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Japan Through The Lens

Enjoy a Photo Tour of Japan

Sometimes I do get to places just when God's ready to have somebody click the shutter. ~Ansel Adams

Japan is a country with an intriguing history, distinct culture and contrasting landscapes, from the bustling and almost frenetic pace of downtown Tokyo, to the tranquil and idyllic Aomori countryside. As a former resident of Japan now living in Canada, Mark Hemmings captures the very essence of this diverse land quite literally, through the eye of his camera lens. For the past several years, Mark has introduced "his" Japan to a small group of photo enthusiasts on a week long tour of the country Mark is so endeared to. For his students, this is an opportunity of a lifetime.

In Mark's words, "Japan is a country of great mystery. It is a world center of sublime, contemplative art and religion, neatly confined within some of the world's busiest and technologically advanced centers. Indeed, when being overwhelmed by the manic pace of the city, one can often simply turn into a side street and enter the nether-world of an ancient Buddhist Temple. The contrasts within Japan are great, which makes the country a valuable and rich experience for any visitor." In Mark Hemmings' viewpoint, Japan can be a country to which everyone can find some intrique and some inspiration. Its very essence lies in the beauty of its traditional temples, the blossoming cherry trees and even the neon lights of Shinjuku. These contrasts are explored on a more intimate level as Mark guides his group through the streets of downtown Tokyo, capturing the overflowing crowds brimming with big-city energy. Modern Tokyo architecture is observed, with a keen eye to confluence and structure.

Leaving Tokyo and travelling by the bullet train, the students arrive through the mountains in Nagano, during cool but springlike temperatures. The small, clean city was host to the 1998 Winter Olympics and boasts updated and modernized facilities as a bonus from the games. Nagano is also home to the Zenkoji Temple, one of the most visited in Japan. The main hall in the temple has a tunnel in its basement in which visitors are invited to try and find the

"key to paradise" in complete darkness. The key, attached to a wall, is said to grant enlightenment to anybody who touches it. Mark introduces his students here to the food in Nagano, which is intrinsic to Japanese mountain towns. Lodging is in a traditional inn, complete with tatami mat floors and futons. After a night's rest, Mark guides his group up into the mountains, first by taxi or bus, then by an undemanding hike, to photograph the Japanese Macaque, or snow monkeys. These creatures are indigenous to this region, and the only monkeys to live this far north in the world. The hot springs located in this area, are fed by volcanic activity in the Shiga Kogen mountains, and are frequented by the monkeys for their warmth. After three or four hours photographing these intriquing animals, the group travels down through villages to sample sake at a local 100 year old brewery. People watching and photo opportunities are inviting here, and late evenings are often spent on the roof of some of the more expensive B & B's, relaxing in the hot springs and gazing at the night sky.

The trip down to the final stop in Kyoto allows picturesque views of Mt

Fuji, which is a "summer-only" excursion in and of itself. In Kyoto, photographic exploration continues with a visit to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, a tunnel of red Shinto Torii gates seen in the film "Memoirs of a Geisha". A spectacular bamboo forest at the shrine, gives students another opportunity to photograph unfamiliar, yet fascinating landscape. The group visits The Kyoto Station, another example of modern Japanese architecture with more people watching and shopping at Sanjo street. Evening hours here are spent dabbling in night photography and a visit to the Kennin-Ji Temple in Gion before the group returns to Narita for their flights home. Mark's students leave here, not only with the experience of this magical journey committed to memory, but its scenery soon to be captured on paper.

~ Donna Kujat, editor

NOTE: Mark Hemmings Photo Tour of Japan is an annual event, the 9th tour taking place this year from March 9th through the 15th. For more information about the tour or Mark's photography, you can visit Mark's website at www.markhemmings.com and click on Photography Tours to Japan.

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