Editorial photo #13867880 Human Interest

UNESCO Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Revitalizes Rural Wakayama

NACHIKATSUURA, JAPAN - JUNE 19: A lone hiker carrying a backpack pauses on the lower cobblestone steps to look up at the steep mountain incline where other travelers ascend the Daimon-zaka slope along the Kumano Kodo trail in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, on June 19, 2026. The historic stone staircase cuts straight through a towering alley of massive, moss-covered Japanese cedar trees (sugi), creating a dramatic perspective that directs spiritual pilgrims and outdoor tourists deeper into the ancient forest corridor toward Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kii Mountain Range pilgrimage network. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto)

Photo details

Photo ID: #13867880
Date taken: 19 June 2026
Location: —
Photographer: Artur Widak/NurPhoto
Category: Human Interest

Related keywords

Alley Asia Botanical Cedar Daimon-zaka Foliage Forest Grove Historic History Incline Japan Kumano Kodo Mountain Nachikatsuura Nature Path Religion Route Spiritual Sugi UNESCO Wakayama Walking Wilderness World ancient back-view backpack cobblestone culture deep-forest giant giant-trees green heritage landmark mossy old old-growth outdoor pathway pristine sacred scenery serene stairs steps stone trail trees trekking trunk walking-stick woods Kumano Kodo trail Daimon-zaka slope hiker cobblestone steps mountain incline travelers Wakayama Prefecture Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine UNESCO World Heritage Kii Mountain Range Japanese cedar trees stone staircase Artur Widak.