Visiting Kumano Nachi Taisha was an incredible experience and such quintessential Japan. I visited this shrine during rainy season which was perfect. The mist over the mountains and falls created such a mystical backdrop for this beautiful pagoda, but I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s start from the beginning…
Arriving at the Shrine
So, the drive up to Nachi Falls was beautiful! The road winds up the mountain for a little bit and then you arrive in a small town. Right across from where I parked were the first set of stairs to the shrine. They don’t look like much and the map makes it look easy, but these steps were just the beginning.
The Climb
This is the view from the top of the first set of steps looking back down at the parking lot where I parked.
Along the next set of stairs, there were shops with souvenirs and some graffiti style paintings representing the Fire Festival that is held in July.
This is still on the way up to the main shrine. Really nice views. I stopped on this level for water from a vending machine.
After what was a pretty tiring climb, I finally made it to the main shrine. It had a great covered lookout area with beautiful views!
The Main Shrine
Kumano Nachi Taisha is a Shinto shrine and part of the UNESCO-designated World Heritage Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range of Japan. The Kumano KodÅ route connects it to other sites on the pilgrimage. It is located halfway up Nachi Mountain, about 350 meters above sea level.
At the main shrine, there was also this huge, old tree. I love how old trees at shrines and temples seem to hold a place of honor. It is 850 years old and is said to have been planted by Taira-no-Shigemori (1138-1179). The straw rope (shimenawa) and paper flags show that this tree has been sanctified as a kami (a deity). The tree is alive with moss and ferns and other small plants growing on its ancient limbs.
Nachisan Seigantoji Temple
Nachisan Seigantoji Temple is adjacent to Kumano Nachi Taisha and is a perfect example of how Shintoism and Buddhism coexist in Japan.
The Iconic Pagoda and Falls
After the main part of the shrine and the temple, you follow a path around and then down some steps to get to the pagoda with a view of Nachi-no-Taki (Nachi Waterfall) in the background. Nachi-no-Taki is the tallest waterfall with a single, uninterrupted drop in Japan. It’s 133 meters high and 13 meters wide.
This was the first pagoda that I have had the opportunity to actually go into. There is a small admission fee (I believe it was 300 yen). Inside the pagoda there were interesting paintings on the walls, a few artifacts, and you were able to go out on three of the levels.
This was the largest singing bowl I’ve seen!
The views from the different levels of the pagoda were beautiful even though the misty cloud coverage prevented me from seeing very far.
Other Sights on the Shrine Grounds
Here are a few more sights from around the shrine grounds. I always love to see the Shi-Shi (lion dogs), the dragons at the chozu (purification place used prior to entering a temple or shrine), and the statues.
This path of steps is part of the famous Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail.
I really enjoyed visiting this iconic shrine, pagoda, and waterfall even though the number of steps were a little daunting. I did learn after the climb that you can drive up to the top rather than take the steps if you choose to. I kind of think the steps (while exhausting) are part of the experience. Nothing like a day walking (and climbing) among the clouds in beautiful Japan!
I highly recommend a visit to Kumano Nachi Taisha, Nachisan Seigantoji Temple, and Nachi-no-Otaki if you have the opportunity. There is a viewing platform for the falls that also has a small admission fee. In the little town, there are souvenir shops and places to grab lunch.
Here is a pin. for the shrine. It’s located in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan.
Happy Travels,
Kari
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