In 1998, Peter Marlow travelled along the ancient Kumano Trail in Japan’s Wakayama Province, following a route that was exclusively used by emperors and samurai during the 12th century. The pilgrims would expend great effort while walking the trail’s deep valleys, mountain ranges, and forests on a quest to achieve spiritual enlightenment. Now, the sacred route, and the Buddhist and Shinto shrines built along it, are recognized as a World Heritage Site. Modern pilgrims enjoy the sights on offer as they make this journey – occasionally with accompanying struggles of their own, as depicted in this image by Peter.