Kumano Pilgrimage Road Network

A veneration tradition centered on Nachi Waterfall (one of Japan's three greatest waterfalls) in Nachi-Katsuura, Wakayama. The 133-meter waterfall itself is considered sacred and has been known as an ascetic training site since ancient times. This unique faith system combines waterfall worship with beliefs in purification through water, deeply connected to Kumano Nachi Taisha. The tradition of pilgrims viewing the waterfall from a distance and offering prayers continues today.

An ancient pilgrimage route along the Yamabe no Michi road in Nara Prefecture, considered Japan's oldest thoroughfare. Centered on Oomiwa Shrine dedicated to Oomotonushi Kami, this approximately 25km pilgrimage path features numerous temples and shrines. Preserving historical landscape from the Kofun period, it offers visitors an authentic experience of ancient faith traditions and natural scenery with significant cultural heritage value.

Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture is Japan's most revered Shinto sanctuary. The Shikinen Sengu (twenty-year relocation ceremony) ensures constant renewal while preserving tradition. Since the Edo period, commoner pilgrimages flourished, developing post towns along the pilgrimage route and monzen towns (gate towns) like Oharai-cho. These communities developed to serve pilgrims with food, souvenirs, and lodging. Attracting approximately 10 million annual visitors, it symbolizes the fusion of Japanese faith and tourism traditions.

縱横紀伊半島的中世參詣道網路。作為前往熊野三山（本宮大社、速玉大社、那智大社）的信仰之路，自千年前起便吸引皇族與庶民前往朝聖。它是聯合國教科文組織世界遺產「紀伊山地的靈場與參詣道」的核心，由36條路線組成，是日本規模最大的參詣道網路。

A network of three Kumano shrines, Mount Kōya, and Mount Yoshino connected by sacred pilgrimage routes spanning Wakayama, Nara, and Mie prefectures. UNESCO World Heritage listed in 2004, it represents Japan's foremost sacred destination. Maintaining over a millennium of pilgrimage and spiritual practice traditions, it epitomizes spiritual tourism.

位於和歌山縣那智勝浦町的熊野三山之一。以那智瀑布為神體，擁有獨特的信仰體系。自平安時代起，貴族信眾絡繹不絕參拜，為熊野古道的終點而聞名。朱漆社殿與樹齡超過800年的杉樹巨木為其象徵，已列入世界遺產。

前往熊野三山的參詣路由多條路線組成，其中中邊路、大邊路、小邊路三條主要路線貫穿和歌山縣紀伊山地。自中世以來信仰綿延至今，已列入聯合國教科文組織世界遺產。現代朝聖者仍踐行著翻越險峻山道的修行式巡禮，延續中世以來的傳統。

The shortest pilgrimage route to the three Kumano shrines, with approximately 70km still hikeable from Tanabe to Kumano Hongu Taisha. The best-preserved ancient path with extensive stone pavements, featuring dramatic mountain terrain and pristine streams. UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004, attracting over 100,000 hikers annually seeking to complete the full route.

紀伊山地的靈場與參詣道，以「紀伊山地的靈場與參詣道」之名登錄為聯合國教科文組織世界遺產。連結熊野三山（熊野本宮大社、熊野速玉大社、熊野那智大社）的古代巡禮路線，與西班牙聖地牙哥·德·孔波斯特拉朝聖之路建立了姊妹道提攜關係。