Once a year, the twelve deities of Kumano Nachi Taisha return to the great waterfall where they were first enshrined, 1,700 years ago.

Twelve massive torches — each weighing up to 50 kilograms — are carried down the cedar-lined path to purify the way.

Twelve fan-shaped portable shrines, six meters tall, follow through the flames.

One of Japan's three great fire festivals. July 14, every year.