Nachi Falls

那智の滝

4.6Est. 45Nachi-Katsuura, Kansai

JTA Approved

Overview

Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall at 133m, worshipped alongside a vermilion pagoda for 1,000 years.

At 133 meters, Nachi Falls is Japan's longest single-drop waterfall, and has been a site of worship since at least the fourth century. The waterfall's hard bedrock formed 14 million years ago when a magma chamber cooled and the surrounding softer rock eroded away, leaving the ledge over which more than a ton of water falls per second. Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine developed from early worship of the falls and stands partway up Mt. Nachi, beside a three-story Buddhist pagoda. A small shrine at the base is said to extend longevity to those who drink the water. On the first of each month, flowers are offered to the falls. A fire festival in July brings portable shrines down from the main hall.

Local tips

Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall at 133 meters. The photograph with Kumano Nachi Taisha's three-story pagoda in the foreground requires walking past the souvenir stalls and turning left before the main shrine path. The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail from Nachi Station arrives here from above after 2 to 3 hours of forested walking. Buses back to Kii-Katsuura Station run on a limited schedule; confirm the last departure time at the stop near the main gate.

Practical info

Japanese name: 那智の滝
Nearest station: Kumano-Nachi-Taisha Bus Stop (7 min walk)
Payment: Cards accepted
Reservations: not required

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