Nachi Falls: Japan's Largest Waterfall with 133m Drop and Kumano Sacred Site

Nachi Falls in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture has been revered since ancient times as the divine object of worship of Hirou Shrine, a subsidiary shrine of Kumano Nachi Taisha. With a 133-meter drop, 13-meter width at the lip, and year-round flow exceeding one ton per second, it ranks first on Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls list.

Kumano Nachi Taisha and Seiganto-ji Temple

Kumano Nachi Taisha, located above Nachi Falls, is one of the head shrines of approximately 4,000 Kumano shrines nationwide. Adjacent Seiganto-ji Temple, the first temple on the 33-temple Saigoku Pilgrimage, attracts many pilgrims. The viewpoint offering a simultaneous view of the vermilion three-story pagoda and Nachi Falls is known as one of Kumano's most iconic vistas.

Daimon-zaka: Moss-Covered Stone Stairway Approach

Daimon-zaka leading to Nachi Shrine is a beautiful approach with moss-covered stone pavement winding through cedar groves centuries old. Walking the approximately 640-meter approach lets you feel the atmosphere of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes.

Nachi Fire Festival

The "Nachi Fire Festival" (Nachi Dengaku) held annually on July 14 is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. The spectacle of 12 large torches processing toward Nachi Falls is breathtaking.

Access

About 30 minutes by bus from JR Nachi Station or JR Kii-Katsuura Station.