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

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

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

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

Ojizo Sama are revered Buddhist figures, particularly known for their role as protectors of children, travelers, and troubled souls....

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...

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’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 in terms of area and features many interesting 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 1700 square kilometers. A notable feature of the Ariak

Among all the representative landscapes of China, the Huangshan Mountains are certainly the most famous. They are also known as the...

Among all the representative landscapes of China, the Huangshan Mountains are certainly the most famous. They are also known as the...

Among all the representative landscapes of China, the Huangshan Mountains are certainly the most famous. They are also known as the...

From January 17th to May 28th 2018 An exhibition about my personal project : Statuary and Sacred Sites of Japan.