Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachi Falls｜History and attractions to know before visiting.

Kumano Nachi-taisha is one of the Kumano Sanzan (three mountains) in Nachikatsuura-cho, Wakayama Prefecture. Together with Kumano Hongu Taisha in Tanabe City and Kumano Hayatama Taisha in Shingu City, it is regarded as one of the Kumano Sanzan and the headquarters of more than 4,000 Kumano shrines throughout Japan. The pilgrimage route to the Kumano Sanzan is called the Kumano Kodo, and is registered as a World Heritage Site, so Kumano Nachi-taisha is part of the World Heritage Site.

In this article, we will unravel the history of Kumano Nachi-taisha Shrine and introduce the sights and famous spots of Kumano Nachi-taisha Shrine that you must not miss when you visit. Also includes information on red seals, access and parking!

What is Kumano Nachi Taisha? What is its history, gods, charms and red seals?

The history and characteristics of Kumano Nachi-taisha, one of the Kumano Sanzan, the reason it was registered as a World Heritage Site, and the deities enshrined at the shrine are introduced!

You can enjoy Kumano Nachi-taisha even more if you actually visit it after learning about it.

History and features of Kumano Nachi-taisha shrine

It is said that as far back as 662 B.C. A.D., a party of Kaminihonibanyohiko-no-mikoto (the first Emperor Jinmu) landed on what is now Nachi-no-hama. As the party made their way towards the shining mountains, they discovered the Nachi Waterfalls! The waterfall was enshrined as the ‘sacred body of the deity Ohonamuchi no Kami’. The three-legged crow, Yatagarasu, is said to have led the group, and when he had finished leading them, he transformed into a stone and rested on it as the Karasu-ishi (Raven Stone).

Nachi has many waterfalls, the highest of which is Nachi-no-Taki (Nachi Waterfall). Also known as the ‘First Waterfall’, it boasts the highest drop in Japan at 133 m. The sheer scale of the waterfall is a sight to behold. The sheer scale of the falls is breathtaking. It is the symbolic site of the Kumano Nachi-taisha shrine, and even before the Nachi-taisha shrine was built, deities were enshrined around the waterfall.

As the origin of Kumano Nachi-taisha is nature worship, which regards the Nachi Falls as sacred, the shrine was built later than the Kumano Hongu-taisha and Kumano Hayatama-taisha in the Kumano Sanzan, and it is said that Kumano Nachi-taisha started when a shrine was built halfway up the mountain in 317 (5th year of Emperor Nintoku). At that time, the shrine was located on the site of Tobitaki Shrine, which today enshrines Nachi no Taki as a separate shrine of Kumano Nachi-taisha.

With the spread of the ‘Shintoism-Buddhism syncretism’, the idea that God and Buddha are one and the same, Kumano Nachi-taisha was united with the neighbouring Nyoirindo (now Seigando-ji Temple). In the Edo period (1603-1868), there were therefore numerous shaso-bosha (temples for the care of shrines) in the vicinity of Kumano Nachi-taisha.

In the Meiji era (1868-1912), when the syncretism of Shintoism and Buddhism was abolished, the Buddhist temples at Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha were all abandoned, but the Nyoirindo at Kumano Nachi Taisha remained intact, as it was one of the famous 33 temples in the western part of Japan, and is still independent today as Seiganwatari-ji Temple.

World Heritage Sites ‘Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range’ and Kumano Nachi-taisha Shrine.

The Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range’ – Kumano Kodo – was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2004. It was the first cultural landscape in Japan to be inscribed on the World Heritage List. Kumano Nachi-taisha shrine is part of this Kumano Kodo.

Kumano was regarded as a holy place that accepted and saved all people regardless of status or gender, from aristocrats and warriors to commoners. It is even called the ‘Ants’ Kumano Kodo’, a metaphor for the procession of ants. In the late Heian period (794-1185), records show that the emperors Toba, Go-Shirakawa and Go-Toba visited the Kumano Sanzan many times.

At that time, it was necessary to walk approximately 600 km round trip, or about a month’s journey, to visit the Kumano Sanzan from the capital. Unlike today, it was a life-threatening journey. The Kumano Pilgrimage was so demanding that it meant going to the Land of Hades, being reborn and returning to the present world. This is why the three mountains of Kumano are called the ‘Land of Rebirth’.

What deities are enshrined at Kumano Nachi Taisha?

The same 12 deities are enshrined at the three Kumano-sanzan shrines, Kumano Hongu-taisha, Kumano Nachi-taisha and Kumano Hayatama-taisha.

The main deity of Kumano Nachi-taisha is Fusumi no Okami, or Izanami no Mikoto. Fusumi is a female deity and has the meaning of ‘musu’ or ‘knot’, which refers to generation and development. As the deity responsible for the creation and nurturing of all things, she is worshipped as the patron deity of agriculture, forestry, fisheries and fishing, and as the god of marriage.

The Nachi Waterfall itself is enshrined as the sacred body of Oanamuchi no Mikoto, the deity who appears in the form of Oanamuchi no Mikoto. As described in the Izumo Fudoki (Records of the Fudoki of Izumo) as the god of the creation of the land, Ohanamuchi no Mikoto is known as the god of nation-building.

Goshuin-Stamp and charms

Visitors can obtain a vermilion seal from Kumano Nachi-taisha bearing the seal ‘Japan’s First Sacred Shrine’, from Miagatahikosha (located on the same premises) and from Nachi Mitaki.

Special Goshuin-Stamps may also be issued for limited periods.

Although not a Goshuin-Stamp seal, you can also receive an obuda called ‘Karasugiojinshi’, which is written on each piece of paper with ink printed with the waterfall water of Nachi no Taki.

Good luck charms available at Kumano Nachi Taisha include the ‘Katsumamori’ and ‘Michibiki Mamori’, which depict Yatagarasu, the god of guidance, and the ‘Enmei Suimamori’, named after the Nachi Falls, which is blessed with longevity.

This place is indispensable! Places to visit in Kumano Nachi-taisha

This section introduces some of the must-visit spots when visiting Kumano Nachi Taisha. The famous Nachi Falls and surrounding sights are thoroughly explained!

Daimon-zaka (Daimon Hill)

First, climb the 463 stone steps, 600 m long, on a cedar-lined avenue to pay homage to the main shrine, the Gohondo and Reido of Kumano Nachi-taisha. This slope is called Daimonzaka.

The red bridge, Furigasebashi, is said to be the border between the mundane and spiritual worlds. Next to it are the ruins of the Osaka-ya Ryokan, where Minakata Kumagusu conducted research on slime molds, and the ruins of a barrier station.

Cross the bridge and you will see the 800-year-old ‘husband and wife cedar’. It is a giant tree with a height of 54.5 m, a trunk circumference of 8.5 m at breast height and a branch beam of 13 m. From there, the cedar trees continue onwards, some 200-300 years old.

At the Daimonzaka car park, the Nadeshiko Japan Memorial Monument bears the yatagarasu, the symbol of Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, and the footprints of the players are also on display to commemorate their victory in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup and their silver medal at the London Olympics. Football lovers should check it out.

You can get to the top of the mountain by bus or car.

Kumano Nachi Taisha｜Gohondo and Reido

The Gohondo and Reido of Kumano Nachi Taisha are located at an altitude of approximately 500 metres up Daimonzaka. The slope is physically difficult to climb, and is also wheelchair-accessible! You can get close to the Gohondo by car or bus.

The shrine building consists of six buildings, each enshrining a deity. From the shrine pavilions on the right.

The first hall, Takinomiya (Daikai Kikyojin).

The second hall, Zenshinden (Iaido Mikoto Omikami).

The third temple, Nakamizen (Miko Sotoku Daigami)

Fourth temple, Nishi Mizen (Kumano Fusumi Omikami)

Fifth Hall Wakamiya (Amaterasu Omikami)

Sixth temple, Yasha-den (gods and goddesses).

The main deity, Kumano-Osumi no Mikami, is enshrined in the fourth hall from the right. In front of the main hall is the Reido, which also enshrines Kumano-Osumi no Mikami.

Mi-agata Hikosha.

The three-legged crow Yatagarasu, which helped lead the discovery of Nachi Falls, is enshrined at the Ogatahiko Shrine. It is located on the left hand side towards the main shrine, and there is a stone statue of Yatagarasu in front of it.

Many people may know the yatagarasu as it is also the emblem of the Japan Football Association. He is considered to be a god who guides you in the right direction.

Karasuishi (crow stone) and weeping cherry blossom

The Karasu-ishi is said to have been transformed after Yatagarasu led the first emperor to the Nachi Waterfall. It is located in the garden of the main shrine. It is known that the Karasuishi has been in the same place since that time, as it is also depicted in a painting of the Nachisanmiya Mandala from the Muromachi period (1336-1573).

Beautiful weeping cherry trees are also planted around the Karasu-ishi stone, making it a must-see during the cherry blossom season from the end of March to early April.

(shrine) repository or treasure house

Kumano Nachi-taisha Shrine contains many valuable cultural assets. These include votive offerings and ritual implements that reveal the relationship between Nachi-taisha and the Imperial Court and the Shogunate, as well as records showing the existence of believers throughout the country.

The Treasure Hall has a permanent exhibition of swords, old mirrors, old ritual implements, mandalas for pilgrimage, old documents, and items excavated from sutra mounds, giving visitors a glimpse into the history of Kumano Nachi-taisha Shrine and the Kumano Historic Trail.

Entrance fee

Adults: 300 yen

Child: 200 yen (primary and junior high school students)

Preschool children: free of charge

Opening hours.

8:30am – 3:30pm

Days closed

Wednesdays.

Kusu (large camphor tree), the first step in the journey from the womb to the grave

The large camphor tree next to the hall of worship is said to be 850 years old (estimated) and was planted by Shigemori Taira. It is 27 m tall and has a trunk circumference of approximately 8.5 m. It is also called Shoreisha (camphor spirit shrine).

There is a large hole in the trunk, through which visitors can write their wishes on gomagi (300 yen) or ema (500 yen), and hold them as they pass through. This is called ‘Tainai Kuguri’.

Seigandouji Temple

The Nachi area was a major shugendo centre due to the ‘shinbutsu shugyo’ (syncretisation of Shinto and Buddhist practices). Until the Edo period, Nachi-taisha and Seigando-ji were regarded as one and the same, but they were separated when the Shinto/Buddhist syncretism was abolished.

The temple is a Tendai sect temple with Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu as its principal deity. As it is the first of Japan’s oldest Kannon pilgrimages, the Saigoku Sanjusanko, or the ‘First of the Thirty-three Places of the Saigoku Region’, it has been visited by many people since ancient times.

The Saigoku Sanjusansho are 33 sacred sites of the Goddess of Mercy, covering a total distance of approximately 1,000 km and stretching over two prefectures and five regions, including Wakayama. The origin of the pilgrimage is said to be that King Yama encouraged pilgrims to come into contact with the compassion of Kannon Bodhisattva in order to save people from suffering in the world. In 988 (Eien 2), Hōhō Hanayama established the temple as the first stop on the pilgrimage to the 33 Kannon temples in the western part of the country.

The main hall that remains today is designated as a National Important Cultural Property and was rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1590 (Tensho 18).

Nachi Waterfall (Nachi no Taki).

Nachi-Otaki is one of Nachi’s most famous landmarks. This waterfall has been an object of nature worship since ancient times.

Nachi has a series of 800-metre-high mountains known as the ‘Oumotorikoshi’, from which the water that flows down the mountains forms many waterfalls. The highest of these is Nachi Waterfall. It is also known as the ‘First Waterfall’. It is one of the three most famous waterfalls in Japan and is part of the World Heritage Site, as well as being a designated national scenic beauty spot, along with the ‘Ni no Taki’ and ‘San no Taki’ waterfalls that flow upstream.

The depth of the waterfall basin is more than 10 m and the volume of water flowing down is about 1 tonne per second! The waterfall has the highest drop in Japan.

The waterfall is said to contain an immortality elixir, so the water of Nachi Falls has been known since ancient times as the water of long life and longevity, and even today many people come to pray for the water. There is also a place called the ‘Otaki Worship Stage’ where you can see the waterfall from the front and even drink water from the waterfall.

If you have come this far, you should definitely take a closer look at Nachi Falls, which marked the beginning of Kumano’s nature worship.

Entry fees for the ‘Waterfall Worship Stage’.

Adult：300yen

Primary and secondary school students: 200yen

Unschooled child: No information

Hours of visitation

9:00-17:00

Hiro-jinja Shrine, a separate shrine of Kumano Nachi-taisha

Tobitaki Shrine is a separate shrine of Kumano Nachi-taisha Shrine and enshrines the Nachi Waterfall itself. The waterfall is enshrined as the sacred body in which Okonoki-kami appeared.

As the waterfall itself is enshrined, the shrine is unusual in that it has no main hall or hall of worship, and the waterfall is worshipped directly. From the Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine main hall, it is a 15-minute walk down the stairs to Tobitaki Shrine.

How to get there? Getting to Kumano Nachi Taisha

If you wish to enjoy trekking from JR Kii-Katsuura Station to Kumano Nachi-taisha Shrine, it takes about 2.5 hours to reach the shrine by walking gently uphill.

If you would like to walk a shorter distance or go directly to the main shrine, please refer to the access information below.

When climbing Daimon Hill

Bus.

From JR Kii-Katsuura Station, take the Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus bound for Mt Nachi (journey time: 20 minutes).

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Get off at bus stop ‘Daimonzaka’.

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Climb Daimonzaka (2.7 km, time required: approx. 1 hour).

*Please note that buses run from 6am to 6pm, so please be aware of the time.

fare

430 yen

Car

Use and park at the Daimonzaka parking lot. Climb the same Daimon Slope in about one hour.

Parking address.

〒649-5302　3034-2, Ichino, Nachikatsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture

the time required

Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture.

From Kisei Expressway (free section) ‘Susami Minami IC’, approx. 1 hr 10 mins.

Charges.

Free (no booking required)

When going directly to the vicinity of the main hall

Bus.

From JR Kii-Katsuura Station, take the Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus bound for Nachisan (journey time: approx. 30 minutes).

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Bus stop ‘Nachinotaki-mae’ or ‘Nachisan’.

fare

630 yen

*Please note that buses run from 6am to 6pm, so please keep an eye on the time.

Car

Park using the ‘Shrine Parking Lot’. The car park is close to the shrine precincts, so it is safe for the elderly and children.

address

〒649-5301　1, Nachisan, Nachikatsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama

the time required

Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture.

From Kisei Expressway (free section) ‘Susami Minami IC’, approx. 1 hr 10 mins.

Charges.

800 yen (as a toll for the Shrine Disaster Prevention Road).