Nishimuro

Western Muro lies on Kii's coast, where the old pilgrimage roads to Kumano leave Tanabe and enter the peninsula. At Misuguchi the route divides: the Nakahechi turns inland through the mountains, while the Ōhechi follows the coast. Travellers bound for the sacred places of Kumano passed through the town before choosing their road. A wayside marker preserved the direction to the inland path, a reminder of the long procession of pilgrims.