Be warned: I can’t promise that starting to shoot film with the cheap disposables found all over Japan won’t lead to an expensive new hobby. In fact, I can tell you that it is a very real risk, as this was my experience which led me into film photography last year. After taking along a disposable film camera on a couple trips at the end of 2022, I now have a collection of several cameras of my own. Whether you’re looking for a gateway into the addictive hobby of film photography or a simple way to capture a few memories on a trip to Japan, I’d like to share today about the world of disposable film cameras and how and where to start with them in Tokyo.
Types of disposable film cameras
The two most common disposables in Japan are the Fujifilm Utsurundesu and the Kodak Fun Saver. Both currently run from about 1800-2000 yen (in dollars, somewhere in the teens depending on the yen’s mood that day).
I always used Utsurundesu (pronounced oo-tsoo-roon-dess) because they were easier to find and generally cheaper. All of the film pictures in the gallery below are taken on the Utsurundesu. As you can see, it didn’t let me down when I first started shooting film. Just wind, point, and shoot, and you’ve got yourself images which look retro without even trying. The flash will generally work for anything within a few meters, so make sure you turn it on with the sliding button on the front and wait for it to prime if you’re shooting a picture of friends during a night out.
Where to buy disposable film cameras in Japan
Disposable cameras can be purchased at a variety of shops around Tokyo. Your best bet is a chain camera/electronics store like Kitamura Camera, Bic Camera, and Yodobashi Camera. Each of these chains has multiple locations in popular areas such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Akihabara, Ueno, nearby Tokyo Station, Yurakucho, and Nakano. If you’re unsure where to go, just search for Kitamura, Bic Camera, or Yodobashi on Google Maps!
Don Quijote, Japan’s eccentric, overstimulating fever dream of an “everything store,” also frequently carries disposable cameras. If you’re lucky, you’ll even find them in larger convenience stores like Family Mart and Seven Eleven.
Finally, local camera stores also often carry disposable cameras as well. If you’re in the mood to look through shelves and shelves of vintage cameras, you may find a rack of disposables in specialty shops in Shinjuku.
How and where to develop film in Tokyo
Like the camera itself, the simplest way to get your film developed and scanned is to go to a chain store like Kitamura. When I was shooting disposables, I appreciated their quick, painless service which got my pictures delivered digitally within a few hours. If you don’t want physical prints or your negatives, they can send your pictures online, meaning you can go about your day without returning to the shop. Their scanning quality is decent enough, and I’ve never had a bad experience there. When you go in, you can use the word genzou (現像) to ask for photo developing, and they should be able to guide you through the process of choosing your delivery method.
If you’re a resident or looking for something a little more professional, local camera stores will also offer genzou and scanning services. I was lucky to find a little film camera store in my neighborhood which has very high quality service, as well as a great selection of cameras and films. They do take longer to deliver, anywhere from five to ten days.
Japan is a great place to shoot film, and picking up a few disposables for you and your travel buddies is a great way to capture some memories. Happy shooting!
Read More from Your Friend in Tokyo
Hi! I'm a Tokyo local, and I started this blog to share helpful tips that only a local would know and tell some stories of the city's authentic culture. I'd hope you'll take a look around the site and find something that makes your Tokyo experience even more memorable!
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