🗺️ Nachi Falls

Nachi Falls is located within the grounds of Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine and is collectively known as one of Japan's "Three Great Waterfalls" along with "Kegon Falls" in Tochigi Prefecture and "Fukuroda Falls" in Ibaraki Prefecture. The waterfall has a drop of 133 meters, making it the tallest waterfall in Japan by height. It is 13 meters wide, with a pool depth of 10 meters and a flow rate exceeding 1 ton per second, making it one of the largest waterfalls in Japan. Due to the way the water splits into three streams as it descends, it is also referred to as "Sanjo no Taki" (Three Streams Falls). Nachi Falls is not only a landmark representing Wakayama Prefecture but also a symbolic site of the Nachi Mountain faith, which reveres "water as the mother of life." The best viewing spot for Nachi Falls is a platform called "Haikan Butai," where visitors can closely observe the magnificent sight of the waterfall cascading down (entry tickets required: 300 yen for adults, 200 yen for elementary and junior high school students). Visitors can also taste the water from the pool, which is said to promote longevity if consumed. It is worth mentioning that the waterfall itself is considered the main body of "Hiryu Shrine," a branch shrine of Nachi Taisha, and a sacred rope is tied above the waterfall to protect its divine essence. Nachi Falls primarily flows from the deep waters of the Omotori Mountain range in Nachi Mountain. In addition to this waterfall, there are a total of 48 waterfalls of various sizes in the area. The surrounding region is a special area of Yoshino-Kumano National Park, and nearby is the national natural monument of the original forest of Nachi Mountain. It is an excellent place to visit the various shrines and major attractions along the way while experiencing a hike along ancient trails in nature.

Both the drop and the depth of the pool are the highest in Japan, making it a landmark attraction representing Wakayama. Located within the grounds of Kumano Nachi Taisha, it is one of the representative shrines of the "Kumano Kodo," which is recognized as a World Heritage site. It is said that drinking the waterfall's sacred water can extend one's life. To the right of the waterfall is the Nachi Mountain primeval forest, which is perfect for experiencing the ancient trail hiking in nature.