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Japan: Aoi Matsuri, Kyoto’s Heian-Period Grand Procession
The Aoi Matsuri (葵祭) is one of Kyoto’s most celebrated and historically rich events. Held annually on May 15, it stands alongside the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri as one of the city’s three great festivals. Its origins trace back to the 6th or 7th century, making it one of Japan’s oldest festivals, deeply rooted in the traditions of the imperial court and the Shinto faith. Saio-Dai © O. Robert The Aoi Matsuri (葵祭) is a living testament to Kyoto’s cultural and spiritual heri


Japan: Uji Station, A Brutalist Landmark in Kyoto’s Landscape
Located in Kyoto Prefecture, Uji Station stands as a striking example of Brutalist architecture in Japan. Opened in 1995, the building is not only a vital transportation hub but also a testament to the bold architectural movements of the mid-20th century. Its raw concrete forms, geometric precision, and functional elegance make it a masterpiece of modernism in Japan. © O. Robert While it may not be as famous as some of Kyoto’s other landmarks, Uji Station deserves recognition


Japan: Shirotori Garden, Oasis of the White Bird in Nagoya
Shirotori Garden (白鳥庭園) , located in the heart of Nagoya, is a serene and beautifully crafted traditional garden that spans 3.7 hectares. It is one of the largest gardens in the Tokai region and is designed to reflect the natural landscapes of the Chubu region, with a strong emphasis on water as its central theme. © O. Robert Shirotori Garden is a place to experience the tranquility and beauty of traditional Japanese landscaping. Whether you are a nature lover, a landscape ph


Portugal: Photographing the Dom Luís I Bridge, A Timeless Icon of Porto
The Dom Luís I Bridge stands as an iconic symbol of the beautiful city of Porto. This double-deck metal arch bridge spans the Douro...


The Portuguese Centre of Photography, An Escape Through Images at the Heart of a Prison
The Centro Português de Fotografia, or Portuguese Centre of Photography, is a cultural institution dedicated to the preservation, study,...


Japan: Sumiyoshi Taisha, the Shrine Protector of the Sea in Osaka
Sumiyoshi Taisha is one of Japan's most significant Shinto shrines. It is dedicated to the Sumiyoshi kami, the deities associated with the protection of sailors. The shrine has a rich history, dating back to the early centuries of Japan's imperial period. Sumiyoshi Taisha also has important connections to the imperial family, maritime trade, and classical Japanese poetry. © O. Robert Today, Sumiyoshi Taisha is a beloved shrine visited by millions of people each year, not only


Lake Geneva: Belle Epoque, the Historic Paddle Steamers Fleet
The paddle steamers of Lake Geneva, also known as the "Belle Epoque" fleet, are a collection of historic steam-powered vessels operated by the "Compagnie Générale de Navigation". These ships primarily date back to the early 20th century and are a unique feature of Lake Geneva, offering scenic cruises between Swiss and French shores. © O. Robert They are a powerful source of photographic inspiration due to their sleek lines, their presence on the lake, and their legendary hist


Japan: Shitennoji, the Temple of the Four Heavenly Kings in Osaka
Shitennoji, located in the heart of Osaka City, is one of Japan's oldest temples and has immense cultural and historical significance. It was founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, a revered figure who dedicated his life to promoting Buddhism in the country. Let’s discover one of the most photogenic pagodas in Japan. © O. Robert Shitennoji Temple is now considered as a symbol of Japan's early Buddhist history, cultural heritage, and Prince Shotoku’s lasting influence. Despite the


Japan: Osaka Tenmangu, the Legacy of Sugawara no Michizane
Osaka Tenmangu is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Osaka city. It has a rich history that stretches back over a thousand years. Known for its deep connection to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of scholarship, the shrine attracts visitors seeking blessings for academic success. Nowadays, Osaka Tenmangu stands as a cultural landmark amongst the numerous other Tenmangu shrines. © O. Robert Osaka Tenmangu’s enduring legacy over the past millennium reflects the profound im
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