Nachi Falls Kumano Nachi Taisha and Katsuura Onsen Course

Nachikatsuura brings together Nachi Falls, the tallest in Japan with a drop of 133 meters, the vermilion Kumano Nachi Taisha, and the town of Katsuura known for landing tuna and for its hot springs. This course tours the bounty of Kumano in a day, from the divine falls and shrine halls to the gifts of the sea. The Nachisan area was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2004.

Course Route

9:00 Start at Kii-Katsuura Station Board a Kumano Gobo Nankai bus and head first for the Daimonzaka slope, about 15 minutes from the station.

9:40 Climb the Daimonzaka slope on foot An approach of about 600 meters with mossy stone steps and centuries-old cedar rows that strongly preserves the feel of the Kumano Kodo. The steps are said to number 267, and it is a 30 to 40 minute climb to the shrine. A solemn atmosphere surrounds you.

10:40 Pay respects at Kumano Nachi Taisha The vermilion shrine halls stand on high ground, and visiting the grounds is free. Visit alongside the neighboring Seiganto-ji, the first temple of the Saigoku thirty-three pilgrimage; entry to its main hall is also free.

11:30 View Nachi Falls Nachi Falls is the sacred object of Hiro Shrine. Viewing is free, but entering the observation platform closer to the basin requires an entry fee of around 300 yen for adults. The spray of water falling with a roar is overwhelming in its power.

12:30 Return to Katsuura for a seafood lunch Katsuura port is known for landing fresh tuna, among the largest volumes of fresh tuna in the country. Enjoy tuna dishes at the market and eateries.

14:00 Stroll through Katsuura town Walk while enjoying the relaxed mood of the port town.

15:30 Bathe at Katsuura Onsen A rich variety of hot springs awaits, including open-air baths facing the sea and cave baths. Some inns accept day-use bathing, with fees and hours varying by facility.

17:00 Return to Kii-Katsuura Station Warm from the springs, set off for home.

Highlights

The classic view of Nachi Falls frames the falls together with the vermilion three-story pagoda. The scene of the Kumano Nachi Taisha halls beside Seiganto-ji is also splendid. Katsuura is a home of fresh tuna, so its dishes are a must-eat.

Practical Travel Notes

• Access: Kii-Katsuura Station on the JR Kisei line is the base. Limited express trains run from the Nagoya and Shin-Osaka directions. Kumano Gobo Nankai buses are convenient from the station toward the Nachi area.
• Admission guide: Visiting Kumano Nachi Taisha and Seiganto-ji is free. Only entering the observation platform at Nachi Falls costs around 300 yen for adults.
• On foot: Walking from Daimonzaka lets you feel the Kumano Kodo, but if time is short you can ride straight to the bus stops for the shrine or falls. The Daimonzaka steps can be slippery, so bring easy walking shoes.
• Hot springs: Katsuura Onsen is famous for cave baths and seaside open-air baths. Day-use fees and hours differ by inn, so checking in advance is recommended.
• Food: The tuna market in Katsuura is liveliest in the morning. Nearby eateries serve tuna rice bowls and marinated tuna bowls.
• Time: The hike from Daimonzaka around the shrine and falls takes about two to three hours as a guide.

A Quick Tip

After rain, the falls gain volume and their power grows even greater. The tuna market in Katsuura is liveliest in the morning, so an early arrival is recommended. Admission and transport costs can change, so plan using these figures as a rough guide.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Kumano Nachi Taisha (worship hours): You can visit from 6 a.m. until around 6 p.m. (opening hours differ for each facility, such as the amulet office)
• Kumano Nachi Taisha (parking): About 30 spaces below the shrine office. As you use the shrine's disaster-prevention road along the approach, a toll of 800 yen is required
• Seiganto-ji (visiting hours and fees): Open all year round, 7:00-16:30. Visiting the precincts and the main hall is free of charge, and religious items and goshuin seal stamps are handled inside the hall. There is also an accessible toilet (hours may change during the New Year period, on the first day of each month and so on)
• Seiganto-ji three-storied pagoda: 8:30-16:00, admission 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students (for groups of 30 or more, 400 yen for adults and 240 yen for elementary and junior high school students). Opening hours may change due to weather and other conditions
• Hiro Shrine, viewing platform for the sacred waterfall: The entry fee is 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students, and free of charge for preschool children. There is no time restriction on worshipping at Hiro Shrine itself, which you can visit freely
• Daimonzaka Tourist Information Office: Located in the Daimonzaka car park, it provides information from 9:30 to 15:00 (opening days and hours may change)
• Enquiries: 0735-55-0321 (Kumano Nachi Taisha and Hiro Shrine), 0735-52-5311 (Nachikatsuura Tourist Information Office), 0735-52-6153 (Nachikatsuura Tourism Organisation secretariat, weekdays 9:00-18:00)
• Official information: Kumano Nachi Taisha official website, Nachisan Seiganto-ji official website, Nachikatsuura tourism website (Nachikatsuura Tourism Organisation)

* The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local authority. Hours and fees may change, so please check official information before you set out.