Kumano Hongu Taisha

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.

A small pilgrimage village along the Kumano Kodo in Kinokawa, Wakayama Prefecture. Since the Edo period, local homes have welcomed travelers, and the shukubo lodging culture continues today. Remnants of teahouses and hospitality stations used by Kumano pilgrims are scattered throughout, offering precious insights into historical pilgrimage 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.

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 small pilgrimage village along the Kumano Kodo in Kinokawa, Wakayama Prefecture. Since the Edo period, local homes have welcomed travelers, and the shukubo lodging culture continues today. Remnants of teahouses and hospitality stations used by Kumano pilgrims are scattered throughout, offering precious insights into historical pilgrimage practices.

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.

A sacred mountain standing at 1,125 meters in Yoshino, Nara Prefecture. Opened in the 7th century by Enno Gyoja, it is a crucial site for Shugendo ascetic practice. In spring, approximately 30,000 cherry trees blanket the entire mountain, and it has long been venerated by nobility and samurai. It remains a pilgrimage destination where ascetics visit, harmonizing faith and nature.