Kumano Nachi Taisha Nachi Katsutaki

Nachi-no-Otaki (Nachi Falls), part of Kumano Nachi Taisha, is one of Japan’s Three Great Waterfalls. It was designated a Place of Scenic Beauty by the national government in 1972 and is also registered as a World Heritage site. The waterfall is 133 m high, with a 13 m-wide spout (the "Choshi-guchi"), and the basin is over 10 m deep. With an average flow said to be about 1 ton per second, the view is truly overwhelming. At the "Kangaku Butai" (viewing stage), where you can worship the falls from directly in front at close range, you can also drink water from the basin, traditionally believed to grant longevity. Because Nachi Falls itself is enshrined as the sacred object, the associated shrine is Hiro-jinja ("Flying Waterfall Shrine"): a rare style of worship where you venerate the waterfall directly. Access is convenient by public transport: from JR Kisei Main Line "Kii-Katsuura Station," take the Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus and get off at "Nachi-no-Taki-mae," which is right nearby. From Nachi Falls to the nationally designated Important Cultural Property "Kumano Nachi Taisha" is about a 15–20 minute walk, so be sure to visit there as well. If you want the goshuin for Nachi Falls, you can receive it at the "Nachi-no-Taki Omamori Juyosho" (amulet distribution office).