Otaru Canal
This is one of the first picture that I have taken with my Nikon FM2. I originally headed to Otaru from Sapporo early in the afternoon, and as it was still early (Otaru Canal looks best at sunset), I wandered around and spotted the FM2 in a small shop going for a low price. It was a good deal, and I ended up going all the way back to Sapporo to draw the money to buy the camera.
(Tip: Japan's banking system sucks big time if you're not local. Citibank is probably the only international bank with a significant presence, and most local banks don't support the "Plus" network. Oh, and did I mention that most shops don't take credit cards either?)
Outside the frame of this picture to the right, there is a small bridge across the canal packed with photographers waiting for sunset. Among them, you can find all kinds of different photographic equipments, and there were even two guys with large format view cameras.
Oita Harbor
This was taken the first time I was in Japan in 1999. The shot was made from the deck of a small ferry bringing the ship crew back to our ship. We were granted only a short (~6 hrs) shore leave in Oita, and ended up returning late as I wanted to return to the ferry terminal by train instead of cab. Fortunately, almost half the ship crew were with me so the ship couldn't sail without us. ;)
Though I can't really figure out why, this short visit left me fascinated with Japan, and I eventually went back there (Japan, but not Oita) in 2002.
Kurashiki Historical Quarter
When I headed to Japan, I did not plan any itinerary. Instead, I brought along a travel guide and planned each day as it comes. The travel guide I was using (I think it was Discovery), had a picture of Kurashiki's historical quarters. The old architecture and tranquil atmosphere of the place caught my interest, and I made a detour there from Osaka. One good thing about travelling alone, is that you don't need to worry about other people's plan, and can just go where you want.
The guide book also says that there is an old Japanese man, an english teacher, who goes around offering free tours to tourist. Too bad I didn't run into him. (Probably didn't look gaijin enough for him to figure I'm a tourist.)
Sapporo Snow Festival
The Sapporo Snow Festival is the biggest event in Sapporo each year. It is split into 3 sites, and you'll need at least 2-3 days to see everything. Unfortunately, I went to Sapporo too late, and only manage to catch the main display at Odori Park.
Besides the Snow Festival, the other key attraction in Sapporo that is not to be missed is the Sapporo Beer Museum where you can get FREE BEER!!! It's times like this when I regret that I no longer drink...
Sapporo Winter
The thing about Sapporo is that it's very cold in winter, and it's almost always winter. While the busiest sidewalks in the city center are generally kept cleared of snow, the pavements in less frequented areas are often covered with a thick layer of ice and snow, making it a death trap for those with osteoporosis.
I must have slipped and fell half a dozen times in the few days I was in Sapporo. Luckly, my camera survived as I absorbed the impact of the fall with less important items (eg. my elbows, spine, shoulders).
Sapporo's Hotel, Motel, and Cat Themed Bars
If you're looking for a reasonably cheap place to stay, you can't go wrong with a youth hostel. They're cheap, easy to find, and a good way to meet other travellers.
If you're looking for a un-reasonably cheap place to stay, you'll need to look a little harder. When in Sapporo, I found this place thanks to the help of a Scottish hitchhiker that I've met at the Tourist Information Agency. The first floor is a cat-themed bar, while the second is a single-large room that the owner is renting out for just ¥1200 per day (¥1000 for the room, ¥200 for the heating).
Contrary to popular perception, accomodation in Japan can be rather cheap if you're not picky, and don't mind spending a little more effort looking around.
Hokkaido Government Building (Red Brick)
As you can see, Sapporo is a real boring place, and it's best to move on once the snow festival is over and you've had enough free beer.
Kyoto, The ancient capital of Japan
A beautiful city filled with plenty of old architecture, temples, and a cheap bento shop 5 mins walk from the Kyoto JR station. Highlights would include the stunning Rokuonji Temple (aka Kinkakuji Temple/Golden Pavilion) (1st photo on the left). Visit it early in the morning to get the sun behind you, making the gold leafing glitter. A bean bag may be useful if you're shooting with slow film and small aperture, as tripods are prohibited.
Besides visiting the usual main attractions, it's also worthwhile to just walk around in the city. There are many old buildings hidden within the city, and it can be enjoyable just wondering around and seeing what you'll find.
Kyoto is very near to Osaka, so if you're planning on visiting one, it'll be easy to drop by at the other as well.
Osaka "Moukari Makka?"
It's not that Osaka didn't have anything memorable, it's just that they are... well, not very photogenic. Things I remember strongly from Osaka includes; Taro the famous drum beating doll outside Kuidaore restaurant, the gigantic shopping streets, yakuza looking guys standing around at the side of the streets, and okonomiyaki everywhere.
Btw, the above phrase means "Are you making any money?", and is a common Osaka greeting.
Itsukushima Shrine Torii (Miyajima)
Miyajima is celebrated as one of the Japan's 3 most scenic views. Looking at Itsukushima Shrine's floating torii, Miyajima's most famous symbol, I can't help but suspect that graft was involved in the scenic view selection process.
Nevertheless, if you still want to go there, JR operates a ferry to Miyajima from Miyajimaguchi, and the Japan Rail Pass is valid for it.
Hiroshima Dome
I suppose everyone will have their own opinion of the Hiroshima bombing. Personally, I'm just surprise so much is left standing considering how close (160m) the building is to ground zero.
Shibuya (Tokyo)
Trend capital of the Japanese teenage world, the intersection crossing at the Hachiko exit of Shibuya JR station is supposingly the busiest in the world. Despite not having any distinctive features, this intersection is instantly recognisable whenever it appears in a manga or anime.
If you're not shopping, there isn't much to do there beside people watching.
Asakusa (Tokyo)
Famous for the Sensoji temple, the Asakusa district in Tokyo is nothing like the temple areas in Kyoto. While Kyoto have a quiet, contemplative charm, Asakusa is loud and festive. Despite this, Asakusa still makes for a good visit. Not so much for the temple, but more for the traditional Nakamise shopping arcade.
Torii in Snow
This was taken from the window of a JR train, as I was heading from Tokyo to Sapporo. It's tiny scenes like this that makes me prefer trains over other forms of transport.