The Cultural Value of a World Heritage Pilgrimage Route
A Road Recognized as World Heritage
Daimon-zaka forms part of the Nakahechi Route of the Kumano Kodo, one of the historic pilgrimage routes leading to the three major sacred sites known as the Kumano Sanzan.
In 2004, the Kumano Kodo and other sacred sites in the Kii Mountain Range were inscribed as the UNESCO World Heritage property “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.”
The Kumano Kodo is particularly significant because the pilgrimage routes themselves are recognized as cultural heritage. For more than a thousand years, people from different parts of Japan have traveled these mountain paths as part of their religious journeys.
Daimon-zaka has also been selected as one of Japan’s “100 Best Roads,” recognizing its historical importance and exceptional scenery.
A Mystical Path of Stone Steps and Cedar Trees
A Peaceful One-Kilometer Forest Path
Daimon-zaka extends for approximately one kilometer toward the sacred area of Nachisan. Stone paving and stone steps lead gradually upward through an ancient cedar forest.
Over many centuries, moss has grown across the stones, giving the path a distinctive green appearance. The enormous cedar trees block much of the sunlight, so even during the daytime the path can feel cool, shaded, and slightly mysterious.
The quiet surroundings and filtered sunlight create a peaceful atmosphere that is very different from the busy streets of modern cities. Walking here is not simply a physical journey—it can also feel like a journey through Japanese history and spirituality.
The Famous Meoto-sugi Cedar Trees
At the entrance to Daimon-zaka stand two enormous cedar trees known as Meoto-sugi, or “Married Couple Cedars.” Their trunks rise like natural gateposts, marking the entrance to the sacred pilgrimage path.
The trees are believed to be approximately 800 years old. They reach around 54.5 meters in height, while their trunks measure approximately 8.5 meters in circumference at chest height.
The impressive scale of these ancient trees makes them one of the most memorable sights at Daimon-zaka. Standing beneath them gives visitors a powerful sense of the age and grandeur of the forest.
An Ancient Cedar Avenue
Beyond the Meoto-sugi, visitors enter a beautiful avenue lined with approximately 200 cedar trees, many of which are estimated to be between 200 and 300 years old.
This area has been designated as a Natural Monument of Wakayama Prefecture, helping to protect its valuable natural and cultural landscape.
The combination of moss-covered stones and enormous cedar trees creates a landscape often associated with the quiet, atmospheric beauty of traditional Japan. The scenery also changes with the seasons, offering fresh green foliage in spring and summer, colorful leaves in autumn, and a serene atmosphere during winter.
Historic Sites Along the Pilgrimage Path
Tafuke-oji and the Kumano Faith
Along Daimon-zaka is Tafuke-oji, traditionally regarded as the last of the many Oji shrines associated with the Kumano pilgrimage.
The Oji were important sacred sites located along the pilgrimage routes. Pilgrims would stop at these places to pray and perform religious rituals during their journey.
Because Tafuke-oji marked an important point near the end of the pilgrimage toward Kumano Nachi Taisha, it holds special significance within the history of Kumano worship.
The Former Osakaya Ryokan and Minakata Kumagusu
The route also passes the former site of Osakaya Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn where the renowned naturalist Minakata Kumagusu is said to have stayed and conducted research for approximately three years.
Kumagusu was a pioneering scholar who devoted himself to studying natural history, fungi, plants, and other aspects of the natural world. His work later had a significant influence on Japanese scholarship.
Although the inn no longer exists, the site provides an interesting connection between the cultural history of the pilgrimage route and the scientific study of the rich natural environment of the Kii Peninsula.
The Former Ju-ichi-mon Checkpoint
Further along the path is the site of the former Ju-ichi-mon checkpoint. Historically, checkpoints were established along important routes, and travelers could be required to pay a passage fee.
The name Daimon-zaka is associated with the large gate that once stood near the entrance to the slope and the historical practices connected with passage through this area.
These remnants help visitors imagine how the pilgrimage route functioned in earlier periods and provide valuable insight into the lives of travelers who once passed through the mountains.
Reaching the Sacred Sites of Nachisan
Kumano Nachi Taisha and Seiganto-ji Temple
At the top of Daimon-zaka, visitors can continue toward Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, one of the three major shrines of the Kumano region, and Nachi-san Seiganto-ji Temple, the first temple of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.
The close relationship between the shrine and temple reflects the long history of Shinto-Buddhist syncretism in Japan. For centuries, Buddhist and Shinto traditions were practiced together at sacred sites throughout the Kumano region.
This unique cultural landscape allows visitors to appreciate an important aspect of Japan’s religious history.
Close to the Magnificent Nachi Falls
From Daimon-zaka, visitors can also continue toward Nachi Falls, one of Japan’s most famous waterfalls.
The route connecting Daimon-zaka, Kumano Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji Temple, and Nachi Falls creates an extraordinary sightseeing experience in which forest, pilgrimage routes, religious sites, and dramatic natural scenery are closely connected.
Daimon-zaka as a Popular Walking Route
An Accessible Introduction to the Kumano Kodo
The walk from Daimon-zaka toward Kumano Nachi Taisha is relatively short compared with longer sections of the Kumano Kodo. This makes it a particularly good choice for international visitors who want to experience an authentic historic pilgrimage route without committing to a multi-day trek.
The route includes stone steps and an uphill climb, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Taking your time is also worthwhile, as the ancient cedar forest and moss-covered stones are an important part of the experience.
Experience the Historic Kumano Pilgrimage
Visitors can deepen their experience by learning about the religious traditions associated with the Kumano Kodo before beginning their walk. Rather than simply treating Daimon-zaka as a scenic hiking trail, understanding its history helps reveal why pilgrims have traveled this route for centuries.
Walking slowly beneath the ancient trees can provide a strong sense of connection with the people who followed the same path generations ago.
Agein Kumano Mode: Reliving the Ancient Pilgrimage
On the fourth Sunday of October each year, the Agein Kumano Mode event is held, recreating the atmosphere of an ancient pilgrimage to Kumano.
Participants dress in traditional costumes inspired by the clothing of the Heian period and walk along Daimon-zaka. The event offers visitors a fascinating opportunity to experience Japanese history and culture in a vivid and memorable way.
Walk Through History on Daimon-zaka
Daimon-zaka is much more than a beautiful stone staircase. It is a living part of the Kumano Kodo, where Japanese religious traditions, ancient forests, historic pilgrimage routes, and natural beauty come together.
Walking beneath the towering cedar trees and across moss-covered stones provides a rare opportunity to experience the atmosphere of an ancient Japanese pilgrimage route. Along the way, historic sites such as Tafuke-oji and the former checkpoint add depth to the journey.
For international travelers interested in Japanese history, spirituality, World Heritage sites, traditional culture, hiking, and nature, Daimon-zaka is one of the most accessible and memorable places to experience the Kumano Kodo.
Following this ancient path toward Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachi Falls allows visitors to experience not only beautiful scenery, but also the spiritual journey that has shaped the Kumano region for more than a thousand years.