The temple’s main building has acquired the patina of time. The building houses its principal image, a statue of the bodhisattva Nyoirin.

This memorial monument was built by fishermen and others associated with the fishing industry to express gratitude to the whales and fish they catch.

The vermillion-colored worship hall can be seen in the center of the photograph. The large camphor tree whose branches can be seen on the right is said to have been planted by Taira no Shigemori himself.

Deep in a primeval forest, water flows dynamically over a huge, 133-meter cliff.

Countless pilgrims have traveled this sacred pilgrimage route, which is unique among World Heritage sites.

Freshly caught tuna lie in rows at the fish market. You can watch the auction free of charge without reservations from the second-floor gallery.

You’ll pass through areas where there are strangely shaped rocks such as Rakuda-iwa (in the foreground), named for its resemblance to a camel. Route A takes 55 minutes (or 40 minutes to Taiji Kujirahama Beach Park).

Miwasaki’s whaling superintendent kept watch for whales from a mountain lookout located at this site.

Running, white-clad children pluck a straw whale, or semi, from a target.

A festival at Kumano Sansho-omiwasha Shrine. The decorative part of the target is called a semi.