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UNESCO Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Revitalizes Rural Wakayama

NACHIKATSUURA, JAPAN - JUNE 19: A person places a wooden prayer stick into a sacred incense and fire brazier in the foreground while worshippers pray before the main pavilion of Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, on June 19, 2026. The vivid vermilion-red Shinto sanctuary stands in the background as spiritual pilgrims and outdoor tourists ring the heavy suzu bells and offer coins to the deities, participating in ancient cleansing and devotional rituals along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kii Mountain Range pilgrimage network. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13867889
Date Taken	19 June 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Artur Widak/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Artur Widak/NurPhoto

Brazier Charcoal Destination Goma Historic History Japan Kumano Kodo Kumano Nachi Taisha Mountain Nachikatsuura Offering Pavilion Religion Shinto Shrine Smoke Spiritual UNESCO Vermilion Wakayama Walking World ancient architecture ash bells black-charcoal culture devotion firewood foreground heritage incense landmark logs outdoor pilgrimage prayer prayer-stick red ritual ropes sacred scenery suzu-bell trail wood June 19 2026