Kumano Pilgrimage Route Network

Nachi Falls in Nachi, Wakayama is one of Japan's most magnificent straight falls, venerated since antiquity. Its 133-meter drop integrates with the Nachi Taisha shrine devoted to the water goddess. Waterfall asceticism practices occur here, uniting water worship and Shugendo. Important pilgrimage site within Kumano circuit.

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.

Pilgrimage route visiting three mountains in Yamagata: Haguro, Gassan, and Yudono. Revered as sacred sites since antiquity, known as 'training for rebirth'. Haguro's approach features 2,446 stone steps. Attracts over 400,000 pilgrims annually. Represents Japan's training culture reflecting beliefs about the afterlife. Registered as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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.

The Okunoin Cemetery within Koyasan centers on the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi Kukai, founder of Shingon Buddhism. Containing approximately 200,000 graves of historical figures and ordinary people, it is a vast burial ground. The approximately 2km path from Chumon Gate to Okunoin, lined with ancient pines, is mystical and is revered as an entrance to the afterlife.