River. We may have been damp and a little chilly, but seeing those delicate blooms against the grey sky was worth every drop.

The 2023 Cherry Blossom Photography Tour in Tokyo was unlike any other. We may have been rained out, but we didn’t let that dampen our spirits. Instead, we found beauty in the unexpected, captured memories in the rain, and left Tokyo with a newfound appreciation for the unpredictable nature of photography.

If you’re a photographer who loves a challenge, I highly recommend visiting Tokyo during the cherry blossom season – rain or shine. You never know what surprises you’ll find, and that’s the real magic of photography in Japan.

What’s so special about Japanese convenience stores?

Apr 01 | Evan | No Comments |

Have you heard much about Japanese convenience stores? Yes, we are talking about convenience stores. In the U.S., there are also convenience stores too, but you don’t necessarily think of a convenience store where people go to have a decent meal, right? In the U.S., you may step into a convenience store to grab a drink or pick up a gun, but you don’t go in there to get food that can be satisfying for your brunch, lunch, and even dinner.

In Japan, convenience stores are everywhere. Many operate 24 hours a day and it has become an essential part of Japanese people’s everyday life. The price may be a little more expensive than going to a local supermarket, but it’s convenient, open 24 hours a day, and there are even items only sold at convenience stores so the trust Japanese people have in convenience stores is immense. Next time you are on a photo tour of Japan, you might as well try having a brunch with food you can find at a convenience store. We are not kidding! You will for sure go back for more!

Essential in Japanese people’s everyday life

Convenience stores are an important part of Japanese people’s everyday life. It has items that are both hot and cold so that on a hot summer day when you need an icy cold drink or an ice cream to cool down, you can step into a convenience store. Similarly, on a cold winter day, once you step into a convenience store, you can find oden, hot buns, and/or hot drinks to warm up your body before you head home. Of course, for those people who don’t have enough time to prepare bento lunch, convenience bento is a lifesaver too!

You may not know this, but convenience stores can also act as a place to protect kids from bad people by acting as a place of escape for children. If you see a sticker at a convenience store (can also be at supermarkets, gasoline stands, and regular homes) saying “Kodomo 110 ban no ie,” it is a safe house to escape in case of emergency for kids. Furthermore, this also applies to women if they feel unsafe walking back home.

As well as food and drinks, convenience stores also act as a place to purchase tickets such as for concerts, amusement parks, and sporting events. In addition, not everyone has a fax machine at home so at convenience stores, people can send a fax as well. Furthermore, if you want to mail something to a friend/family, you can do that at a convenience store. As you are now aware, the service provided at convenience stores is so versatile that it has become a necessary part of Japanese people’s everyday life!

This is the Japanese quality!

So how do international visitors react when they shop at Japanese convenience stores? Well, this famous foodie YouTuber, Mike Chen, visited both Seven Eleven and Lawson, two of Japanese major convenience stores, and tried all sorts of food that caught his attention. If you want to know what convenience stores carry and how international visitors think of food there, be our guest to watch the YouTube below. Of course, it’s his opinion, but this provides a good introduction to Japanese convenience stores. The level of food you can find at Japanese convenience stores is no joke!

Of course, Mike Chen’s view is the view of an international visitor, so if you want to go a little more in depth about cultural awareness, watch “Abroad in Japan.” This youtube video below can give you a more in depth picture of ture Japanese convenience store as the YouTuber is a long resident of Japan and knows what each product is. In this video, he introduces 21 must try items at convenience stores in Japan. Perhaps try some of these items when you are on a photo tour of Japan next!

Conclusion…

For Japanese people, convenience stores really provide a wide range of services that have become a significant part of everyday life. The majority of people use it so that they can purchase food and drinks, but this is also a good place to get newspapers as well as magazines and manga. Having a convenience store has its issues that we didn’t cover here today, but it often provides not only occupation to the community, but also a place to shop, and even a place to protect children and women in case of emergency. When you visit Japan next, make sure to try different convenience stores too as each one carries its own original items also. Don’t forget to let us know which one is your favorite and why!

Tour of Japan | Cary Academy Goes to Japan 2019 – FAQ Part 3

Aug 01 | Evan | No Comments |

Sometimes when you’ve visited a place a few times, it can be easy to forget all the little things that you noticed when you first visited. Traveling with someone who has never visited a place helps you to remember what you first noticed and to notice new things as well! Teenagers are especially fun to travel with because they’re not afraid to ask questions. The next couple of blog posts will focus on the “frequently asked questions” that this year’s group asked. Perhaps you’ll have some of the same questions when we visit Japan!

TeamLab Planets

Can we do that again?

Of all the questions our students ask, our favorite is “can we do that again?” or its twin, “can we stay longer?” Most students’ favorite experience on our trip was visiting Team Lab: Planets, an immersive art installation is Odaiba, one of the newer areas of Tokyo created out of reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay. Team Lab is an artist collective that creates pieces unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. At “Planets”, we jumped in giant bean bags, walked through knee-high water with digital “fish” floating in it, and walked through strings or lights and a room of giant floating spheres. Elements of the installations were static, but typically you’d never experience the same room the same way twice. Your movements and the timing of your visit, combined with the movements of the people around you, create a unique experience each time you visit. Students wanted to go through another time after we finished!

TeamLab Planets 2

Students also really enjoyed Orizuru Tower in Hiroshima. The top of the tower has an amazing observation deck that overlooks the “Atomic Bomb Dome” and the Peace Park and provides a beautiful vantage point to see the entire city and the nearby mountains. “Orizuru” means crane, a reference to the ubiquitous paper cranes associated with Sadako and the children’s peace monument. Students especially liked the slide (yes, like a playground) that made up part of the path down from the top of the tower. They wanted to walk back up and slide again! Other popular “repeat” spots included arcades, ice cream shops, and covered shopping arcades like Teramachi in Kyoto. It’s fun to return to a favorite store or restaurant when I visit Japan, and it’s so rewarding when students want to return too.

That’s it for the “FAQ” and our 2019 trip report. We’re excited about the 2020 trip. Traveling in Japan is always a great experience, and we hope that our students will stay curious and keep asking questions!

This summer, Japan Photo Guide by Evan Pike was once again able to offer a spectacular trip to Japan just for Cary Academy students. Katie Taylor, 6th grade Language Arts teacher and Japan enthusiast, co-led the group with Evan. We began our trip in Tokyo, then traveled to Nagoya, Hiroshima, and Kyoto before returning home from Osaka. This post is written by Katie Taylor, a 6^th grade teacher at Cary Academy and Japan enthusiast. Read about our 2016 trip to Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Kyoto or see all reports from the 2018 tour of Japan or 2019 tour of Japan.