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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 25 years, afte


Japan: 5 Essential Gardens for Landscape Photography
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


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: The Nori Seaweed Farms of the Ariake Sea
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


Japan: Tanajibu, the Fishing Huts on the Ariake Sea
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 the fascinating 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, and the


Japan: The Floating Torii of Itsukushima Jinja
The Grand Torii of Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan’s most iconic symbols and one of the most famous torii gates in the country. Standing in the sea, about 200 meters offshore, it is part of the most photographed sites of Japan. Itsukushima Torii | Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Available for purchase here) This “floating” torii, has garnered international fame due to its striking appearance, spiritual significance, and integration with the natural surroundings. It has existed


Japan: The Yushi-en Garden in Matsue
There are rare moments in a photographer's life that leave an indelible impression on their mind. An encounter or a discovery often provides the opportunity to capture some stunning shots, or at the very least, to preserve an unalterable memory. This was my case when I discovered this garden for the first time. Yushi-en remains one of the most beautiful gardens I have ever visited in Japan. © O. Robert It's obviously a matter of personal taste. But having visited hundreds of


Japan: The Garden of the Adachi Museum of Art in Yasugi
This private museum, created by Mr. Adachi Zenko in 1970, houses an exceptional collection of paintings by Yokoyama Taikan and various other Japanese artworks. A passionate lover of gardens and a major art collector, Adachi Zenko wanted to create this museum and garden as a tribute to his hometown, while also contributing to the cultural development of Shimane Prefecture. © O. Robert His aim was to connect his collection of Yokoyama Taikan paintings with a lush garden. Intere


Japan: Itsukushima Jinja, the Shrine of the Three Deities
Itsukushima Shrine is located on the sacred island of Itsukushima (commonly referred to as Miyajima) in Hiroshima Prefecture. As part of the "Three Views of Japan", it is one of the most famous Shinto shrines and an iconic site, internationally known for its “floating” torii gate. Its history is spanning centuries and blending religious significance with legends and war periods. © O. Robert Itsukushima Shrine is a symbol of Japan's cultural and spiritual identity, embodying c


Japan: Photographing the Snow Monsters in the Hakkoda Mountains
Located in Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan, the Snow Monsters are the result of unique weather conditions in the Hakkoda Mountains....


Sublimations - Fondazione Luciana Matalon, Milan, Italy 2019
June 6th to 9th 2019
Guest of Honor
A selection of prints from the Japan and China collections. Group exhibition. Opening : June 6th at 6pm.


Interview for Photographize Magazine, 2019
It was a great honor to be interviewed by Photographize Magazine about my work in general and, more specifically, in Japan. A rare...


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: Photographing the Uradome Coast in Tottori
Nestled in the Tottori Prefecture, the Uradome Coast is a geological wonder stretching along the Sea of Japan. Famous for its spectacular rock formations, steep cliffs, and crystal-clear waters, it presents a landscape shaped by millennia of marine erosion. A limitless subject for photography. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) Along the Uradome Coast, numerous spots have been set up to allow you to descend along the cliffs and reach the shore close to the sea. The un


Japan: Hikone Castle, A Feudal Treasure on the Shores of Lake Biwa
Hikone Castle, located near Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, is a historical monument of significant importance. It played a key role in Japan's history, especially during the Edo period. Designated as a National Treasure, its history begins in the early 17th century, shortly after the end of the Sengoku period. Photographing in the footsteps of the Shogun TV series. © O. Robert An Original Nickname Hikone Castle is often referred to as " The Castle of the Golden Turtle " (金亀城,


Japan: Okuno-in, A Revered Place Between Nature and Spirituality
Okuno-in, located in Koyasan, in the lush mountains of Wakayama Prefecture, is one of Japan's most sacred and revered sites. It serves as the largest cemetery in the country, nestled within a dense, ancient cedar forest that creates an atmosphere of profound tranquility and spirituality. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Available for purchase here) The cemetery is also housing the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi (Kukai), the founder of Shingon Buddhism, where, according to believers, he


Japan: Best Places and Times to Photograph the Tanchozuru Cranes (Part 3)
The Japanese cranes are undoubtedly the most depicted animals in traditional Japanese painting. Any photographer traveling to Hokkaido in...


Japan: Getting to Kushiro to Photograph the Tanchozuru Cranes (Part 2)
Japanese cranes are undoubtedly among the most represented animals in traditional Japanese painting. Any photographer who goes to...


Japan: The Tanchozuru Cranes in Kushiro, Hokkaido (Part 1)
The red-crowned cranes of Japan are undoubtedly among the most depicted animals in traditional Japanese painting. Any photographer who...


Japan: Where and How to Buy Photography Equipment at the Best Price
This question naturally comes to the mind of every photographer sooner or later. It is indeed a possibility, but it's not always as advantageous as it seems, at least from an economic standpoint. Let's explore the options. If you are traveling to (or residing in) the United States, China, or even Switzerland, there's a high likelihood that Japanese photography equipment will be, if not cheaper, at least the same price. This is paradoxical when considering that Japan produces


Japan: Chomeiji Temple Has Been Overlooking Lake Biwa for Thirteen 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: The Maibara Tree Says Goodbye to Lake Biwa
Maibara is a little town located in the Shiga Prefecture of Japan. It is situated in the northeastern part of the prefecture, on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, and extends up to the Ibuki Mountains and the border with Gifu Prefecture. Maibara is part of the Biwako Quasi-National Park and is particularly known for Mount Ibuki, the highest point in the prefecture. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) But it is primarily for its remarkable tree


Interview for B&W Minimalism Magazine, 2018
Hello Olivier, hope you are well, please briefly tell us about yourself. Hello and thank you very much for suggesting me this interview...


Japan: The Ariake Sea, Landscapes Between Tradition and Tides
The Ariake Sea is a vast bay located in the southwest of Japan, extending into the prefectures of Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Fukuoka. It is the largest bay in Japan and features many fascinating spots for photography, such as Torii gates, fishing huts and the famous Nori seaweed farms. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) Also known as "Ariake-kai" in Japanese, the Ariake Sea covers an area of about 1.700 square kilometers. A notable feature of the Ariake Sea is its
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