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UNESCO Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Revitalizes Rural Wakayama

SHINGU, JAPAN - JUNE 19: A row of vermilion wooden lanterns frames a Shinto shrine maiden (miko) cleaning the pavilion facade while an elderly pilgrim prays with clasped hands at Kumano Hayatama Taisha in Shingu, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, on June 19, 2026. This sacred site serves as one of the three grand shrines within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kumano Sanzan network, anchoring ancient spiritual pilgrimage trails that stretch across the forested mountains of the Kii Peninsula. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13862806
Date Taken	19 June 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Artur Widak/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Artur Widak/NurPhoto

Three Quarter Length Asia Blur Bokeh Clothing Facade Historic Japan Kii Peninsula Kumano Hayatama Taisha Kumano Kodo Lantern Maiden Miko Pavilion Pilgrim Praying Religion Row Shingu Shinto Shrine Spiritual Tourism UNESCO Vermilion Wakayama Working ancient architecture attire cleaning culture depth of field foreground hands perspective pilgrimage sacred scenery senior travel uniform wooden worship Wakayama Prefecture Shinto shrine shrine maiden elderly pilgrim wooden lanterns pavilion facade UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Sanzan spiritual pilgrimage forested mountains June 19 2026 Artur Widak NurPhoto