Nachi Falls Sacred Water Veneration

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.

A sacred site of mountain worship comprising Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono. With over 1,400 years of history as a training ground for Shugendo asceticism, the mountain monks in white robes and their austere practices preserve Japan's mountain ascetic traditions.

A Shugendo sacred site of three mountains. Mountain ascetic training in white yamabushi robes is popular with foreigners. A spiritual pilgrimage known as 'the journey of rebirth.'

Mount Koya in Ito, Wakayama, founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai, serves as a sacred pilgrimage site for 1,200 years. Hosting approximately 117 temples, overnight stays in temple lodges offer popular pilgrimage experiences. Attracting about 1.1 million visitors annually, it appeals to spiritual seekers exploring meditation and yoga practices. Representing Japan's religious culture, it earns high domestic and international esteem.

A religious tradition venerating three grand shrines of Kumano located deep within Kii Peninsula: Kumano Hongu, Kumano Hayatama, and Kumano Nachi Taisha. Revered for over 1,000 years, these shrines embody Shinbutsu-shugo (kami-buddha syncretism), creating a unique faith system integrating Shinto and Buddhism. Pilgrimage via Kumano Kodo traditionally functioned as folk practice seeking salvation from worldly suffering. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 under 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range,' it represents Japan's foremost spiritual destination.

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.

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.