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Before you go
Your trip to Nachikatsuura.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Nachikatsuura – Wakayama Destination Kumano Kodo (Tanabe; Nachikatsuura)
How to get there
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Aeroporto de Nanki-Shirahama (SHM) Shirahama · 90 km
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Estação de Kii-Katsuura 1 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
The Kuroshio express train reaches Kii-Katsuura from Osaka in about 3h30 to 4 hours; from Nagoya the Nanki train reaches Shingu. From Kii-Katsuura station, buses climb to Nachi in about 25 to 30 minutes. Nanki-Shirahama Airport is about 1h30 by car.
How many days
One day for Nachi, including the Daimon-zaka climb, the waterfall and the shrine, and half a day for Shingu. One night in Katsuura’s hot springs completes the visit.
When to go
All year. From March to May and October to November the weather is better for climbing the steps. On July 14 the Nachi fire festival carries large torches up the staircase to the waterfall. From August to October, typhoons can close roads and trails.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. Buses link Kii-Katsuura station to Nachi and trains reach Shingu. A car helps to combine all three shrines in one day.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Nachikatsuura
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Morning
Daimon-zaka and Nachi Taisha
Get off the bus at Daimon-zaka and climb the stone staircase between cedars up to Kumano Nachi Taisha and Seiganto-ji temple, with the red pagoda in front of the waterfall.
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Afternoon
Nachi Falls and Shingu
Descend to Hiro-jinja shrine at the foot of the waterfall, then continue by bus and train to Shingu for Kumano Hayatama Taisha.
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Evening
Hot springs and tuna in Katsuura
Return to Kii-Katsuura, bathe in one of the harbor’s hot springs and dine on fresh tuna, the city’s specialty.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
How to go from Kii-Katsuura to Nachi Falls?
By bus from Kii-Katsuura station, about 25 to 30 minutes to the Nachi-no-taki-mae stop. The Daimon-zaka stop, earlier on the route, is the start of the old staircase.
What to eat in Nachikatsuura?
Tuna, landed at the port of Katsuura, one of Japan’s largest for fresh tuna, served raw, grilled or in bowls. The port market often holds auctions open for viewing on some days.
Is Shingu near Nachikatsuura?
Yes, about 15 km, roughly a 20-minute train ride to Shingu Station. Kumano Hayatama Taisha is about a 15-minute walk from the station.
What is the Nachi fire festival?
The Nachi no Hi Matsuri, on July 14, when large lit torches are carried down the stone steps to purify the path of the portable shrines of the gods toward the waterfall. It usually draws large crowds.
Beyond the guide
