Japan Via the Camera Lens Japan is really a nation with an intriguing history, distinct culture and contrasting

landscapes, from the bustling and almost frenetic pace of downtown Tokyo, towards the tranquil and idyllic Aomori countryside. As a former resident of Japan now living in Canada, Mark Hemmings captures the extremely essence of this diverse land really literally, through the eye of his camera lens. For the past a number of years, Mark has introduced his Japan to a small group of photo enthusiasts on a week long tour with the country Mark is so endeared to. For his students, this really is an opportunity of a lifetime. In Marks words, Japan is really a nation of fantastic mystery. Its a globe center of sublime, contemplative art and religion, neatly confined inside some of the worlds busiest and technologically advanced centers. Indeed, when being overwhelmed by the manic pace with the city, one can frequently simply turn into a side street and enter the nether-world of an ancient Buddhist Temple. The contrasts inside Japan are great, which makes the nation a valuable and rich encounter for any visitor. Japan may be a nation to which everybody can find some intrique and some inspiration. Its extremely essence lies within the beauty of its conventional temples, the blossoming cherry trees as well as 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. Contemporary Tokyo architecture is observed, with a keen eye to confluence and structure. Leaving Tokyo and traveling by the bullet train, the students arrive through the mountains in Nagano, throughout 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, 1 with the most visited in Japan. The main hall in the temple has a tunnel in its basement in which visitors are invited to attempt and find in total darkness. The key, attached to a wall, is said to grant enlightenment to anybody who touches it. Mark introduces his students here towards the food in Nagano, which is intrinsic to Japanese mountain towns. Lodging is in a conventional inn, complete with tatami mat floors and futons. After a nights 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 also the only monkeys to live this far north in the globe. The hot springs located in this region, are fed by volcanic activity in the Shiga Kogen mountains, and are frequented by the monkeys for their warmth. After 3 or 4 hours photographing these intriguing animals, the group travels down via villages to sample sake at a local 100 year old brewery. Individuals watching and photo opportunities are inviting here, and late evenings are often spent on the roof of a few of the more

expensive B & Bs, relaxing within the hot springs and gazing at the night sky The trip down towards 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 towards 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 chance to photograph unfamiliar, yet fascinating landscape. The group visits The Kyoto Station, another example of modern Japanese with more individuals watching and shopping at Sanjo street. Evening hours here are spent dabbling in night photography and a visit towards the Kennin-Ji Temple in Gion before the group returns to Narita for their flights home. Marks students leave here, not only with the encounter of this magical journey committed to memory, but its scenery soon to be captured on paper. By on Know more about Japan