Nachi Falls (那智瀑布) is not only is this the tallest waterfall in Japan 🇯🇵, but it is also considered the sacred body (御神体) of Hirō Shrine (飞泷神社), the separate shrine of Kumano Nachi Taisha. The shimenawa rope tied above the waterfall marks its divine status — symbolising that a deity resides within the waterfall itself. Walking route: Daimonzaka Bus Stop → Couple Cedar Trees (夫妇杉) → Kumano Nachi Taisha → Seiganto-ji Temple → Three-Story Pagoda → Nachi Falls & Hirō Shrine → Nachi-no-Taki Bus Stop -Transport guide Kii-Katsuura Station → Daimonzaka (about 20 minutes) • From the bus terminal outside Kii-Katsuura Station, take Bus Route 31 toward Nachisan. Be sure to check the timetable in advance. • Fare: You can use IC cards (Suica / ICOCA) or pay cash when getting off. Fare is 460 yen one way to Daimonzaka. A round-trip ticket (1110 yen) can also be purchased at the station. • Get off at “Daimonzaka” bus stop. -Ancient pilgrimage walk Daimonzaka → Nachi Mountain (start of hike) • After getting off, you can buy a stamp book at the visitor centre for 100 yen. Follow the clearly marked stone stairway — this is the entrance to the ancient Kumano Kodo trail. • Highlight section: the moss-covered stone steps lined with towering thousand-year-old cedar trees (like the famous “Couple Cedar”). The atmosphere is incredibly peaceful and cinematic. The climb is uphill but gentle, and very enjoyable for photos along the way. Kumano Nachi Taisha & Seiganto-ji Temple • A short walk uphill leads to Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of the three grand Kumano shrines. The bright vermilion shrine stands beautifully against the green forest backdrop. • Continue following signs to Seiganto-ji Temple, located very close by. It is the first temple of the Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage. The iconic view here is the three-story pagoda with Nachi Falls in the background — one of the most famous landscapes in Kumano. Hirō Shrine & Nachi Falls • From the observation platform near Seiganto-ji, you can see the waterfall and pagoda together in one frame. • Then follow the trail downhill past the pagoda toward the waterfall. Nachi Falls drops 133 meters, making it the tallest single-drop waterfall in Japan. • Hirō Shrine is located directly at the base of the waterfall. Small yet deeply sacred, it allows you to experience the full force of the waterfall up close. This is the final point of the hike — standing here, you feel the raw power of nature and spirituality combined.
Nachi Falls
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Nachi Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Nachi Falls famous?
Nachi Falls is Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall at 133 meters and is revered as a sacred deity in Shinto tradition. It forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" and is an iconic image of Japanese spirituality, often photographed with the red three-story pagoda of Seiganto-ji Temple in the foreground.
Can you swim at Nachi Falls?
No. Nachi Falls is a sacred Shinto site; swimming is not permitted. The waterfall is viewed from designated observation areas. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Nachi Falls?
Dogs are generally not allowed within the Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine complex and sacred areas around the waterfall. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Nachi Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Free to view the waterfall from the main observation area. A small fee (around 300 yen) applies to enter Hiro-jinja shrine for the closest viewing platform. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Nachi Falls?
Paid parking is available at the base near Daimonzaka entrance and closer to the shrine complex (around 500–800 yen). From parking, it is a walk uphill to the shrine and waterfall viewing areas. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Nachi Falls?
Minimal walking from upper parking areas (5–10 minutes uphill walk). From Daimonzaka parking, it is approximately 1.5 km one-way with many stone steps. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Nachi Falls hike difficulty
Easy to Moderate depending on starting point. Many stone steps lead uphill to the shrine and waterfall viewing platform; relatively short but involves steady climbing. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Nachi Falls?
Spring (April–May) for cherry blossoms and comfortable weather, or autumn (October–November) for fall foliage and clear skies. Summer brings higher water flow but heat and humidity. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Nachi Falls
From the upper parking area, walk uphill along the paved path and stone steps past souvenir shops. Pass through the torii gate and continue up to Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine. The waterfall viewing platform is adjacent to Seiganto-ji Temple. For the closest view, pay the small entrance fee to Hiro-jinja shrine at the base of the falls.
Nachi Falls official website
Attractions near Nachi Falls
- •Kumano Nachi Taisha — ancient Shinto shrine adjacent to the waterfall, part of UNESCO World Heritage site
- •Seiganto-ji Temple — Buddhist temple with iconic three-story pagoda framing the waterfall view
- •Daimonzaka — historic cobblestone path through towering cryptomeria trees leading to the shrine
- •Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails — UNESCO World Heritage ancient pilgrimage routes through mountains
- •Katsuura Onsen — nearby hot spring resort town with ocean-view baths
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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