A man riding a bicycle past a graffiti-covered corrugated metal wall with posted flyers and posters, some of which are in Japanese, and green vines growing on top.

Camera Requirements – Street Photography

All camera brands are welcome. Digital is of course preferable, but if you'd like to bring a film camera as a secondary option, that's totally fine.

For street photography, both Giovanni and Lee shoot with a 35mm lens, which is the focal length we recommend. Any kind of lens is welcome — we’ll help you work around any limitations. A 28mm or 50mm is also perfectly acceptable if that’s your preference, but we strongly suggest traveling light and committing to just one focal length. We’ll be walking a lot and the goal is to see the world through a single lens.

If you don’t have prime lenses, there’s no need to buy new gear. Just choose the focal length you want to use on your zoom lens, and stick with it for the duration.

Down here some picture Lee and Giovanni took with a 35 mm

A man wearing red-tinted sunglasses and a brown jacket stands on a busy commercial street in Japan with signs in Japanese on buildings and a clear blue sky overhead.
People walking and standing in a covered shopping street lined with Japanese signs, storefronts, and hanging decorations, with a person wearing a yellow jacket and helmet walking a bicycle.
Two elderly women playing table tennis outdoors on a makeshift table with flowers underneath in an urban backyard.
A woman walking on a sidewalk in front of a closed restaurant with a red awning, using an umbrella and wearing a face mask.
A Buddhist monk dressed in traditional robes walking out of a building with a brick facade, carrying a tray, a small bag, and a suitcase. There are green plants on either side of the entrance.
Entrance of a Japanese grocery store called Tamade, with people entering and exiting, bicycles parked outside, and bright, colorful signage and displays inside.
A man riding a bicycle through a covered street market with various signs in Japanese, vending machines, and small shops on either side.
Street scene with a pink building, vending machines, a motorcycle, a bicycle, and three people. The building has a sign that says 'TOBACCO,' and the vending machines display various colorful products.
A mechanic working under the hood of a red mini car in a cluttered auto repair shop with various tools and cars inside. The shop has signs with Japanese characters and logos, including Suzuki and Subaru.

Hotels

  • Tokyo – Hotel Route-Inn Tokyo Asagaya

  • Takayama – Kotoyume Takayama

  • Takaoka – Takaoka Manten Hotel Ekimae

  • Osaka – Waqoo Shitadera

  • Tokyo (final night) – Keio Plaza Hotel

14mm + ND filter

14mm + ND filter

35mm

35mm

50mm

50mm

70mm

70mm

130mm

130mm

200mm

200mm

Clothing & Footwear Recommendations

Street Photography

For our street sessions in Tokyo and Osaka:

  • Wear urban-style clothing — something comfortable and discreet.

  • Use comfortable walking shoes. We'll be spending long hours on foot.

  • Be prepared for possible rain. A light waterproof jacket or compact umbrella is a good idea.

Temperatures

The weather in February in the Gifu and Toyama regions can be cold, especially in the early mornings and evenings. Average temperatures:

Toyama:

  • High: 3–5 °C (37–41°F)

  • Low: –2 °C (28°F)

  • Frequent snow or rain

Gifu:

  • High: 7 °C (44 °F)

  • Low: –1 °C (30 °F)

  • Chance of precipitation around 30–50%

What to Wear for the Landscape Days

  • Insulated, waterproof boots suitable for snow and slush

  • Thermal base layers

  • Fleece or insulated mid-layer

  • Waterproof and windproof outer shell

  • Warm gloves and a hat or beanie

  • Neck gaiter or scarf

  • Wool or thermal socks

  • Optional: extra socks, hand warmers, and cleats (if you're worried about icy paths)