Wakayama: Kumano Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji & Waterfall Tour

Wakayama Prefecture , Japan

Wakayama: Kumano Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji & Waterfall Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Journey to the sacred mountain of Nachisan and explore the spiritual heart of Kumano. This guided cultural pilgrimage takes you through the revered Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine, Seiganto-ji Temple, and the iconic Nachi Waterfall, all while learning about the harmonious blend of Shintō and Buddhism. Walk the historic paths that pilgrims have traversed for centuries and engage in rituals that reflect Japan's reverence for nature. Choose from multiple meeting options for a personalized experience that emphasizes connection over sightseeing.

- Visit the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano, including the scenic Nachi Waterfall.
- Benefit from insights and stories shared by a local professional guide.
- Multiple meeting options available: on-site, local bus from Nachi Station, or early morning start.
- Experience the spiritual essence of Kumano through rituals and historical context.

Available options

Early Morning Plan

Early Morning Plan Starting point: Nachisan Post Office, 195-2 Nachisan, Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro District, Wakayama 649-5301, Japan

On-site Meeting

Starting point: Nachisan Post Office, 195-2 Nachisan, Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro District, Wakayama 649-5301, Japan

From Nachi Station

From Nachi Station Starting point: Nachi Station, Hamanomiya, Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro District, Wakayama 649-5314, Japan

What's included

Professional local guide

Cultural insights into Kumano faith and spirituality

Guided tour of Kumano Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji Temple, and Nachi Waterfall

Detailed itinerary

Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano, stands on Mount Nachisan as a center of nature worship and spiritual renewal. Dedicated to Nachi Gongen — a deity that unites Shintō and Buddhist beliefs — the shrine embodies Japan’s ancient syncretic faith. The bright vermilion halls, built high above the sea, overlook the sacred Nachi Waterfall, long revered as the physical form of the god itself. Visitors purify their hands at the temizuya and learn from their guide how the Kumano faith sees divinity in natural forces such as waterfalls, trees, and mountains. Once a destination for imperial pilgrimages from Kyoto, Nachi remains a living sanctuary where devotion and nature meet in harmony.

Standing beside Kumano Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji Temple represents centuries of harmony between Buddhism and Shintō. Its name, meaning “Temple of Blue Shore,” reflects the Buddhist ideal of reaching enlightenment beyond the sea of suffering. The temple’s main hall, rebuilt in the 16th century, remains an active place of worship. Visitors can light candles or incense and learn about the mountain ascetic practices (Shugendō) that once flourished here. Your guide also explains how the Meiji government’s Shinbutsu Bunri (separation of Shintō and Buddhism) policy changed religious life at Nachisan, while the spiritual bond between the temple and the shrine endures.

Nachi Waterfall, dropping 133 meters from a single stream, is one of Japan’s highest and most revered cascades. Since ancient times, it has been worshiped as a living deity — the sacred body of the god of Nachi. At the base stands Hirou Shrine, where pilgrims have offered prayers for purification and renewal for more than a millennium. Your guide will explain how the continuous flow of the waterfall symbolizes both cleansing and the eternal cycle of life. The powerful sound and mist of the falls create a deeply spiritual atmosphere, allowing visitors to sense why Nachi has long been regarded as a place where nature itself is divine.

What's not included

Meals

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

If you choose the Nachi Station departure option, please meet in front of the ticket gate at Nachi Station.
Your guide will be waiting for you with a yellow sign. Please check the map for details.

About Wakayama Prefecture

Wakayama Prefecture, located in the Kansai region of Japan, is known for its stunning natural beauty, historic temples, and the famous Koyasan (Mount Koya) pilgrimage site. With its rugged mountains, scenic coastlines, and rich cultural heritage, Wakayama offers a unique blend of traditional and natural experiences.

Top Attractions

Koyasan (Mount Koya)

A sacred Buddhist monastery town and UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its temples, graveyards, and pilgrimage routes.

Historical/Religious Full day to overnight Moderate to Expensive

Nachi Falls

One of Japan's tallest waterfalls, located near the Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine.

Nature Half day Free to view, fees for shrine and museum

Shirahama Beach

A popular beach resort area with white sand beaches, hot springs, and a scenic coastline.

Beach Full day Budget to Moderate

Kimii-dera Temple

A historic temple with beautiful gardens and panoramic views of Wakayama City.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Budget

Wakayama Castle

A reconstructed castle with a museum and beautiful gardens, offering insights into Wakayama's samurai history.

Historical 1-2 hours Budget

Must-Try Local Dishes

Wakayama Beef

Tender and flavorful beef, often served as sukiyaki or grilled.

Dinner Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Katsuobushi

Fermented, smoked, and dried bonito fish, used to make dashi (stock) and eaten as a topping for various dishes.

Snack/Dish Contains fish, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Meharizushi

A traditional sushi dish from the Kii Peninsula, made with vinegared rice and fresh seafood or vegetables.

Lunch/Dinner Can be vegetarian if made with vegetables.

Koyasan Shojin Ryori

Buddhist vegetarian cuisine served in Koyasan, made with seasonal vegetables and tofu.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Kumano Beach activities in Shirahama Adventure World amusement park Hot spring baths in Shirahama Temple lodgings in Koyasan Beach relaxation in Shirahama Temple visits in Koyasan Shrine visits in Kumano

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to November)

These seasons offer pleasant weather and are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Spring brings cherry blossoms, while autumn offers beautiful foliage.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Wakayama is a very safe destination with low crime rates. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious when hiking or exploring remote areas, as weather conditions can change quickly.
• Carry a map or use a reliable navigation app, as some areas may have limited signage.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots.

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 80 km from Wakayama City

By train

Wakayama Station

By bus

Wakayama Station Bus Terminal, Osaka Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Trains are efficient and punctual, with frequent services. The IC card (Suica, Icoca) can be used for seamless travel.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Wakayama City Koyasan (Mount Koya) Shirahama Kumano

Day trips

Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachi Falls

80 km from Wakayama City • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a stunning waterfall and an ancient Shinto shrine.

Shirahama Beach and Adventure World

100 km from Wakayama City • Full day

A popular beach resort area with white sand beaches, hot springs, and an amusement park.

Koyasan (Mount Koya)

50 km from Wakayama City • Full day to overnight

A sacred Buddhist monastery town with temples, graveyards, and pilgrimage routes.

Festivals

Koyasan Fire Festival (Goman-no-Otaki) • March 12-15 Shirahama Summer Festival • July to August Wakayama Castle Festival • April 1-30

Pro tips

Stay overnight in a temple lodging (shukubo) in Koyasan for a unique cultural experience.
Visit Nachi Falls early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Try the local seafood in Shirahama, especially the fresh sushi and grilled fish.
Use an IC card (Suica, Icoca) for seamless travel on trains and buses in Wakayama and the Kansai region.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for their culture.