Nachi Waterfall: Japan's Tallest Uninterrupted Cascade
Witness Japan's tallest waterfall, Nachi Falls, a sacred site on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, surrounded by stunning natural beauty and ancient temples.
Nachi Waterfall (Nachi no Taki) is one of Japan's most famous and tallest waterfalls, boasting a single, uninterrupted drop of 133 meters. Revered for centuries as a sacred site, it's part of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The falls are easily accessible and offer stunning views, especially alongside the iconic Seiganto-ji Temple pagoda.
A brief summary to Nachi Waterfall
- Nachisan, Nachikatsuura, Nachisan, Higashimuro District, Wakayama, 649-5301, JP
- +81735-55-0321
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking and climbing stairs around the waterfall and shrine complex.
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and secure parking.
- Purchase a ticket to the viewing platform for a closer view of the falls.
- Explore the Daimonzaka trail, an ancient cobblestone staircase leading to Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine.
- Check the schedule for the Nachi Fire Festival (July 14th) for a unique cultural experience.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Kii-Katsuura Station, take the Kumano Gobo Nankai bus (Nachisan Line, bus number 31) to the Nachi-no-Taki-mae bus stop. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes and costs 630 yen. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the waterfall.
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Walking
For a scenic approach, disembark the bus at the Daimonzaka bus stop and walk the Daimonzaka trail, a 600-meter cobblestone staircase lined with ancient cedar trees, to Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine. From there, descend towards the waterfall. The bus fare to Daimonzaka bus stop is 480 yen. Allow at least one hour for the Daimonzaka walk.
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Driving
From Nachi Station, it is about a 15 minute drive to Nachi Falls. Several paid parking lots are available near Nachi Falls, Seiganto-ji Temple and Daimonzaka Trail, with fees ranging from 500 to 1000 yen per day. Parking at Seiganto-ji Temple is free, but there is an 800 yen toll for the road to get there.
Discover more about Nachi Waterfall
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kumano-Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine Hall of Worship
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Kumano Kodo - Nakahechi Daimon-saka Pilgrim Route
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Koguchi shizen-no-ie
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Kumano Hongu Heritage Center
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Kumano Kodo Guides
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Akagi Castle Ruins
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Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi Route (Chikatsuyu-Oji - Kobiro-Oji Section)
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Unmissable attractions to see
Seiganto-ji
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Kumano-Nachi Taisha
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Kumano-Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine Homotsu-den Treasure Hall
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Oyunohara
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Essential places to dine
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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