48 Waterfalls of Nachi

The Nachi Falls cascade down 133 meters in a single drop, making it the tallest uninterrupted waterfall formation in Japan.

Archaeological excavations in 1918 at the waterfall base revealed a Sutra mound containing statues, mirrors, and religious artifacts from the 10th century.

Every morning, Shinto priests perform ceremonies at the waterfall, offering prayers to the deity Hiryū Gongen believed to reside within its waters.

Visitors can reach the falls by taking a 30-minute bus ride from Kii-Katsuura Station to Nachi-no-Taki-mae stop, followed by a 5-minute walk.

The waterfall forms part of a rare religious complex where a Buddhist temple and Shinto shrine stand together, despite the historical separation of these faiths.

Location: Nachikatsuura

GPS coordinates: 33.67532,135.88760

Latest update: March 5, 2025 16:00