View Point
Japan’s most famous waterfall with a 133m drop (Nachi Waterfall)
Index
A mysterious and majestic waterfall
Nachi Waterfall are a waterfall formed at the boundary between erosion-resistant igneous rocks and relatively softer sedimentary rock strata with a 133m drop. This waterfall is also known as “Ichi no Taki” (the First Waterfall) and is considered the highest straight drop in Japan. Together with “Ni no Taki” (the Second Waterfall) and “San no Taki” (the Third Waterfall), it is designated as a place of national scenic beauty. The waterfall itself is considered a sacred entity, and has been a training place for Shugendo practitioners since ancient times. Nachi Waterfall are so huge they can be identified as a waterfall from out at sea. On sunny days, the air is refreshing, and on rainy days, the increased water flow makes the waterfall even more majestic.
Daimon-zaka, a path that once was at the bottom of the sea
If you are visiting Nachi Falls, we recommend climbing the cobblestone path up Daimon-zaka slope, which still strongly retains the appearance of the ancient Kumano Kodo trail. Surrounded by cedar trees over 800 years old, you may discover “trace fossils”, burrows of creatures that once lived on the ocean floor, on the cobblestones’ gentle surface.
Spectacular view points of Nachi Waterfall
| Address | 〒649-5301 Nachisan, Nachikatsura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama, Japan |
|---|---|
| Visiting Hours | 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.（ Otaki worship place until 4:00p.m. ） |
| Traffic Access |
By public transportation：From “Kii-Katuura Station” on the JR Kinokuni-line, take the Kumano Gobo Nankai bus bound for Nachisan for around 25 minutes and then get off at “Daimonzaka”. By car：From Osaka/Wakayama, around 90 minutes’ drive from Susami-south IC. |
| Parking | Available（ charged ） |
| Supported Language | Explanatory signboard in English. |
| Contact | Kumano Nachi Taisya Hiro-jinja Shrine, Nachi-Mitaki Waterfall TEL：0735-55-0321 Web：https://kumanonachitaisha.or.jp |
* Information is subject to change. Please be sure to check with the site/facility before heading out.
