23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
New Year Warmth at Kifune

Glowing embers provide sanctuary at Kifune Shrine, Kyoto. Captured Jan 3, 2025, during the New Year celebrations, this staff-tended fire was a beacon of comfort for pilgrims braving the bitter winter cold.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Kyoto, Japan
Camera: GFX100 II
Copyright: © Xingfan Xia