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UNESCO Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Revitalizes Rural Wakayama

NACHIKATSUURA, JAPAN - JUNE 19: Two hikers viewed from behind use wooden walking sticks to navigate the uneven, moss-covered cobblestone steps of the Daimon-zaka slope along the Kumano Kodo trail in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, on June 19, 2026. Clad in casual athletic wear, the pair follows a distant group of travelers climbing the steep incline through a dense alley of towering Japanese cedar trees (sugi), which forms a scenic forest corridor that guides spiritual pilgrims and outdoor tourists up the mountain toward Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kii Mountain Range pilgrimage network. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13867882
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 Alley Asia Botanical Cedar Daimon-zaka Explore Foliage Forest Grove Historic History Incline Japan Kumano Kodo Mountain Nachikatsuura Nature Path Religion Route Spiritual Sugi UNESCO Vacation Walking Wilderness ancient back-view casual cobblestone culture deep-forest giant giant-trees green heritage hikers hiking landmark mossy old old-growth outdoor pathway pilgrimage pristine sacred scenery serene stairs steps stone trail trees trekking trunk walking-stick June 19 2026 wooden walking sticks Daimon-zaka slope Kumano Kodo trail Wakayama Prefecture moss-covered cobblestone steps casual athletic wear steep incline Japanese cedar trees forest corridor Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine UNESCO World Heritage Kii Mountain Range pilgrimage network spiritual pilgrims outdoor tourists Artur Widak NurPhoto