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UNESCO Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Revitalizes Rural Wakayama

TANABE, JAPAN - JUNE 18: A bronze statue depicting the legendary warrior monk Musashibo Benkei alongside his father, Kumano Betto Tanzo, and two fighting roosters stands on the grounds of Tokei Shrine in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, on June 18, 2026. This unique UNESCO World Heritage-listed pilgrimage asset leverages its deep historical and literary folklore to capture global trekker interest and channel international tourism revenue directly into remote mountain communities, driving essential funding for family-owned ryokans and creating a sustainable economic model for rural regional development. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13858709
Date Taken	18 April 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Artur Widak/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Artur Widak/NurPhoto

Adventure Asset Benkei Business Camino Cockfight Commerce Destination Economy Fiscal Genpei Growth History Income Industry Influx Japan Kii Kodo Kumano Legend Market Monument Multi-day Nakahechi Peninsula Preservation Rooster Route Ryokan Santiago Sculpture Statue Sustainable Tanabe Tanzo Tourism Traveler UNESCO Wakayama booking bronze community culture development expenditure folklore foreign heritage hiking hospitality infrastructure international local pilgrimage regional reservation revenue spending trail trekking Musashibo Benkei Kumano Betto Tanzo Tokei Shrine Wakayama Prefecture bronze statue fighting roosters UNESCO World Heritage historical folklore literary folklore international tourism rural development ryokans Artur Widak NurPhoto