Climber arrested for ascent of World Heritage Nachi Falls
News On Japan via Mainichi -- Jul 16
A prominent climber was arrested Sunday on suspicion of rock climbing at Nachi Falls, a World Heritage site, in Wakayama, western Japan, police said.
The Kumano Nachi Great Shrine, also a World Heritage site, prohibits access to the sacred falls. The head of the shrine, Yoshihide Asahi, 78, said, "I cannot accept it as it is an insult to our religion."
The suspect, Yusuke Sato, 32, allegedly climbed at the falls with two other men, both of whom were also arrested, up to around 100 meters, around two-thirds of the height of the falls, on Sunday morning, although there is a sign stating access is prohibited, the police said.
Source: Mainichi
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