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UNESCO Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Revitalizes Rural Wakayama

NACHIKATSUURA, JAPAN - JUNE 19: A hiker wearing a backpack and holding a wooden walking stick pauses on the ancient cobblestone steps of the Daimon-zaka slope beside a colossal, gnarled Japanese cedar tree along the Kumano Kodo trail in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, on June 19, 2026. The historic moss-covered stone staircase cuts through a dense forest of centuries-old trees, leading spiritual pilgrims and outdoor tourists up the mountain ridge toward Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kii Mountain Range pilgrimage network. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13867879
Date Taken	19 June 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Artur Widak/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Artur Widak/NurPhoto

Full Length Full Body Action Shot Asia Botanical Cedar Daimon-zaka Explore Foliage Forest Grove Historic History Japan Kumano Kodo Mountain Nachikatsuura Nature Path Route Spiritual Sugi UNESCO Wakayama Walking Wilderness World ancient back-view backpack canopy cobblestone culture deep-forest giant gnarled green heritage hiking landmark mossy old old-growth outdoor pathway pilgrimage pristine sacred scenery serene stairs steps stone trail trees trekking trunk walking-stick hiker walking stick Daimon-zaka slope Japanese cedar tree Kumano Kodo trail Wakayama Prefecture moss-covered stone staircase Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine UNESCO World Heritage Kii Mountain Range pilgrimage network Artur Widak NurPhoto