Immerse Yourself in Photography in Rural Tottori

Study photographer Shoji Ueda’s tricks to become a pro yourself

Shoji Ueda was a photographer famous for playing with space and mixing surrealistic elements into his work. He was particularly skilled at combining his subjects, often his family, to create his desired effect. Ueda loved using the landscape of his native Tottori as the background in his photos, since the wide open spaces gave him room to play and craft stories in his images. His style was so unique that it earned its own appellation in French photography: Ueda-cho or “Ueda style.”

The Shoji Ueda Museum of Photography opened in 1995, just five short years before Ueda’s death. This gallery was designed with creating perspective and architectural excellence in mind. It offers incredible views of Mt. Daisen, as well as the opportunity for you to take photos in the Ueda-cho style. There are even pools of water, sheltered from the wind, which you can use to create a mirrored effect in your photos. Try using the famous Ueda hat in your photos, or experiment with a composition entirely your own. In addition to a massive collection of Ueda’s work, there’s also a huge camera lens that reflects a roughly 510-centimeter view of Mt. Daisen.

Access: From Tokyo Haneda Airport, fly to Izumo Enmusubi Airport (about one hour 20 minutes), then take the Izumo Airport Limousine Bus to Yonago Station (about one hour 10 minutes). The museum is about 20 minutes by taxi from the station.

Shoji Ueda Museum of Photography