Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route

Ancient cherry blossom pilgrimage at Yoshino Mountain in Nara, a sacred site of Shugendo Buddhism. Over 30,000 cherry trees bloom in spring across four elevation zones. Visited by imperial families and nobles since the Heian period, it now attracts over 2 million annual pilgrims. Symbolizes the fusion of natural beauty and spiritual devotion in Japanese culture.

A faith system centered on three Kumano shrines: Hongu, Hayatama, and Nachi Taisha. Known since ancient times as a site of spiritual rebirth, attracting nobility and commoners alike. Uniquely, it welcomed women pilgrims when other shrines restricted access, profoundly influencing Japanese folk beliefs and women's spiritual practices.

One of the three sacred Kumano shrines located in Nachi-Katsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. It has a unique faith system centered on Nachi Falls as the divine object. Since the Heian period, nobility has visited regularly, making it the endpoint of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail. Its vermilion buildings and ancient cedar trees spanning over 800 years are iconic, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

An ancient pilgrimage network registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.' The trails linking the three Kumano grand shrines share a sister-road partnership with Spain's Camino de Santiago.

A sacred center of Shingon Buddhism located in Koya, Wakayama Prefecture. Established in the 9th century by Kobo Daishi Kukai, it serves as a spiritual hub. Approximately 120 temples are clustered here, with accommodations available for temple stays. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004, it has gained worldwide attention as a unique religious city with distinctive spiritual culture. Attracting approximately one million visitors annually.

A sacred pilgrimage region centered on Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain at 3,776 meters. Venerated since ancient times, it encompasses Sengen Shrine at the summit and numerous Sengen shrines at the base. The Fuji-kō folk religious movement popularized devotional practices during the Edo period. Over 300,000 pilgrims ascend annually. Registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2013, it represents Japan's mountain worship traditions.

The principal shrine of the Kumano Sanzan trinity, located in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture. Situated along the Kumano River on the Kumano Kodo trail, it houses a sacred tree believed to be 3,800 years old. After major Heisei restoration work, it maintains the dignity of an ancient sacred site. It serves as the spiritual center of Kumano worship throughout Japan, drawing countless pilgrims.

Multiple pilgrimage routes lead to the Kumano Sanzan (three sacred shrines) through Wakayama's Kii Mountains. The Nakahechi, Ohechi, and Kohechi routes span centuries of continuous faith, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Modern pilgrims undertake rigorous mountain treks as spiritual practice, maintaining medieval traditions.