OLIVIER ROBERT PHOTO

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

Sugawara no Michizane was a renowned scholar and politician of Japan’s Heian period, celebrated for his intellect and integrity. After his death, natural disasters struck the capital, leading many to believe his spirit was vengeful. To appease him, Michizane was posthumously deified as "Tenjin", a Shinto god to whom Tenmangu shrines are dedicated. © O. Robert Consequently, Tenjin is now revered at several shrines across Japan, where students and scholars pray for academic suc

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

The wakizashi, tachi, and katana each have distinct purposes in Japanese warfare and culture. They all played important roles in the...

The concept of ginko (吟行) is an integral part of the haiku tradition in Japan. It offers poets a way to connect with nature, find inspiration, and deepen their understanding of the world. Whether practiced alone or in a group, ginko remains a valuable tool in landscape photography for fostering creativity, mindfulness, and a deeper appreciation of the natural world. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Available for purchase here) In several articles, I have discussed the principle of

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

Located in the city of Seki in Gifu Prefecture, this museum is a unique institution dedicated to celebrating the ancient art of Japanese swordsmithing. Known as one of the most significant centers of traditional sword production, Seki has a history of blade making that dates back over 700 years. © O. Robert The museum serves as a gateway to understanding this deeply rooted cultural craft, offering visitors a comprehensive experience of the art, history, and techniques behind

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

In the realm of visual poetry, black and white landscape photography stands as a testament to the power of simplicity and contemplation. Much like the Japanese haiku, it is an art form that embraces minimalism, inviting the viewer to pause, to reflect, and to absorb the essence of a scene. Snow whispers its tale Roof stands guard in the stillness Winter's calm retreat. Fine Art Print and Haiku © O. Robert (Available for purchase here) I like to consider that the relationship

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

The concept of Wabi-Sabi (侘寂) is a Japanese aesthetic and philosophical principle that finds beauty in imperfection, simplicity, and the transient nature of things. It has its roots in both Chinese Taoism and Zen Buddhism and is often described as an appreciation of the world's impermanent and incomplete beauty around us. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) As with any cultural concept, its perception varies from one person to another, and its application can fluctuate

Ojizo Sama are revered Buddhist figures, particularly known for their role as protectors of children, travelers, and troubled souls. These statues, often recognizable by their childlike appearance, are omnipresent in Buddhist temples, along roadsides, in cemeteries, and in the mountains throughout the country. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) They represent a millennia-old tradition of compassion, hope, and protection in Japanese Buddhism. Their origins, rooted in M

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’

This concept, known as "Shichijūni Kō" in Japanese, is a unique calendar system that has its origins in China. Rooted in Japanese culture and Buddhist philosophy, this concept reflects a profound sensitivity to nature, its changes, and a desire to live in harmony with its rhythms. A way of life and 72 sources of inspiration in photography. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Available for purchase here) In the intricate realm of Japanese traditions unfolds a unique concept that mirro

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

There are places in Japan where time seems to pause, where the air is thick with the weight of centuries, and where every object, every gesture, carries meaning. The Shukubo temple lodgings found in Japan are such places. They are unique accommodations and gateways to a way of life that has remained unchanged for over a thousand years. © O. Robert For the traveler, the photographer, or the seeker, staying in a Shukubo is an invitation to step out of the ordinary and into a sp

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 earthquake in northeastern Japan generated a major tidal wave that struck the coasts of numerous regions in Southeast Asia and the Pacific coast of Tohoku. Japan, being on the frontline, suffered immense human losses and incalculable damage from which the country has not yet recovered. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) The Tohoku r

Shintoism, the indigenous religion of Japan, centers around the worship of Kami, which are revered spirits or deities. The Kami can embody natural elements, ancestors, historical heroes, or even abstract concepts. The exact number of Kami is undefined, as the belief accepts the existence of myriad deities, each associated with various aspects of nature and human life. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) In the Japanese archipelago, where nature and spirituality are int

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

Shinto shrines in Japan are categorized into several groups, each with its specific significance and importance. Ranging from small local altars to major complexes, they are ordered based on historical, cultural, architectural criteria, or affiliation with the imperial family. This classification reflects the diversity and richness of these Shinto spiritual traditions. © O. Robert The terms 'Jingu,' 'Gū,' 'Taisha,' and 'Jinja' are all used to refer to Shinto shrines in Japan.

The decorative and symbolic elements of Shinto shrines, such as shimenawa and shide, play a crucial role in Japanese tradition and spirituality. These objects are not only aesthetic but also carry a deep meaning, rooted in the history and culture of Japan. © O. Robert Similar to the Torii gates, shimenawa symbolize the separation between the secular and the sacred world. They are used to purify and protect the space they enclose. Found at the entrance of shrines, around sacre

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 1.250 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