Kanpei-chusha

Kumano Nachi Taisha

熊野那智大社

Admission
Free (treasure hall: 300 yen)
Goshuin (Temple Seal)
300 yen
Access
See details
Hours
7:00-16:30

Overview

Kumano Nachi Taisha is dramatically positioned beside Nachi-no-Otaki, Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall at 133 meters. The waterfall itself is worshipped as a deity at the shrine's auxiliary shrine, Hirou Jinja, representing one of the most powerful expressions of nature worship in Shinto. The view of the three-story pagoda (belonging to adjacent Seiganto-ji temple) framed against the thundering waterfall is one of the most iconic and photographed scenes in Japan. The Nachi Fire Festival (Nachi-no-Hi Matsuri) on July 14 features twelve giant flaming torches carried down the ancient stone steps, creating one of Japan's most spectacular festival scenes.

Enshrined Deities

primary Deity

Deities of rebirth, healing, the afterlife, and the sacred mountains of Kumano

Blessings

Shrine Network

Kumano One of Kumano Sanzan

Did You Know?

💡

Nachi Falls at 133 meters is Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall and is itself worshipped as a deity.

Source: documented

💡

The three-story pagoda with Nachi Falls behind it is one of the most photographed scenes in Japan.

Source: documented

In Pop Culture

movie / 2003
The Last Samurai
Fan Connection

Some fans associate the mountain spirituality in the film with Kumano shrines, though the connection is thematic rather than direct.

Practical Information

Location Coordinates

33.6681, 135.8900

Physical Address

1 Nachisan, Nachikatsura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama

和歌山県東牟婁郡那智勝浦町那智山1

Access

Kii-Katsuura Station (JR Kisei Line)

Hours

7:00-16:30

Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.

Related Shrines

Frequently Asked Questions

Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team

What is Kumano Nachi Taisha?

Kumano Nachi Taisha is dramatically positioned beside Nachi-no-Otaki, Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall at 133 meters. The waterfall itself is worshipped as a deity at the shrine's auxiliary shrine, Hirou Jinja, representing one of the most powerful expressions of nature worship in Shinto. The view of the three-story pagoda (belonging to adjacent Seiganto-ji temple) framed against the thundering waterfall is one of the most iconic and photographed scenes in Japan. The Nachi Fire Festival (Nachi-no-Hi Matsuri) on July 14 features twelve giant flaming torches carried down the ancient stone steps, creating one of Japan's most spectacular festival scenes.

Where is Kumano Nachi Taisha located?

Kumano Nachi Taisha is located in Higashimuro-gun, Nachikatsura-cho, Wakayama. The full address is: 1 Nachisan, Nachikatsura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama.

What deities are enshrined at Kumano Nachi Taisha?

The enshrined deities are: Kumano Sanjo Gongen (Three Kumano Deities).

What blessings can you pray for at Kumano Nachi Taisha?

Kumano Nachi Taisha is known for: Longevity, Health Recovery, Warding Off Evil.

How do I get to Kumano Nachi Taisha?

The nearest station is Kii-Katsuura Station (JR Kisei Line). Bus about 30 minutes