Japan Camera Hunter Tours
Ahhh, Tokyo, ground zero for classic cameras, so they say. I have spent many years finding the best spots for camera shopping in Tokyo, and many people have asked me to take them on tours. So now I am!
Are you coming to Tokyo? Want to see some amazing cameras and have a tour of the best shops? Come on a Japan Camera Hunter Tour and maybe we can find your dream camera.
Tokyo
If you know anything about classic cameras, then you know that Tokyo has some of the best camera stores and fairs in the world. This is why I started Japan Camera Hunter. I have spent the last 15 years scouring the stores and shows, finding some of the best and most interesting cameras in the world. And I have picked up a few stories along the way.
Tours
Before Covid I used to offer bespoke tours to clients and they were successful, but then Japan closed the borders and we had to change a few plans. But now, things are getting back to a semblance of normality, and Japan is the number one destination for world travelers. The Yen is at a historic low, so your Dollars or Euros go a lot further. And as such people have been asking for tours. So I have decided to make them a bit less ad hoc, with a schedule and so forth.
Schedule
Each tour is tailored to the client. I will ask you what you are looking for and if there is a particular camera or area you want to see. Tours are usually half-day from 10am until about 2pm. I can also offer a whole day tour, but be prepared for a lot of walking as there is a lot of ground to cover.
We will hit the major areas and then a few hidden spots to seek out the camera or lens you have been looking for. And don’t forget your passport as you get 10% tax free if you have it with you, double bonus. Make sure to bring a camera too as we can find some cool spots to shoot in Tokyo.
We can also hit book stores and even watch stores if they are of interest. I have taken several clients book and watch hunting too and it has always been a great time. I have made some great friends along the way too.
Contact
So, if you are coming to Tokyo and want a personalized tour please drop me a line on the link below. I prefer smaller tours with a maximum of three participants so as not to annoy the camera stores as many of them are quite small. I can guide you on deals, translate and even possibly get a discount for you in certain stores. I am looking forward to meeting you.
Cheers
JCH
Reviews:
The half day camera tour met and exceeded all of my expectations. As most know, Bellamy has a deep and vast knowledge of analog and vintage cameras; his depth of knowledge and passion is really tremendous, and I’ve never encountered anyone who could rival it (and I’ve been using and buying analog cameras for decades).Bellamy really knows where all the great vintage cameras and gear is hidden in Tokyo and he truly can find you that dream camera or special vintage camera accessories that you’ve been looking for (from the exotic collector pieces, analog SLRs, rare and unusual lenses, to the most unique analog point and shoots from the 80’s that you might not ever have heard of).
Bellamy is very up to date with each store’s inventories and can provide recommendations of each store’s buying process (including if tax-free or not), each store’s unique specialties, and even the specific temper of the individual store owners. Many of the camera stores we visited (probably 6+ or so) I would have never found in any guidebook or published references on my own.
Bellamy is also very up to date with the latest and current market values of vintage cameras, lenses, and cameras accessories of all sorts as well as the nuances of what to “look for’, and even better….on what to “look-out for” when buying or choosing analog gear in Japan. The JCH tour was honestly one of the best things I did while I was in Tokyo and to cap it all off Bellamy is an overall great guy that you’ll want to get to know. I highly recommended the tour and I will definitely go on it again the next time I’m in Tokyo.
I was privileged to be the first post-Covid camera tour client of JCH and I can attest that this is the BEST way to spend a day in Tokyo. Getting the layout and landscape in-person with an expert is priceless for a number of reasons:
1) Efficiency. These stores are tucked into obscure upper floors and back alleys in a city of 40 million people. In a half day you might be lucky to find 1 or 2 of them in a time span when JCH can take you to a dozen or more. I planned this tour early in my Tokyo stay, then I was able to visit several stores a second time on my own where I wanted to spend more time.
2) Language barrier. JCH can read that tiny handwritten tag on a mint-appearing Canon P that says “HOLES IN SHUTTER CURTAIN.” He’s also on friendly terms with the shop owners and employees which makes you immediately feel welcome instead of completely clueless!
3) Expertise. On the way to finding something very special that you will make great pictures with, JCH will several times talk you out of a stupid purchase you’d regret later. Touring with JCH will most likely SAVE you money!
4) Geek heaven. There is no funner person IN THE ENTIRE WORLD to geek out on film gear with than JCH!