By niche
Culture creators
Most of the Japan catalogue is cultural: Gion with a licensed guide, Arashiyama and a tea ceremony, Todai-ji in Nara and Senso-ji in Asakusa. Culture creators get the most from guides who explain context on camera. The main constraints are local: photography bans inside halls, closed private lanes in Gion, and privacy for people.
What culture creators film
Temples and shrines, the teahouse district of Gion, tea ceremony and the old streets of Higashiyama, Naramachi and Asakusa. The best cultural content in Japan explains why things are done, not only what they look like.
Rules to respect
- Many temples prohibit photography inside halls; follow the signs.
- Keep to the side of shrine paths and do not film worshippers close up.
- Never follow or film maiko and geiko without consent.
- Private lanes in parts of Gion are closed to visitors.