TOKYO FISH MARKET

Well maybe its not really a "photo essay" but here is a group of photos from the famous Tokyo Fish Market, the largest in Tokyo. I knew I would see a lot of fish markets in Korea but I still decided to go down and check it out. In the long run I'm stoked I did. It was definitely a very visual and interesting place. We (My friend Kristen was showing me around) didn't get there until about 9am but there was still plenty of action until about 11am. In addition to the fish market, there are tons of other alleyways in the area. After a helpful local started talking to us, Kristen and I went to a tiny hole-in-the-world tempura restaurant that seat about 8 people. We shared a table with to busy and angry looking businessman... anyway, it was the best tempura I have ever had!

If you ever end up in Tokyo, go check out the fish market, you won't be disappointed!

KYOTO, JAPAN

After shooting for nearly 3 weeks straight, I decided I wanted to start my trip off in the most relaxing means possible... so i booked a train ticket down to Kyoto to see some sights, eat some good tofu and relax.  Here are a few "touristy" shots of Kyoto.  Not that I have seen a lot of Japan, but Kyoto exceeded all expectations and I would highly recommended it! If you know me, then you know I love trains! Kyoto Station.

Kyoto Station.

The highlight of the first day was checking out Fushimi Inari Shrine, which has thousands of red arches on the way to a mountain peak that over looks Kyoto. This is pretty typical, but I had to grab a shot.

Fushimi Inari Shrine #2

One of the many shires on the way up.

A moss covered walk way at the silver temple... lots of tempes in Kyoto.

#1 - There are tons of small alleyways downtown, which are lots of fun to wonder around. Japan reminds me of Europe, just a lot weirder. #2 - Man at dusk.

Alleyway in downtown.

The major highlight of the second day was checking out the Bamboo forest.

which also looked like this.

and this.

This was probably about at least 10 inches wide. This spot really reminded me of the Red Woods in CA.

Japan really like putting eggs in / on everything. It supposedly dates back to WWII and if you had eggs, you had money, so its a sign of wealth. But i could be totally wrong.

TOKYO

After Kyoto I headed up to Tokyo (via the Bullet Train!!!!) to visit my good friend Kristen.  Tokyo is a massive city (duh) and a bit more spread out then I thought it would be.  Tokyo definitely lived up to all its hype and stories I have heard.  Except for the fact it REALLY burnt a hole in my wallet, I really enjoyed it!  The weather could have been a bit nicer, but thats what you get when you travel during the low season. The famous Shibuya crossing.

Shibuya neighborhood.

Takadanobaba at night.

Takadanobaba #2

Takadanobaba #3

Takadanobaba #4

Workers at Takadanobaba Station.

Smoker and Lights.

What do you wanna buy from a vending machine?

MASSIVE!!!

Police at the Imperial Palace.

Bike Police!

I'm all for bike culture but when cities regulate bike parking and fine people.... i dunno, makes me like the lawless streets of philly and NYC.

There is a lot of bad English in Japan, but this is boarder line offensive.

I kept walking on the right and getting in people's way. So tough to break that habit.

Gotta love Neon and bright lights if your gonna love Tokyo.

NAGOYA, JAPAN.... AGAIN

After we finished up the shoot in the states, Tony and I headed to Nagoya, Japan for a final week of shooting. Here are a few snapshots. This is my second time in Japan but i feel the first trip didn't even count since it was so short! I'm making the most of it this time and I am taking off own my own little trip once we are done! Nagoya, Castle.

Nagoya fruit stand.

fresh wasabi = awesomeness.... no serious, you havent had wasabi till you have had fresh wasabi.

#1 - Dave, the most entertaining sound guys / AC ever. #2 - I wish i ate octopus so I could have gone to this place. They had a rotating octopus character type thing outside... only in Japan.