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UNESCO Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Revitalizes Rural Wakayama

NACHIKATSUURA, JAPAN - JUNE 19: Hikers carrying backpacks ascend a stone pathway next to a rustic wooden directional sign marking the route toward the 'Daimon-zaka Slope' along the Kumano Kodo trail in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, on June 19, 2026. The weathering sign, inscribed with both Japanese kanji characters and English text, points spiritual pilgrims and outdoor tourists up the mountain corridor that leads directly into the iconic, moss-covered ancient cobblestone staircase lined with towering Japanese cedar trees, serving as a primary approach toward the sacred Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and Nachi Falls within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kii Mountain Range pilgrimage network. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13867876
Date Taken	19 June 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Artur Widak/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Artur Widak/NurPhoto

Three Quarter Length Action Shot Arrow Asia Backpacks Cedar Daimon-zaka Destination Foliage Forest Grass Historic History Japan Kumano Kodo Mountain Nachikatsuura Nature Path Pointer Religion Route Shinto Shrine Sign Slope Spiritual Tourists UNESCO Vacation Walking Wilderness World ancient cobblestone culture direction directional gateway green heritage hikers hiking kii-peninsula landmark old outdoor pathway pilgrimage pilgrims pristine rustic sacred scenery stairs steps stone trail trees trekking wooden Japanese kanji English text mountain corridor cobblestone staircase Japanese cedar trees Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine Nachi Falls UNESCO World Heritage Kii Mountain Range pilgrimage network Artur Widak.