Location

Japan
  [ ] Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture
  [ ] Tobu World Square, Tochigi Prefecture

Travel Dates

2018.05.19 - 2018.05.21

Camera

Contax T3, Leica M6

Film Stocks

KODAK EKTAR100, FUJI SUPERIA PREMIUM 400, KODAK PORTRA400

Travel Notes

Decided to head up to Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture for the weekend and see where the wind takes us.

The weather was perfect.
I remember it being so comfortable it was hard to be upset with anything.

Nikko is a great weekend getaway from Tokyo full of lots to see. A two hour drive gets you in the middle of deep forrest and beautiful ancient temples. It would be my first visit to Nikko and my first visit with my newly purchased Leica.

I know there's a lot of stigma related to the brand. Welp, fuck all that. I was drawn to the attention to detail, the made in germany tag, and the idea I could rough this piece of equipment up and it will last. Plus the idea that this could be a potential heirloom was also a weird draw. So in the end I spent a large part of my dispensable savings and did something irresponsible.

Actually, I really like the idea of someone owning something they shouldn't, especially in the form of cameras. And assuming the owner is aware of what they have and it's rarity, they might be inclined to do something cool with it. It sometimes gives the owner the confidence to try new things and to approach things unconventionally. That's punk.

With all that being said, the photos from my first trip did not turn out as amazing as hoped, but at the same time not horrible. It would take me awhile to get used to my new friend.

The best decision made during the Nikko trip was to break out of the temple zone and hit up Tobu World Square. A wonderland of miniature models of world landmarks and cities from around the world. And the Japanese attention to detail is on true display. Strong recommendation if you are ever in the area.