All of the sights of Nachi Falls in one place! The best of the Kumano Kodo trail, treats and stays for your journey to nirvana
The Nachi Falls, one of Japan’s famous waterfall, wow visitors with their stunning drop and solemn atmosphere, redolent of the deep history of this sacred place in the Kumano faith. World Heritage-listed Kumano Kodo trail passes through the area, offering hikes steeped in history.
Visitors have special time here, feasting on the delicious fare made with the fresh local ingredients and being warmly hosted in any of a diverse range of lodgings. Having taken in the grandeur of the Nachi Falls, be refreshed in mind and body relaxing in verdant nature and enjoying outstanding local cuisine. Make lasting memories as you encounter the epic nature and culture traveling through Nachi Falls and the Kumano Kodo.
The beauty of Nachi Falls
Nachi Falls, located in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture, are famed as one of Japan’s Three Great Waterfalls with a majesty that draws crowds. At a height of 133 meters, this is Japan’s highest waterfall by straight drop, and it is 13-meters wide. Over a ton of water thunders down every second, a volume that is quite consistent year-round.
The waterfall is considered a sacred site, and the waterfall itself is revered as a divine body. This belief derives from the ancient worship of a water god, revered for bringing the blessings of water. The beauty and mystery of the Nachi Falls have long affected and inspired visitors, mentioned often down the ages in literature and poetry.
Pretty as a picture in all seasons
The waterfall is a magnificent sight in any season. Peak tourist season is spring (late March to May) and autumn (October and November). In spring, the pools reflect the vivid new greenery to the delight of visitors, while in autumn, the fiery foliage colors the backdrop to the falls, setting a breathtaking scene.
There is a viewing platform, Otaki Haisho ("place of prayer at the waterfall"), to observe the waterfall up close, a chance to experience the full force of the thundering waters, and to feel the power and the beauty of nature.
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Otherworldly scenes early in the morning and in the evening are not to be missed
At Nachi Falls, the interplay of the spray kicked up by the waterfall with the light of dawn or dusk is a mystical sight. In particular, the first and last rays of the day falling on the spray creates a rainbow, a momentary work of art painted by Mother Nature herself.
Spray frequently drifts up around the waterfall, which creates a mysterious atmosphere when sunlight shines on it. By visiting during the hours of low light, you too could enjoy a momentary experience of real beauty.
Recommended walking route to Nachi Falls
When visiting Nachi Falls, the best route ascends the beautifully stone-paved Daimonzaka, passes through Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple, and continues on to Nachi Falls. From the Daimonzaka entrance to Kumano Nachi Taisha it is an uphill walk, but the distance is short at around 1.3 km and takes about 40 minutes on foot. The moss-covered stone steps and cedar groves evoke the atmosphere of the Kumano Kodo. The route is about 2.7 km in total, or 1 hour at standard walking speed. However, this time does not account for rest breaks and as such, you should consider leaving 2.5-3 hours to visit Mt. Nachi starting out from the Daimonzaka parking lot and taking the Daimonzaka path, then returning to the parking lot. Bus access is also convenient: you can reach the Daimonzaka parking lot bus stop or Daimonzaka bus stop from JR Kii-Katsuura Station, then return to the station from the Nachi Falls bus stop after your walk.
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Heian period costume experience
Daimonzaka Chaya teahouse near the Meoto Sugi trees offers a Heian period costume rental service. You can then walk the Kumano Kodo dressed just like a ninth century pilgrim, an extraordinary experience possible only here on the trail. Visiting the sacred precincts of Mt. Nachi in the garb of an ancient pilgrim is unforgettable.
Best sightseeing spots, Nachi Falls and Kumano Kodo
The mossy cobbled path from Daimonzaka to Nachi Falls passes through a grove of cedars in a quiet, ethereal atmosphere. At the entrance to the Daimonzaka steps are the twin attractions of the Meoto Sugi (husband and wife cedars) and the ruins of the 11th gate. After visiting Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple, make your way to Nachi Falls via Hiro-jinja Shrine.
- Tafuke-oji
- Near the ruins of a former shrine at the entrance to the Daimonzaka slope, this was the site of the first torii gate on the path to Mt. Nachi as well as a stone marker indicating that the area beyond was sacred. Tafuke-oji was the entry point to the Nachi sacred site and like the Haraidono-oji, was likely a place where pilgrims would purify their body and spirit in cold water (misogi-harae).
- Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine
- Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, located very close to Nachi Falls, is known as one of the three mountains of Kumano (Kumano Sanzan) and has been visited by countless worshippers since ancient times. The beauty of its pavilions and the depth of history and faith here make this an appealing stop. At Kumano Nachi Taisha, Nachi Falls are considered sacred, and at its auxiliary shrine, Hiro-jinja Shrine, the waterfall itself is revered as the divine body.
- Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple
- Seiganto-ji Temple is another location on the worshippers’ trail since ancient times and is a popular subject for photography due to the stunning waterfall backdrop. The historical structures and Buddha statues on the grounds of the temple also give a sense of its history and culture.
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Recommended photo spots
The area around Nachi Falls is dotted with amazing photo spots worth a stop. First of all, the waterfall itself, known for the magnificent drop and stunning scenery, draws visitors from far and wide. Next, the Sanjuno-to Pagoda of Seiganto-ji Temple, which is not just historical structure in its own right - it also offers magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding natural beauty. Then, walking the Daimonzaka trail leading up to Nachi Falls through the cedar forest has a soul-cleansing atmosphere that amps up anticipation of the waterfall. Taking in each of these three spots will give you an excellent taste of the beauty of the Nachi Falls and surrounds.
Getting to the Nachi Falls
To reach Nachi Falls, catch a bus from the nearest station, Kii-Katsuura Station on the JR Kisei Main Line, to Nachi-no-taki-mae, a ride of approximately 30 minutes. Bus services are regular so access is excellent. The journey takes around 20 minutes by taxi.
Route
Nearest station: Kii-Katsuura Station, JR Kisei Main Line
↓ Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus
Approx. 26 minutes to Nachi-no-Taki-mae bus stop
Fare
Adult: 630 yen/Child: 320 yen
Local gourmet treats to fill up on
The area between Daimonzaka slope and the fishing port demands a tour of its delicious eateries. In particular, Katsuura fishing port is known as landing the highest volume of fresh tuna in Japan. It is not just the classics of tuna sashimi and maguro-don (rice bowls topped with tuna), we also see pizza and tuna cutlets on the menu. Make the most of the creative cuisine that showcases tuna in collaboration with local produce.
Nearby hotspots to combine with a tour of Nachi Falls
Since you have come all this way, you may as well tour Nachi and Katsuura too. Sample the local gourmet delights and other experiences and deepen your memories of Nachi Falls.
- Uminoyu Foot Bath
- This foot bath right on Kii-Katsuura Bay is a decadent spot to kick back and gaze out to sea. It’s free. This is dreamy time out on the waterfront.
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- Nigiwai Market
- Fresh tuna delivered straight from the fishing boats, and a huge range of local gourmet dishes and specialty products are found here. In the event space, a tuna-cutting demonstration is held daily. Guided tours run on auction days when the market is open. Enjoy the lineup of giant fish right in front of you and the thrill of the auction. Afterwards, it is breakfast time, so tuck into a tuna set breakfast or sushi!
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- Fudarakusan-ji Temple
- Fudarakusan-ji Temple, a sub-temple of Seiganto-ji and a venerable temple with a long history, stands next to Kumano Sansho Omiwa-yashiro Shrine, and retains hints of the combined practice of Shinto and Buddhism as occurred in the past. The Senju Kannon (Thousand-Armed Kannon) is a designated Nationally Important Cultural Property, conveying centuries of faith to the present day. This was also the setting off point for the religious ritual of Fudaraku-tokai, in which monks boarded boats while still alive and set out for the Pure Land. On the temple grounds is a reconstruction of a Fudaraku crossing boat and a stone with the names of the monks who departed from Nachinohama Beach etched upon it, testament to a fierce faith.
Accommodation that will relieve your fatigue
When visiting Mt. Nachi, do not neglect your lodgings whether it is a hot spring inn or hotel perfectly located as your tour hub or a minshuku or guesthouse perfect for meeting locals and fellow travelers.
Sample itineraries including Nachi Falls
Recommended itineraries for visiting Nachi Falls range from routes explored by car to full-scale walking routes along the Nakahechi. Make your choice according to your goals and physical abilities.
- From Ise Jingu to the Kumano Kodo trail! Tour the power spots – 2N/3D trip to Kumano Sanzan
- Model itinerary for a journey from Ise Jingu to Kumano Sanzan. Choose to stay at Nanki-Katsuura Onsen or Kumano Hongu Onsen Village and indulge in fresh Wakayama seafood and regional cuisine.
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- Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route
- The Nakahechi route of Kumano Kodo is a historic pilgrimage route traversing the Kii Peninsula. It has been a popular trail among pilgrims since ancient times for its gorgeous scenery and for its historic shrines and temples. A number of itineraries are possible, including day hikes, overnight hikes and longer outings.
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In conclusion
When visiting Wakayama Prefecture, be sure to include Nachi Falls in your itinerary. It is a scintillating combination of nature and history and visitors are always blown away by the majesty of the waterfall. It is surrounded by accommodation and great local eating options, so staying here will give you a fuller appreciation of the place. Set out on a Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, rediscover the beauty of Nachi Falls and enjoy an unforgettable experience.