Nachi Waterfall: Japan's Tallest Uninterrupted Cascade

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Witness Japan's tallest waterfall, Nachi Falls, a sacred site on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, surrounded by stunning natural beauty and ancient temples.

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Nachi Waterfall

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
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Monday 7:30 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 7:30 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 7:30 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 7:30 am-4:30 pm
Friday 7:30 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 7:30 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 7:30 am-4:30 pm

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.

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Getting There

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.
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.
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

Nachi Waterfall, located in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, is a breathtaking natural wonder and a site of deep spiritual significance. As Japan's tallest waterfall with a single, uninterrupted drop, the 133-meter cascade has been worshipped as a deity since ancient times. The falls are part of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, a network of ancient trails winding through the Kii Mountains.The falls are closely associated with both Shinto and Buddhist traditions. Hirou Shrine, a branch of Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, is dedicated to the waterfall. Nearby stands the Seiganto-ji Temple, a Buddhist temple that coexisted with the Shinto shrine for centuries, showcasing the harmonious relationship between the two faiths. The iconic view of the three-storied pagoda of Seiganto-ji Temple with Nachi Waterfall in the background is a classic image of Japan.Visitors can experience the falls from various vantage points. A viewing platform near the base offers an up-close and powerful perspective (admission fee applies). For a panoramic view, climb the stone steps to Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine and explore the temple grounds. Don't miss the 850-year-old camphor tree within the shrine, which you can walk through. The surrounding forest is part of a national natural treasure, offering hiking opportunities and a chance to connect with nature.Each year on July 14th, the Nachi Fire Festival takes place, featuring Shinto rituals with participants carrying flaming torches to purify the shrine for the deities. Excavations at the base of the waterfall have revealed ancient artifacts, including statues and mirrors, providing insights into the history of worship at this sacred site.