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UNESCO Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Revitalizes Rural Wakayama

NACHIKATSUURA, JAPAN - JUNE 19: A large stone monument engraved with Japanese calligraphy denoting 'Nachi Falls' stands beside a traditional wooden torii gate entrance enveloped by dense forest in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, on June 19, 2026. A mid-angle perspective captures two visitors walking along the stone steps behind the sacred Shinto gateway, which is adorned with white shide paper streamers to mark the threshold into the holy natural grounds of Hiro-gongu Shrine, leading pilgrims and outdoor tourists directly toward the base of the sacred 133-meter waterfall within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kii Mountain Range pilgrimage network. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13867923
Date Taken	19 June 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Artur Widak/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Artur Widak/NurPhoto

Asia Forest Gate Hiro-gongu Historic History Inscription Japan Kanji Monument Mountain Nachi-falls Nachikatsuura Nature Path Religion Rock Route Shimenawa Shinto Shrine Sign Signage Spiritual Tablet Torii UNESCO Wakayama Walking Wilderness World ancient architecture boulders boundary calligraphic calligraphy carved culture engraved entrance gateway green heritage hikers landmark lichen monolith mossy old outdoor pathway pilgrimage plaques red-accents sacred scenery shide slate stairs steps stone stone-carving trail trees woods stone monument Japanese calligraphy Nachi Falls torii gate dense forest Wakayama Prefecture stone steps Shinto gateway white shide paper streamers Hiro-gongu Shrine waterfall UNESCO World Heritage Kii Mountain Range pilgrimage network Artur Widak