OLIVIER ROBERT PHOTO

It is an honor to be invited to write an article on the history and architecture of Japanese castles for the Royal Society for Asian Affairs (RSAA) in London. This article, published in their magazine Caravanserai n°7 (July 2025), is illustrated with several of my photographs. In this publication focused on the architecture of Japanese castles, I address the essential events that, through important periods of history, allowed castles to develop. I also discuss the five major

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...

Japan is home to a rich architectural heritage, featuring unique examples of feudal art and engineering. Among the most remarkable are 5 castles designated as National Treasures, a distinction that highlights their historical, cultural, and artistic significance. Here’s an overview of these 5 iconic structures, which also make for excellent photographic subjects. Fine Art Prints © O. Robert (Purchase here) Let me be clear right from the start, Himeji Castle will always remain

The 25th of April Bridge is not just an engineering marvel but also a strong symbol for Portugal, linking the past and the present, the...

The new cathedral of Salamanca is more than just a place of worship; it is a monument to the evolution of architectural style and the...

Himeji Castle, also known as "Hakuro-jō" or "Shirasagi-jō" (White Heron Castle), is one of the most remarkable examples of Japanese castle architecture. Its long history makes it a rare witness to the various periods from feudal Japan to the present day. It is a masterpiece of defensive and residential construction and a high-quality photographic subject. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) Himeji Castle is located in Hyōgo Prefecture in the beautiful city of Himeji. I

The Residence of Hu Xueyan in Hangzhou is a historic residential complex located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Hu Xueyan was a very...

Inuyama Castle, located in Aichi Prefecture, is one of the oldest existing Japanese castles. It is renowned for its original keep dating back to the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Its history is rich with events, important figures, and transitional periods. Situated atop a wooded hill, it makes for an interesting photographic subject. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) Inuyama Castle is a cornerstone of Japanese history, reflecting architectural evolutions, military conflict

Matsue Castle, also known as "Pine Castle", is located in Shimane Prefecture, in the beautiful San-in region. It's one of the few castles in Japan whose main tower has survived wars and natural disasters since the Edo period, making it a precious testament to Japanese military architecture. An interesting relic in photography, especially at night. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) History of Matsue Castle Matsue Castle (松江城, Matsue-jō) was built between 1607 and 161

Shanghai, located on the east coast of China near the mouth of the Yangtze River, is a city that has played a central role in China's...

Located on the west banks of the Huangpu River, the Bund is one of the most recognizable icons of Shanghai. The origins of the Bund date...

The city of Hangzhou is a historical and cultural gem of China. West Lake, in turn, is a significant source of artistic and literary...

Shanghai is a must-visit city for any photographer traveling to China. It's often the arrival point for international flights and serves...

Matsumoto Castle, also known as the "Black Crow" (烏城, Karasu-jō) due to its dark facade, is one of Japan's most famous and spectacular castles. This symbol located in Nagano Prefecture stands out for its unique construction and tumultuous history, spanning several centuries. A must-visit place for black and white photographers. © O. Robert This impressive castle is part of the 5 ones designated as a National Treasure, along with Himeiji, Inuyama, Hikone and Matsue castles. To

Nestled in the heart of the prefecture bearing the same name, Osaka Castle stands as a powerful symbol of Japanese history and culture. It captivates with its imposing architecture and tumultuous past. With its massive stone walls, deep moats, and majestic main tower, the castle is an ode to the military strategy and architectural ingenuity of its time. © O. Robert For photographers, Osaka Castle offers an exceptional backdrop, where every angle reveals a new perspective on t

The Kumamoto earthquake in April 2016 caused considerable damage to its iconic castle and the surrounding area, illustrating the vulnerability of historic structures to natural disasters. Among the most significant damage to the castle, the collapse of important centuries-old stone walls is lamented. © O. Robert These imposing support structures, which had perfectly withstood the vicissitudes of time, ended up yielding under the impressive force of the shakes. These walls, kn

Gardens by the Bay is an engineering and ecological design feat that aims to harmonize urban life with nature. It serves as a major...

Without a doubt, the Marina Bay Sands is a large-scale project that has had a significant impact on Singapore's cultural, economic, and...

Chiang Kai-Shek remains a controversial figure in Chinese and Taiwanese history. While some view him as an authoritarian leader, others...

Kumamoto Castle, an architectural gem nestled in the heart of Kyushu Island, stands as a silent witness to the country's historical and cultural evolution. Founded in the 15th century at the beginning of the Edo period, this iconic monument embodies the splendor of Japanese castles with its ingenious defenses, peaceful gardens, and imposing structure. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) Despite the ravages of time, Kumamoto Castle, located in the Kumamoto Prefecture, c

Japan sadly bears numerous traces and remains of World War II, particularly in the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In August 1945, the first atomic bombs in the history of humanity were dropped on these cities, resulting in more than 250,000 direct and indirect casualties. Causing indescribable damage for several kilometers around, these two bombs wiped Hiroshima and Nagasaki off the map in an instant. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) All buildings collapsed, were

Nestled in the heart of Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya Castle stands as an iconic symbol of Japanese history and culture. This remarkable estate from the Edo period marks an era where military strategy and architectural art fused into a majestic expression of power and aesthetics. © O. Robert With its iconic golden sculptures watching over from its roof, the castle tells stories of a bygone era while remaining deeply rooted in the present. The events and festivals held there throug

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is more than just a means to cross a strait; it is a symbol of human ingenuity and perseverance. As the longest suspension bridge in the world, you will find it incredibly inspiring. It offers an endless range of opportunities to capture the grandeur of human engineering within the natural landscape of the Seto Inland Sea. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, also known as the "Pearl Bridge", is an engineering marvel located in