OLIVIER ROBERT PHOTO

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

Shanshui in China and Sansui in Japan are two concepts focused on the artistic representation of natural landscapes, though their...

On March 11, 2021, Japan commemorates the 10th anniversary of the most significant tsunami in their history. On March 11, 2011, a violent...

Shintoism, the indigenous religion of Japan, centers around the worship of Kami, which are revered spirits or deities. The Kami can...

Sansui refers to the artistic representation of landscapes in Japan. A genre that has played a central role in traditional painting,...

Since antiquity, walking has been considered an exercise that promotes reflection, concentration, and spiritual awakening. From...

Shanshui (山水), which literally means "mountain-water" in Chinese, is an artistic and philosophical concept of landscape representation...

Shinto shrines in Japan are categorized into several groups, each with its specific significance and importance. Ranging from small local...

The prestigious magazine dedicated to black and white minimalist photography launched its first competition in 2020. I have the honor and...

Yuyuan Garden, located in the old town of Shanghai, is an outstanding example of the classical Chinese gardens of the southern Yangzi...

The decorative and symbolic elements of Shinto shrines, such as shimenawa and shide, play a crucial role in Japanese tradition and...

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

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

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

The Japanese have a strong penchant for symbols. This is a well-established fact, and I have touched upon it several times in my articles. The Meoto Iwa rocks, located in Mie Prefecture in Ise, are undoubtedly among the most famous and photographed in the entire country. Tourists flock in large numbers throughout the year to visit this renowned series of rocks artfully arranged by Mother Nature along the coast, not far from the beautiful city of Ise. Fine Art Print © O. Rober

The Nori seaweed farms, with their entanglement of geometric nets, offer a unique landscape for photographers, especially in the field of minimalism. These structures lend themselves to interesting artistic compositions. They highlight the duality and ephemeral beauty of nature, as well as our intrinsic relationship with it. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) The Ariake Sea, located on the island of Kyushu, is known for being the country's largest inland bay. Characte

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

It is a great honor to be invited by the prestigious Photographize Magazine for a publication of my work in their annual book of the best...

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

The art of Japanese gardens is imbued with mysteries. These miniature representations of imaginary or existing landscapes offer landscape architects an infinite margin for personal expression. Although these gardens can be classified into styles corresponding to specific periods, they remain peaceful places of contemplation for the visitor. Here is a selection of 5 historical gardens that have particularly fascinated me in all seasons. © O. Robert To offer scenes that challen

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

Nori seaweed, emblematic of Japanese cuisine, embodies a rich tradition and a unique symbiosis between humans and the sea. It is in the heart of Ariake Bay, a distinctive region of Kyushu Island, that this ancestral tradition reaches its pinnacle. A craftsmanship that represents both the simplicity and the cultural richness of Japan. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) In the calm waters of Ariake, farmers, or rather "aquaculturists," engage in the meticulous cultivati

Nestled in the heart of Kyushu's maritime landscapes, the Tanajibu, these traditional fishing huts, emerge as sentinels over the Ariake Sea. These structures, perched on stilts and battered by the tides, represent a fascinating chapter of harmony between man and sea, a living tableau of age-old traditions that defy time. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) In this article, I invite you to explore the world of the Tanajibu, delving into their construction, significance,