Interest in Niigata Private Photography Tours spikes due to the transformation that occurs every August on Sado Island. The sunny, pastoral island situated in the Sea of Japan, a few precious kilometers from Niigata’s capital city comes alive with music, celebrations, and visitors from all over the world. It is a paradise for those seeking something beyond the standard Tokyo Photo Tour focused exclusively on cityscape photos. A Niigata Private Photo Tour based on Sado has possibilities for action photos, nature photography, cultural exchange, and birding photography.
The Earth Celebration highlights the entire island’s appeals, but the tightest spotlight is drawn onto the Kodo Taiko Drumming Troupe. But why them specifically? Since their debut in 1981 at the Berliner Philharmonie, the Kodo Taiko Drumming Troupe has performed in over 50 countries completing more than 6,000 performances. When you see the stage being set for their grand performance, you will naturally begin to capture the amazing performances. The Odaiko or the large version of the taiko drum tends to be the centerpiece for the performances, and while viewing their evening drumming, before the performance I always discuss camera setting with clients for the low lighting so you will be ready to photograph their frenetic movement as the music pulsates from the taiko, resonating among all the performers and reaching into the hearts of the audience. Their movements are calculated and powerful; you will have once in a lifetime photo ops while the Kodo members are entranced in their concert. It is their dedication to their musicianship and international influence that brings so many visitors to Sado each August.
With all the music being played all over the island, of course, there will be dancing. A very common variety is yosakoi. Yosakoi originated as a Japanese tradition, but as Japan has modernized so have some forms of yosakoi. The energetic dancing and summer costumes, sometimes yukata, or the lighter version of traditional kimonos will be on full display. Mixed among the traditional performers, you can photograph the international visitors who bring their own International flavor to the performances further deepening the free cultural exchange occurring all over Sado Island during the festival. Another Blain Harasymiw Photo Workshop Leader or I will help you get to the best spots to make the most of your exploration of Sado Island on your Niigata Private Photography Tour. You will be able to capture the swaying movements of the dancers as well as the driving beats of the Kodo drummers.
With your day free prior to the evening festivities, I have a few photography recommendations. The island is surrounding by some of the most breathtaking sapphire seascapes in all of the world. Senkakuwan Bay awaits you on the western coast of Sado and with it some of the most awe-inspiring views that Japan has to offer. As you approach, you will begin to understand why this location is so treasured. There are nearly three miles of craggy coastline with access into what seems to be an unending ocean view. From an observation deck inside the local aquatic park, you will be able to take panoramic photos that you may hang in your personal gallery once you have returned to take stock of your landscape treasures. Your Blain Harasymiw Photo Tour Guide will take care of all the entry fees and directions. On the all-inclusive Niigata Private Photo Tour, all you need is your camera or whatever device you’re using to take photos and a sense of adventure. Leave the rest to my team and me!
Once you have sampled the beautiful ocean views, it is time to turn inward and photograph the spirituality for which Sado is also famous. Although there are many temples worthy of exploration, one name always rises to the top. Myosenji Buddhist Temple complex founded in 1278 connected with Nichiren Shonin Founder of the Nichiren school of Buddhism. Is always referred to as the ‘must see’ temple on Sado Island. Its Niomon Gate with the two ferocious looking warriors who monitor all would-be visitors to the temple to protect the sanctity of the temple and its grounds. The gate is only the beginning of the adventure at Myosenji Buddhist Temple complex, and it usually takes a good 15 minutes to photograph properly. The five story pagoda is perfectly framed by the garden surrounding it, and it is especially picturesque as the garden’s verdancy is peaked during the later summer. There are also whispers as to the untold riches held in the Hozo Treasure Repository on the temple grounds. Every part of Myosenji Buddhist Temple complex is a masterpiece waiting to be immortalized with photography, and you can be assured we will visit at a time of day for the perfect lighting conditions to capture it with it's most stunning photogenic perspectives.
Sado also has options for birding photography enthusiasts. The endangered yet majestically beautiful crested ibis, or Toki, as it locally referred to, calls Sado it's home. Since their first discovery of relatively large numbers in the early 20th century on Sado Island, the birds have been treasured. The Toki have had such an impact on Japan that there is even a color that the Japanese refer to as Toki-iro, an orange-tinted pink. Describing the color does not do it justice. You must photograph the crested ibis while on your Niigata Private Photo Tour to understand the natural beauty that is the Toki. There is a conservation center on Sado which accounts for a large number of sightings on the island, however, there were several released into the wild as part of the Japanese conservation program, and it would be rare but fulfilling opportunity to photograph a wild crested ibis while visiting Sado Island. The potential is rare, as the birds are still recovering from their near extinction, but anything is possible.