Nachi Waterfall: Japan's Tallest Cascade

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Experience the awe-inspiring Nachi Waterfall, Japan's tallest single-drop cascade, a sacred site nestled in the heart of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails.

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Nachi Waterfall

Nachi Waterfall, located in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, is the country's tallest waterfall with an impressive 133-meter drop. Revered as a sacred site and part of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, it offers breathtaking views and a connection to nature and spirituality.

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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Nachi Waterfall.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the stone steps and exploring the surrounding area.
Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the falls in a tranquil setting.
Combine your visit with a hike on the Daimonzaka trail for a complete cultural and natural experience.
Purchase a ticket to the viewing platform for an unobstructed view of Nachi Falls.
Try the Nachi black candy soft serve, a unique local treat.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

Kumano-Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine Hall of Worship

Kumano-Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine: A Sacred Site of Pilgrimage and Natural Wonder

Kumano-Nachi Taisha

Kumano Nachi Taisha: A Sacred Site on the Kumano Kodo

Kumano Kodo - Nakahechi Daimon-saka Pilgrim Route

Getting There

Public Transport

From Kii-Katsuura Station, take the Kumano Gobo Nankai bus (number 31) towards Nachi Falls. The bus ride takes approximately 25 minutes to the 'Nachi-no-Taki-mae' bus stop. From there, it's a short 5-minute walk down the stone steps to the waterfall. The bus fare is between ¥430 and ¥630 for adults. Make sure to check the bus timetable in advance, as services are hourly.
Taxi

Taxis are available from Kii-Katsuura Station. The taxi ride to Nachi Waterfall takes around 8 minutes and costs approximately ¥4200 - ¥5000. While more expensive than the bus, a taxi offers a faster and more direct route.
Walking

For a more immersive experience, consider walking a portion of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. From the Daimonzaka bus stop, follow the ancient cobblestone path through the forest to Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and then down to Nachi Waterfall. The walk from Kii-Katsuura Station to Nachi Falls is about 8.9 km and takes approximately 1 hour and 52 minutes. Be prepared for a moderately challenging hike with some uphill sections.

Discover more about Nachi Waterfall

Nachi Waterfall (那智の滝, Nachi no Taki), also known as Nachi no Taki or Nachi Falls, is one of Japan's most iconic and tallest waterfalls, plunging an impressive 133 meters (436 feet) down a lush, mountainside. Located in the Wakayama Prefecture, the falls have been a site of spiritual significance for centuries, attracting pilgrims and nature enthusiasts alike.The waterfall has been worshipped as the dwelling of a Shinto deity since ancient times. According to legend, Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan, enshrined the falls after seeing something shining in the mountains. The falls are closely associated with Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, one of the three grand shrines of Kumano. The harmonious relationship between Shinto and Buddhist beliefs can be seen in the close proximity between the Buddhist Seiganto-ji Temple and Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine. The view of Seiganto-ji Temple's three-storied pagoda with Nachi Waterfall in the background is picture-perfect.The base of the waterfall features Hiro Shrine, where visitors can appreciate the falls up close. For a small fee, you can access a viewing platform for an even better perspective. It is also said that drinking the water from the waterfall's basin will bring good health and a long life. Every year on July 14th, the Nachi Fire Festival takes place, where participants practice Shinto rituals, carrying mammoth flaming torches down to the falls.