Asia Images | John Lander

Came across this wonderful website some time ago, it has a huuuuuge gallery of great pictures from all over Asia! Silly me wanted to see it all in one day but its just impossible xD Will leave you with some of my favorite ones of Japan. All pictures by freelance photographer John Lander.

Groups of choreographed dancers and musicians known as ren dance through the streets at summer festivals in Japan, typically accompanied by the shamisen lute, taiko drums, shinobue flute and the kane bell. Performers wear traditional obon dance costumes, or summer kimono, and chant and sing as they parade through the streets. Originally from Tokushima, Shikoku, its popularity has spread through Japan and is now a standard feature of summer festivals throughout the country.

Once the private domain of the silk baron Hara Sankei, one of Japan's most exquisite gardens was opened to the public in 1904. Hara wished to share the beauty of his bounty by opening up his grounds, surely one of the world's most beautiful examples of benevolent capitalism. The cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in autumn make Sankeien a favorite spot in Yokohama for residents and visitors alike. Besides the landmark three-storied pagoda, koi ponds, streams and an elegant feudal lord's residence, numerous tea houses are scattered through the expanse.

The dramatic torii of Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan's most popular attractions. The gate has existed since 1168, though the current gate was reconstructed in 1875. Built of camphor wood and standing about 16 metres high the gate was built in a four legged style to provide additional stability. The gate only appears to be floating and only at high tide. When the tide is low the gate is surrounded by mud. Retaining the purity of the island is so important that no deaths or births were permitted in the area until quite recently.

Japanese festivals are traditional festive occasions. Some festivals have their roots in Chinese festivals but have undergone dramatic changes as they mixed with local customs. Matsuri is the Japanese word for a festival or holiday. In Japan, festivals are usually sponsored by a local shrine or temple, though they can be secular.

Shisendo is both a hermitage and garden in eastern Kyoto established by Jozen Ishikawa, a scholar and landscape architect. After he retired from samurai service he devoted the rest of his life to learning Chinese classics. When he was 59, he built what has come to be known as Shisendo. The main hall overlooks a garden covered in white sand surrounding a pond, encircled by landscaped shrubs.

Once the private domain of the silk baron Hara Sankei, one of Japan's most exquisite gardens was opened to the public in 1904. Hara wished to share the beauty of his bounty by opening up his grounds, surely one of the world's most beautiful examples of benevolent capitalism. The cherry blossoms in spring and maple leaves in autumn make Sankeien a favorite spot in Yokohama for residents and visitors alike. Besides the landmark three-storied pagoda, koi ponds, streams and an elegant feudal lord's residence, numerous tea houses are scattered through the expanse.

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