Nachi Waterfall, Kinki Kansai Travel Guide

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Witness the awe-inspiring Nachi Waterfall, Japan's tallest single-drop cascade, a sacred site nestled in the Kii Mountain Range.

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Nachi Waterfall

Nachi Waterfall, located in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, is the country's tallest waterfall with a single, uninterrupted drop of 133 meters. Revered as a sacred site, it has been a place of worship for centuries and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range'.

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 around the waterfall and to nearby shrines and temples.
Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the serene atmosphere of the falls.
Purchase a ticket to the viewing platform for an unobstructed view of Nachi Falls.
Check the schedule for the Nachi Fire Festival in July for a spectacular cultural experience.
Take a moment to appreciate the blend of Shinto and Buddhist traditions at the nearby Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine and Seiganto-ji Temple.

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Explore Nachi Waterfall on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Nachi Waterfall, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From JR Kii-Katsuura Station, take the Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus bound for Nachisan. Alight at the 'Nachi Falls' bus stop, approximately a 26-minute ride. From the bus stop, it is a short 5-minute walk to Nachi Waterfall. The bus fare is around ¥630 for adults and ¥320 for children.
Walking

For a more immersive experience, consider walking a portion of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. A popular option is the Daimonzaka trail, a 600-meter stone-paved stairway through a forest of ancient trees. From the Daimonzaka bus stop, it's a 5-minute walk to Nachi Falls. Be aware that the moss-covered paving stones can be slippery.
Driving

If driving, head towards Nachi Falls (Nachi no Taki). Paid parking is available near the waterfall. Note that there may be a toll of ¥800 to access the road to Seiganto-ji Temple parking lot. From the parking area, it's a short walk to the falls. Be aware that parking may be limited.

Discover more about Nachi Waterfall

Nachi Waterfall (那智滝, Nachi no Taki) is one of Japan's most iconic and historically significant waterfalls. Plunging 133 meters with a width of 13 meters, it is the tallest waterfall in Japan with a single, uninterrupted drop. The falls are located near Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, one of the most important shrines of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage.Since ancient times, Nachi Waterfall has been worshipped as a divine spirit. The falls are believed to be the dwelling of Hiryū Gongen, a kami (Shinto deity). Legend says that Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan, saw something shining in the mountains when he landed on the Kumano coast and thus began the waterfall's history as a sacred place. Shinto priests continue to make offerings to the waterfall in a daily ritual.The close proximity of the Buddhist Seiganto-ji Temple and the Shinto Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine exemplifies the harmonious relationship between Shinto and Buddhist beliefs. The three-storied pagoda of Seiganto-ji Temple with Nachi Waterfall in the background is a particularly stunning view. Every July, the Nachi Fire Festival is held, where the shrine grounds are illuminated by countless torches, creating a spectacular sight.In 1918, archaeologists discovered a Sutra mound at the base of the waterfall containing statues, mirrors, altar fittings, and Sutra cylinders. These artifacts are now displayed in the Ryuhoden Treasure Hall next to the Sanjūdō Pagoda.