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Waterfall · Nachikatsuura, Wakayama
Nachi Falls (Nachi no Taki)
A waterfall with a 133-meter continuous drop, the tallest of its kind in Japan, venerated as a deity. At its base is Hiro-jinja shrine, with a platform that offers a close view of the fall.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Nachi Falls (Nachi no Taki) in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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About Nachi Falls (Nachi no Taki)
Nachi Falls, Nachi no Taki, plunges 133 meters in a single drop from a cliff in the forest of Mount Nachi, the largest continuous fall in Japan. For the Kumano cult, the waterfall itself is the deity, and it was from the waterfall that the Nachi shrine formed above on the slope. The site is part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range World Heritage and the waterfall is designated a Place of Scenic Beauty in Japan.
Access begins at a large torii gate by the road. A stone stairway descends among cedars to Hiro-jinja, the waterfall shrine, which has no main hall: the object of worship is the falling water. A sacred enclosure marked with braided rope defines the area, and a paid observation platform brings visitors closer to the base, where you can feel the mist.
On the platform, a fountain of waterfall water is used by visitors, who drink it from small cups, following tradition, to wish for a long life. The water volume changes with the season: after the June rains and typhoons the fall usually grows stronger; in dry periods it becomes thinner.
On July 14, the Nachi fire festival carries twelve portable shrines and large torches down the stone steps, one of the region’s best-known rites. The waterfall is also visible from Seiganto-ji’s pagoda, in one of Kumano’s classic images.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
In the morning, when light enters the valley. The fall usually has more water after the June and September rains; in dry periods it becomes thinner. The fire festival is on July 14.
How to get there
From Kii-Katsuura Station, take a bus to the Nachi-no-taki-mae stop in about 25 minutes, then walk a few minutes down the stairway. From Nachi Taisha, a trail descends to the waterfall in about 15 minutes.
Tip
Combine it with Nachi Taisha: climb the Daimon-zaka, visit the shrine and pagoda, then descend to the waterfall and take the bus back from the stop just above it.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Nachi Falls (Nachi no Taki)
How tall is Nachi Waterfall?
The drop is 133 meters of continuous fall, the tallest of its kind in Japan.
Can you get close to Nachi Waterfall?
Yes, up to the Hiro-jinja shrine area, and closer from the observation platform, which has a separate fee. You cannot enter the water or go beyond the sacred fence.
Is there a fee to see Nachi Waterfall?
The Hiro-jinja shrine area does not charge entry; the platform closest to the base has a separate fee.
When does Nachi Waterfall have the most water?
It usually has more water after the June rains and during the typhoon season in September. In dry periods the fall becomes thinner.
Beyond the guide
