Kumano-Nachi Grand Shrine

Kumano Nachi Taisha is a Shinto shrine located halfway up Nachi Mountain, about 350 meters above sea level. It has its religious origin in the ancient nature worship of Nachi-no-Otaki. This grand shrine is part of the Kumano Sanzan and major pilgrimage destination. The shrine is part of the UNESCO-designated World Heritage Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range of Japan. Nachi waterfall is the tallest waterfall in Japan at 133m high and 13m wide. You need to have some stamina to climb up the stairs if you are taking the public bus which stops at the middle of the mountain.

This place was magical ... highly recommend a visit if you find yourself in the Kanto region. I'm sad I didn't come out here sooner. It's a bit of a trek to get here from Osaka but well worth the time and money spent to do so. If you want to see my full review find me on YouTube @GoExploreJapan. I have tons of Japan content videos including my visit to this shrine.

A genuinely enlightening experience, especially if you decide to hike the Kumano trail all the way up to the shrine atop Mount Myo. The waterfall is spectacular, and you can drink from the waters too. All in all, a wonderful experience I would highly recommend to anyone.

You can drive up parking is 500 yen. But this shrine is also attached to a temple. They are both amazing 👏

Beautiful shrine. Amazing view. There are 3 levels to it: the grand shrine, the pagoda and the torii in front of the waterfall. Goshuin: 500¥

One of the great Shinto shrine here. You can drive all the way up to the shrine but parking is Y$800.

This shrine felt calm and beautiful even on a rainy day after walking up the Daimonzaka slope. It was a bit crowded which is expected since it draws visitors in any weather. From here, you can walk further to reach the viewpoint of Nachi Waterfall and the iconic pagoda.

Walked on KK trail arriving at 2.00. It was Saturday so busy with local and foreigners alike. Amazing Shinto and Buddhist temple. I just loved the wooden structure of the temple. It's a large site on side of mountain so lots of stairs. The 3 tiered pagoda has only recently been opened again after being repainted. Be aware buses are packed. I managed to get on my bus while queuing but many many left behind and have to wait another hr. Down hill stops noon picked up. Waterfall beautiful.

This temple was the final destination of my Kumano Kodo pilgrimage expedition and provided a beautiful backdrop for our group to celebrate the accomplishments of our five day journey. Kumano Nachi Taisha is one of the three sacred Kumano Sanzan shrines which also includes Kumano Hongū Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha and provides a place for pilgrims and tourists alike to honor the practices of Buddhist and Shinto traditions. The views here are outstanding as the temple rests near the Nachi Waterfall which is the tallest waterfall in Japan and is very close to the Kii Katsura village. Many tourists visit this location and especially during the Nachi-no-Hi Matsuri Fire Festival which is performed on July 14 every year and attracts many visitors. Fortunately for us, it was relatively quiet while we were there so we were able to take advantage of the wide open space to take pictures and enjoy this very special moment.

Perhaps the most picturesque place I've ever been. Pictures don't do it justice, but I'll post a few. This is an amazing area of Japan. We were the only westerners, and I believe non-Japanese, there. Use your rail pass and train here from Tokyo. Why brave the tourist crowds in Kyoto, when you can come to the real Japan?