Joao Maia

Máscaras Carnival is one of my favorite times of year.

New post on substack...

#portugal #trasosmontes #vinhais #entrudo #mascaras #travelphotography

Winter trainscapes The first time I saw photos of snow in Japan, I was mesmerized.

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#japan #tohoku #snow #landscape #travelphotography

Following up on my trips of the year, the last one was back to Japan, in November. This time I just went sightseeing but I managed to find some time to visit some of my favorite yokocho and shotengai, and even discover some new ones.
#japan #osaka #tokyo #streetphotography #travelphotography

Looking back into what I photographed in 2025, it’s easy to focus on my last trip to Japan in November. But I also traveled to northern Spain earlier in the year to photograph the “Baixada da Marela” in the Galician entroido
#spain #galicia #maceda #entroido #travelphotography #traditionalfestival

The fading of Japan’s Shōwa era – in pictures Lee Chapman’s photographs document the scenes, signages and family businesses in Japan from the postwar Shōwa era as they rapidly disappear

Amazing article with amazing photos by my friend Lee Chapman www.theguardian.com/world/galler...

The gritty and photogenic nature of Osaka Plus the refreshing openness of its people

My friend Lee Chapman brings to life two of my favorite areas in Osaka with his brilliant photography.

Plan B: lion dancers after the rain Photographing shishimai lion dances in Takayama Autumn festival.

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#japan #gifu #takayama #matsuri #shishimai

How to photograph a cancelled festival Photographing a cancelled Takayama Autumn festival deep in the mountains of Gifu prefecture.

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#japan #gifu #takayama #matsuri

The power of the road less traveled Taking the road less traveled through an old shoutengai in Osaka, Japan.

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#japan #osaka #shotengai #travelphotography #streetphotography

Demons on the rice paddies (Menburyu, part II) On the day of the festival I got to the village early as always as I usually try to do. People were already arriving in full costume.

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#japan #kyushu #saga #menburyu #matsuri

Demons on the rice paddies (Menburyu, part I) Part I: The Road to Nowhere

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#japan #kyushu #saga #menburyu #matsuri

(Not so) busy mornings at the bridge of cranes (Tsuruhashi, part II) I don't know how much longer Tsuruhashi market will remain as it is now. A lot of shops seem to be closing.

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#japan #osaka #tsuruhashi #markets

Busy mornings at the bridge of cranes When I visit any city for the first time, I immediately seek out the markets. Tsuruhashi was the first one I visited in Osaka.

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#japan #osaka #tsuruhashi #market

Faded Japanese towns, cities and old tourist spots Plus the fascinating nature of photographing them

Amazing article and amazing photographs by my friend Lee Chapman. His work on decaying Japan is truly astonishing.

True blue Nagatasenkoujou is one of the last workshops in Japan dedicated to the dyeing art of Tsutsugaki Aizome.

New post on substack... #japan #shimane #izumo #aizome #craftsmanship

The invasion of the Glowing Giants Travel in Aomori prefecture in early August, and you'll encounter a Neputa festival. But on Goshogawara, these festivals are taken to a new height. Literally.

New post on substack... #japan #aomori #goshogawara #tachineputa

Shaping Demons and Heroes Inside a traditional Japanese mask workshop where the demons and heroes of Iwami Kagura come to life.

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#japan #shimane #hamada #iwamikagura

The Wajima in my heart Wajima was my first stop when I decided to embark on a trip photographing Japanese traditional festivals. I fell in love with it instantly.

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#japan #ishikawa #wajima #travelphotography

The fiery burden of devotion At Kumano Nachi Taisha devotees carry massive 50-kilogram blazing torches up and down the stone stairs leading to the shrine.

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The beginning and end of the universe in Mizumoto My travels through Japan brought me into contact with remarkable people who became treasured friends. Among them is Mr. Hideta Kitazawa, a master woodcarver from the Mizumoto area near Tokyo.

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O-Mikoshi, Sunrise, and Saltwater Japan can be excruciatingly hot and humid during the summer.

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Lost Japan From bustling fish markets to empty lots—Japan's 40-year building cycle means entire neighbourhoods can change overnight. On the urgency of documenting what might not be there tomorrow.

New post on substack: open.substack.com/pub/jhmaia/p...

One encounter, one shot | Joao Maia | Substack Fleeting moments of cultural traditions through the lens of a curious traveler, guided by 'ichi go, ichi e' — one encounter, one chance. Most things I photograph never repeat themselves in the same wa...

You probably noticed I haven't been posting much. I’ve grown tired of fighting social media algorithms that decide who sees what. So I'm trying something different. I started a Substack publication where I can share my travel and photo experiences. Check it out and subscribe if it speaks to you.

Bugaku: From Imperial Courts to Akita’s Mountains - Joao Maia Photography Every January, Akita's snowy mountains host the Dainichido Bugaku festival, showcasing 1,300 years of tradition through a blend of imperial court dances and local customs.

New post on my blog! Happy new year, everyone!

www.jmaia-photography.net/bugaku-from-...

🇬🇧 Torii in the snow, Yanaizu, Fukushima, Japan
Merry Christmas, everyone!

🇵🇹 Torii na neve, Yanaizu, Fukushima, Japão
Feliz Natal a todos!

#yanaizu #fukushima #shinto #travelphotography #japan #travel #photography

Night time walks, Fukuoka, Japan.
In Japan I always love to go for a walk in the evenings. There are always interesting scenes no matter where you are.
#travelphotography #streetphotography #japan #kyushu #fukuoka

Night time walks, Fukuoka, Japan
In Japan I always love to go for a walk in the evenings. There are always interesting scenes no matter where you are
#travelphotography #streetphotography #japan #kyushu #fukuoka

Toyama Trams, Toyama, Japan
Sometimes I give myself small photo assignments. In Toyama city I decided my evening assignment would be to photograph trams #travel #photography #japan #toyama #tram #canonphotography #canonportugal #canonjapan

Toyama Trams, Toyama, Japan
Sometimes I give myself small photo assignments. In Toyama city I decided my evening assignment would be to photograph trams #travel #photography #japan #toyama #tram #canonphotography #canonportugal #canonjapan

Kii Tanabe, Wakayama, Japan
Tanabe has a cool vibe to it. Unlike many small towns in Japan, there’s a lovely generational mix. #travel #photography #japan #tanabe #wakayama #canonphoto #canonportugal #canonjapan