Nachi Falls & The Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine
- Dec 25, 2025
- 4 min read
A complete guide to Nachi Falls & the Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine in Wakayama
Image copyright: Ollie Ronin
Table of Contents
Overview
The Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine, also known as the Kumano Nachi Taisha, is arguably the most beautiful shrine and temple complex in Japan. It's been built around Nachi Falls, which is often said to be the most beautiful waterfall in Japan. For many people, they represent the biggest highlight of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail, specifically the Nakahechi route, which runs from Tanabe City to Shingu City. The Kumano Nachi Taisha is one of the three grand shrines along the Kumano Kodo, which includes Hongu Taisha in the middle and Hatayama Taisha at the end. The falls and the shrine are essentially the same destination, so we'll cover both of them in this article.
Image copyright: Ollie Ronin
The Nachi Grand Shrine was founded approximately 1700 years ago, and originally began as a way to worship the waterfall, which was considered a Shinto spirit. A few hundred years later, a Buddhist temple known as Seiganto-ji was built alongside the shrine. Buddhism was easily integrated with the existing Shinto spiritual beliefs, this integration helped develop the Nachi Grand Shrine into the impressive complex it is today. The picturesque 3-story pagoda you see in the photos is the Seiganto-ji Pagoda, an incredible structure which, unlike most pagodas, allows visitors to venture inside to admire the views. Nachi Falls are the largest uninterrupted waterfalls in Japan, reaching a height of 133 meters. Visitors can get a close-up view of the falls thanks to an observation area near the base.
Location & Access
Image copyright: Ollie Ronin
Nachi Falls and the Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine are located in Wakayama Prefecture, which is south of Osaka and Kyoto. Hiking the Kumano Kodo isn't required to visit the area, making it a popular destination for overnight trips. As an alternative, most visitors choose to walk a 640-meter section known as the Daimon-zaka. This beautiful path features moss-covered stone steps surrounded by an ancient cedar forest, offering a charming atmosphere to reach the falls and the shrine.
For public transport, you'll need to catch a train to either Nachi Station or Kii-Katsura Station, which takes about 4 hours from Osaka and 4.5 hours from Kyoto. From the station, a bus takes visitors to the base of Daimon-zaka, the observation area of Nachi Falls, and the base of the Nachi Grand Shrine, the bus ride takes around 20-30 minutes. The buses depart every 45 minutes and cost 600 yen, the bus times depend on the season, so check Google Maps for the correct schedule.
It takes about 40 minutes to walk the Daimon-zaka trail to Nachi Falls, and then another 10 minutes to reach the top of the Nachi Grand Shrine. Allow for extra time to admire the scenery, take some breaks, and take photos. You'll find some lovely shops along the path between Nachi Falls and Nachi Taisha, which offer lunch, snacks, and souvenirs.
🕗 Opening Hours
Kumano Nachi Taishi: 24/7
Seiganto-ji Temple: 7:00am - 4:30pm
Nachi Falls Viewing Platform: 7:00am - 5:00pm
📍 Location
Wakayama Prefecture (Google Maps)
Kii-Katsura to Nachi Falls Bus Schedule
💴 Entry Price
Kumano Nachi Taishi: Free
Seiganto-ji Temple: ¥500 (pagoda)
Nachi Falls Viewing Platform: ¥300
Accommodation
There are two amazing accommodation options within walking distance of Nachi Falls, and thankfully, they offer online bookings. However, you need to book early, they are often sold out months in advance, especially for the peak Spring and Autumn periods.
The first is Mitaki Sanso, it's a lovely mid-range traditional ryokan and only a 5-minute walk from both Nachi Falls and the grand shrine. It offers tatami rooms with views of the falls and delicious Japanese cuisine.
The second is Hanako's House, a beautiful Japanese house that offers unbelievable value-for-money. It's located only a 7-minute walk from the start of the Daimon-zaka path. It's a charming traditional house, and the host goes out of his way to make his guests feel comfortable and happy.
Seasons
Image copyright: Ollie Ronin
🌸 Cherry Blossoms
Late-April
🍁 Autumn Leaves
Mid-October to Mid-November
☀️ Summer
June - August
Average temp. 32°C
Rainy season, misty atmosphere
Lush and green environment
❄️ Winter
December to February
Average temp. 5-10°C
Snowfall: Very rare
Interesting Facts & History
The Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine was founded in approximately 1700 years ago
The shrine was established to worship Nachi Falls, which is believed to embody a Shinto spirit or god, known as a kami.
The Seigento-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple and part of the shrine complex.
The iconic Seigento-ji Pagoda allows visitors to admire the views from the inside, are rare feature for Japanese pagodas.
Nachi Falls are the highest uninterrupted waterfalls in Japan.
Many of the cedar trees along the Daimon-zaka path are over 800 years old.
James Bond got married at the Nachi Grand Shrine in the 1967 film You Only Live Twice.
Useful Links
