Nanki Kumano Kodo Ishidohyo, Japanese Stone Post

In Japan, decorative stone pillars can be seen in all sorts of places. These so-called Ishidōhyō (石道標) are placed partly in the ground and contain a written text that must be read from top to bottom. This text can cover a variety of subjects. It can, for example, indicate the way or a location. Additionally, poetic texts also frequently appear.

The Japanese text on this very special Ishidōhyō reads Nanki Kumano Kodo (南紀くまのこどう). This refers to the famous ancient pilgrimage route where this signpost once stood long ago: the southern Kumano Kodo (熊野古道). This historic pilgrimage route runs through the prefectures of Wakayama, Mie, and Nara and passes through the sacred areas of the Kii Mountains to the Kumano Sanzan, the three major shrines of Kumano.