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UNESCO Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Revitalizes Rural Wakayama

NACHIKATSUURA, JAPAN - JUNE 19: A visitor's hand reaches out toward rows of traditional 'Ema' (wooden prayer plaques) hanging on a display rack at Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, on June 19, 2026. These colorful plaques feature custom illustrations of the Yatagarasu, a mythical three-legged crow acting as a divine guide, alongside depictions of a vermilion Shinto torii gate. Outdoor tourists and spiritual pilgrims write down their wishes and prayers on the back of these tablets, leaving them hung within the courtyard of the sanctuary along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kii Mountain Range pilgrimage network. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13867897
Date Taken	19 June 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Artur Widak/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Artur Widak/NurPhoto

Art Asia Ema Hand Historic History Illustration Inscription Japan Kanji Kumano Kodo Kumano Nachi Taisha Mountain Nachikatsuura Religion Shinto Shrine Spiritual Tablet Torii UNESCO Vermilion Wakayama Wish World Yatagarasu ancient board culture custom desire display divine-guide hanging heritage hope landmark outdoor pathway pilgrimage plaque prayer ritual rows sacred three-legged-crow wooden Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine Wakayama Prefecture June 19 2026 Artur Widak NurPhoto