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UNESCO Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Revitalizes Rural Wakayama

SHINGU, JAPAN - JUNE 19: An international trekker carrying a large backpack walks through a towering vermilion torii gate leading into the sacred forested grounds of Kumano Hayatama Taisha in Shingu, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, on June 19, 2026. This monumental Shinto gateway features a central decorative plaque with kanji characters and is flanked by a row of small orange wooden votive posts, marking the primary ceremonial entry corridor for modern long-distance hikers completing their spiritual pilgrimage journeys across the UNESCO World Heritage-listed trails of the Kii Peninsula. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13862787
Date Taken	19 June 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Artur Widak/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Artur Widak/NurPhoto

One Person Full Length Full Body Asia Fence Foliage Forest Gate Hiker Historic Inscription Japan Kanji Kii Peninsula Kumano Hayatama Taisha Kumano Kodo Nature Path Person Pilgrim Shingu Shinto Shrine Sign Torii Trekker UNESCO Vermilion Wakayama Walking ancient backpack boundary culture entrance entryway flagstone landscape man pavement pilgrimage plaque post red scenery stone text travel trees woods sacred forest gateway kanji characters votive posts ceremonial entry long-distance hikers spiritual pilgrimage UNESCO World Heritage trails