Daimonzaka

"Daimonzaka" is located in Nachikatsuura-cho at the southeastern area of Wakayama prefecture.
It is a 600m long slope of 100m elevation difference, leading to the sacred "Nachisan" by passing one of the three major ancient roads of Japan, Kumanokodo.
It was built during the Heian era as a pilgrimage route to reach the Kumano-Nachi-Taisha shrine, and the name "Daimon Zaka" came from the "mon(gate)" collecting tolls at that time.
The slope is a cobbled path surrounded by tall trees on both sides, where you can find the "Furigasebashi" bridge said to seperate the ordinary world and the sanctuary
Also, an 800-year-old japan cedar known as "Meotosugi" rises at the start, and a teahouse where you can rent costumes of the Heian era stands halfway up.
The ancient giant trees along with the remain of the gate standing on the mossy cobblestone road provides the visitors with the reminiscent of those days.