OLIVIER ROBERT PHOTO

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

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

The village of Hongcun is located in Anhui province and represents a remarkable example of the region's traditional Chinese architecture....

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

The Shui-mo is an ancient and sophisticated art of Chinese ink painting that transcends the boundaries of geography and time. It was once...

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

The city of Hangzhou is a historical and cultural gem of China. West Lake, in turn, is a significant source of artistic and literary inspiration. Around its shores, historical structures and temples reflect the region's spiritual depth. The Grand Canal, connecting Hangzhou to Beijing, is an engineering feat and a vital link for trade. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) Together, Hangzhou, West Lake, and the Grand Canal illustrate the harmony between nature, culture, a

The city of Hangzhou is a historical and cultural jewel of China. The West Lake, in turn, is a significant source of artistic and literary inspiration. Around its shores, historical structures and temples bear witness to the region's spiritual depth. The Grand Canal, connecting Hangzhou to Beijing, is an engineering feat and a vital link for trade. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) Together, Hangzhou, the West Lake, and the Grand Canal illustrate the harmony between

The city of Hangzhou is a historical and cultural jewel of China. West Lake, on the other hand, is an important source of artistic and literary inspiration. Around its shores, historical structures and temples testify to the spiritual depth of the region. The Grand Canal, connecting Hangzhou to Beijing, is an engineering feat and a vital link for trade. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) Together, Hangzhou, West Lake, and the Grand Canal illustrate the harmony between

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

Huangshan, located in Anhui province, is a city of immense historical and cultural wealth. Dating back to the Qin Dynasty, it was an important trading center during the Ming and Qing eras. Today, it is primarily famous for its eponymous mountain range. Huangshan City Bridge © O. Robert However, the city is also rich in traditional architecture, particularly the Huizhou style, and in cultural heritage, with historical figures such as Huang Binhong and Tao Xingzhi. A Harmonious

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,

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

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

Among all the representative landscapes of China, the Huangshan Mountains are certainly the most famous. They are also known as the Yellow Mountain by a decree from 747, referring to the first emperor who visited them. These unique landforms have been one of the major sources of inspiration for traditional Chinese painting and literature for centuries. A journey through time. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) Immersed in a misty atmosphere for more than 300 days a ye

Matsumoto Castle, also known as the "Black Crow" (烏城, Karasu-jō) due to its dark facade, is one of Japan's most famous and spectacular castles. This symbol located in Nagano Prefecture stands out for its unique construction and tumultuous history, spanning several centuries. A must-visit place for black and white photographers. © O. Robert This impressive castle is part of the 5 ones designated as a National Treasure, along with Himeiji, Inuyama, Hikone and Matsue castles. To

Nestled in the heart of the prefecture bearing the same name, Osaka Castle stands as a powerful symbol of Japanese history and culture. It captivates with its imposing architecture and tumultuous past. With its massive stone walls, deep moats, and majestic main tower, the castle is an ode to the military strategy and architectural ingenuity of its time. © O. Robert For photographers, Osaka Castle offers an exceptional backdrop, where every angle reveals a new perspective on t

Among all the representative landscapes of China, the Huangshan Mountains are certainly the most famous. They are also known as the Yellow Mountain by a decree from 747, referring to the first emperor who visited them. These unique landforms have been one of the major sources of inspiration for traditional Chinese painting and literature for centuries. A journey through time. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) Immersed in a misty atmosphere for more than 300 days a ye

The Kumamoto earthquake in April 2016 caused considerable damage to its iconic castle and the surrounding area, illustrating the vulnerability of historic structures to natural disasters. Among the most significant damage to the castle, the collapse of important centuries-old stone walls is lamented. © O. Robert These imposing support structures, which had perfectly withstood the vicissitudes of time, ended up yielding under the impressive force of the shakes. These walls, kn

Among all the representative landscapes of China, the Huangshan Mountains are certainly the most famous. They are also known as the Yellow Mountain by a decree from 747, referring to the first emperor who visited them. These unique landforms have been one of the major sources of inspiration for traditional Chinese painting and literature for centuries. A journey through time. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) Immersed in a misty atmosphere for more than 300 days a ye

Among all the representative landscapes of China, the Huangshan Mountains are certainly the most famous. They are also known as the Yellow Mountain by a decree from 747, referring to the first emperor who visited them. These unique landforms have been one of the major sources of inspiration for traditional Chinese painting and literature for centuries. A journey through time. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) Immersed in a misty atmosphere for more than 300 days a ye

Among all the representative landscapes of China, the Huangshan Mountains are certainly the most famous. They are also known as the Yellow Mountain by a decree from 747, referring to the first emperor who visited them. These unique landforms have been one of the major sources of inspiration for traditional Chinese painting and literature for centuries. A journey through time. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) Immersed in a misty atmosphere for more than 300 days a ye

Located at the top of a small hill in the city of Matsue (Shimane Prefecture), this teahouse is a gem not to be missed on your journey through the San-in region. A true haven of peace, it also features a remarkable contemplative garden that you can admire from the inside while enjoying a Matcha tea seated on traditional tatami mats. © O. Robert As in many places in Shimane Prefecture, as a foreigner you will benefit from a 50% discount on the entrance fee (as of 2016). You ca

The Torii (鳥居) are not just architectural elements that define the landscapes and sacred spaces of Japan. They embody the very essence of Japanese culture and spirituality. Opening a gateway to the history, beliefs, and values of a nation, they symbolize the passage from the profane world to the sacred world, according to Shinto religion. Fine Art Print © O. Robert (Purchase here) The Torii, 鳥居 in Japanese, is literally translated as "bird gate" or "where birds perch". It con