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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: The Rakan, Enlightened Disciples and Buddhist Spiritual Figures
The Rakan are iconic figures of Buddhism found in many temples across Japan. These characters represent the disciples of Buddha Siddhartha Gautama and are considered symbols of enlightenment. Beyond their historical significance, their unique expressions make them perfect photographic subjects. A closer look at these sometimes humorous statues. Unpenji Temple - Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) The Rakan hold a unique place in Japan's religious and cultural landscape


Japan: Engyōji Temple in Himeji, from Millennial Serenity to Cinema
Engyōji Temple (円教寺) is a Buddhist complex located on Mount Shosha in Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture. Founded in 966, this temple has a rich and eventful history spanning over 1,000 years. Pilgrimage and cinema have greatly contributed to its recent popularity. Let's revisit the footsteps of "The Last Samurai". © O. Robert Engyōji is a remarkable example of Japanese Buddhist architecture belonging to the Tendai sect. With its beautifully constructed wooden buildings, its preserved


Japan: Ojizo Sama, Protectors and Guides for Lost Souls
Ojizo Sama are revered Buddhist figures, particularly known for their role as protectors of children, travelers, and troubled souls....


Japan: Daisho-in Temple, the Legacy of Kukai at the Foot of Mount Misen
Daisho-in Temple, located on the island of Itsukushima (often called Miyajima), is one of the most significant Buddhist temples in the country. With a rich history dating back over a thousand years, Daisho-in is known for its spiritual significance, its historical importance, as well as its stunning views. A must-visit place for photographers. © O. Robert Daisho-in It lies at the base of Mount Misen, Miyajima's highest peak, and offers an important counterpoint to the island’


Japan: Photographing the 88 Temples of the Henro Pilgrimage (Part 2)
The pilgrimage around the island of Shikoku, also known as Henro in Japanese, involves connecting 88 temples of Shingon Buddhism, spread across 4 prefectures. Several thousand pilgrims venture each year on these paths, which are about 1200 kilometers long. Traditionally, these pilgrims, called Ohenro, travel on foot this ambitious journey in a personal quest. Explanations and advice for photographing the temples and the grandiose landscapes of this pilgrimage. Fine Art Print


Japan: Henro, the Pilgrimage of the 88 Temples of Shikoku (Part 1)
The pilgrimage around the island of Shikoku, also known as Henro in Japanese, involves connecting 88 temples of Shingon Buddhism, spread across 4 prefectures. Several thousand pilgrims venture onto these paths spanning about 1200 kilometers every year. Traditionally, the pilgrims, called Ohenro, travel on foot on this ambitious journey in a personal quest. History, challenge, and organization of the most famous pilgrimage in Japan. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) E


Japan: Lake Biwa, a Cultural Gem and a Source of Artistic Inspiration
Lake Biwa, located in the Shiga Prefecture of Japan, is the country's largest freshwater lake and plays a crucial role both ecologically and culturally. It is renowned for its natural beauty, unique biodiversity, and historical significance. It has also been a source of inspiration for many photographers in recent years. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) Certainly, Lake Biwa is the most interesting lake I have had the pleasure of working on in the last 15 years, afte


Japan: Nanzo-in, the Reclining Buddha Temple
Nanzo-in Temple, located in the quiet town of Sasaguri, Fukuoka Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most significant Buddhist temples. Known for its enormous reclining Buddha statue, which ranks among the largest bronze statues in the world, the temple has a history deeply rooted in the local area, offering visitors a rich blend of spiritual and cultural experiences. © O. Robert Nanzo-in Temple offers a blend of deep spiritual significance, natural beauty, and historical importance


Japan: Shingon Buddhism, the Path of Enlightenment According to Kukai
Shingon is a school of Japanese Buddhism, also referred to as tantric Buddhism or Vajrayana Buddhism. This school is based on esoteric teachings that use rituals, meditations, and mantras to achieve enlightenment. This spiritual tradition was introduced to Japan in the early 9th century by Kukai, later known as Kobo Daishi. Danjo Garan, Koyasan. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) From ancient roots to modern practice, let's see how Shingon has shaped Japanese spiritua


Japan: Chomeiji Temple Has Been Overlooking Lake Biwa for 13 Centuries
Chomeiji Temple, located in Shiga Prefecture, has a rich and fascinating history. Founded in the early 7th century, this temple is one of the many significant sites in the Lake Biwa region and is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the country. Its privileged location makes it a must-visit site in the region for photography. © O. Robert Chomeiji is notably known as the 31st temple in the Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage, which consists of 33 temples in total. This pilgrimage is on


Japan Statuary and Sacred Sites - Musée des Arts Asiatiques, Nice, France, 2018
From January 17th to May 28th 2018
An exhibition about my personal project : Statuary and Sacred Sites of Japan.


Japan: The Serenity and Timeless Beauty of Kōshō-ji Temple in Nagoya
Kōshō-ji (興正寺) is a significant Shingon Buddhist temple located in the historical district of Yagoto in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. It is...


Japan: Lake Biwa, the Mangetsuji Temple and its Floating Pavilion Ukimido
Mangetsuji Temple is a Buddhist temple located on Lake Biwa, precisely on the Katata Peninsula in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. This temple of Tendai Buddhism is famous for its Ukimido Pavilion, known as the "Floating Pavilion," a picturesque and emblematic site of the region. It is a favored spot for photographers. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) Ukimido is certainly one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful, of the temple pavilions set on water. Its relatio


Hong Kong: Tian Tan Buddha, Symbol of Stability and Peace in Lantau
The Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha of Hong Kong, is an impressive statue of Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni). It is located...


Japan Festival - The Japan Cub of Geneva, Carouge, Switzerland, 2015
4th October 2015
The Japan Club of Geneva organizes the 6th Japan Festival (Nihon Matsuri) in Carouge, Switzerland.


Japan: Chikubu Island, Nature and Spirituality on Lake Biwa
Chikubu Island is one of the six major islands of Lake Biwa. It is a national heritage treasure. Through its temple and shrine, it is a must-visit destination for those interested in Japanese spirituality and culture. And the uniqueness of the place gives it a preserved sense of mystery. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) For photographers in particular, it is also an ideal place to capture the serenity and cultural richness of Japan. Here are some details about its c


Japan Festival - Japan Club of Geneva, Carouge, Switzerland, 2014
4th - 5th October 2014
The Japan Club of Geneva organizes the 5th Japan Festival (Nihon Matsuri) in Carouge, Switzerland.
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