The Nakahechi (中辺路) is the most-walked section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. Beginning at Takijiri-oji at the edge of the flatlands, the route climbs immediately into dense mountain forest — cedar, hinoki cypress, and ancient moss-covered stone — before descending to the sacred complex of Kumano Hongu Taisha after roughly 36 km.
The route continues east to Nachi Taisha via the remote Ogumotori-goe mountain pass, passing through the hamlet of Koguchi — one of the most dramatic sections of the entire Kumano Kodo. The full journey ends at Nachi-Katsuura on the Pacific coast.
More than 1,000 years ago, retired Japanese emperors made this same journey — the custom was called 'Kumano moude' (熊野詣) and at its peak in the 12th century, processions of thousands filled the trail.