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UNESCO Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Revitalizes Rural Wakayama

NACHIKATSUURA, JAPAN - JUNE 19: A large stone monument inscribed with the kanji characters for "Daimon-zaka" stands next to an official UNESCO World Heritage sign at the entry corridor to Mount Nachi in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, on June 19, 2026. Backed by the steep, densely forested ridges of the Kii Mountain Range, this iconic stone gateway marks the historical starting point of the Daimon-zaka slope—an ancient cobblestone staircase lined with centuries-old Japanese cedar trees that directs long-distance hikers and spiritual pilgrims toward Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and Nachi Falls along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13862825
Date Taken	19 June 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Artur Widak/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Artur Widak/NurPhoto

Asia Characters Daimon-zaka Foliage Forest Greenery Historic Inscription Japan Kanji Kii Peninsula Kumano Kodo Language Monument Mountain Nachikatsuura Nakahechi Nature Shrub Sign Sky Slope Tourism Traditional UNESCO Wakayama ancient boulder cobblestone culture landscape pavement pilgrimage plaque ridge sacred scenery stone stone paving text travel trees world heritage Kii Mountain Range Mount Nachi UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine Nachi Falls stone monument kanji characters Japanese cedar trees cobblestone staircase Artur Widak