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UNESCO Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Revitalizes Rural Wakayama

NACHIKATSUURA, JAPAN - JUNE 19: Tourists and spiritual pilgrims gather in the open stone courtyard at Hiro-jinja Shrine directly facing the majestic, raw power of Nachi Falls in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, on June 19, 2026. This wide-angle perspective captures visitors exploring the sacred complex, which features a traditional amulet shop on the left, a central covered wooden prayer altar, and a large torii gate framing the base of the massive 133-meter single-drop waterfall as it plummets down a sheer rocky cliffside surrounded by towering, primeval Japanese cedar trees within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13867924
Date Taken	19 June 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Artur Widak/NurPhoto
Category	Human Interest
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Artur Widak/NurPhoto

Asia Building Cascade Cedar Cliff Courtyard Destination Facade Foliage Forest Gate Hiro-jinja Historic History Japan Kii-mountains Kumano Kodo Mountain Nachi-falls Nachikatsuura Nature Path Religion Route Scenic Shinto Shop Shrine Spiritual Stream Torii UNESCO Viewpoint Wakayama Wilderness World altar ancient architecture basic-stone boulders culture entrance gateway green heritage incense landmark landscape majestic monolith old outdoor pathway power primeval pure-water rocky-cliff sacred scenery stall trail trees valley waterfall woods June 19 2026 Hiro-jinja Shrine Nachi Falls Wakayama Prefecture Stone Courtyard Sacred Complex Amulet Shop Wooden Prayer Altar Torii Gate Rocky Cliffside Japanese Cedar Trees UNESCO World Heritage Pilgrimage Network Artur Widak NurPhoto