Walking through World Heritage Forest in Japan: the Kumano pilgrimage

A shift in perception of the Kumano forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape, has been observed. Originally central to religious beliefs and ascetic practices for centuries, the forest now serves as a destination for modern visitors drawn by wellness trends and a desire to reconnect with Japan's past. This transformation raises questions about how history and memory are perceived in an evolving environment, and what new relationships visitors form with this sacred landscape. The study employs qualitative methods to explore these contemporary dynamics, contrasting them with the historical significance of the forest as both an economic resource and a site of spiritual pilgrimage.

Guichard-Anguis, S. (2011). Walking through World Heritage Forest in Japan: the Kumano pilgrimage. Journal of Heritage Tourism, 6(4), 285–295. https://doi.org/10.1080/1743873x.2011.620114