Kumano Nachi Taisha (熊野那智大社) is one of the three Grand Shrines of Kumano, collectively known as the Kumano Sanzan, alongside Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha. Together, they form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.”

Located high on the sacred slopes of Mount Nachi in Nachikatsuura Town, this shrine has been a place of deep faith and natural worship for over a thousand years. Pilgrims traditionally reach the shrine via the Daimon-zaka stone staircase, a scenic, moss-covered path lined with centuries-old cedar trees that embodies the spirit of ancient pilgrimage.

The shrine’s origins lie in nature worship, particularly the reverence of Nachi Waterfall (Nachi no Taki) — Japan’s tallest single-tiered waterfall at 133 meters. The waterfall itself is considered the dwelling place of a deity and is enshrined separately at Hiryū Shrine (飛瀧神社), located at the base of the falls.

Kumano Nachi Taisha is also an exceptional example of Shinbutsu-shūgō, the historical coexistence of Shinto and Buddhism. Standing side by side with the shrine is the Seiganto-ji Temple (青岸渡寺), forming a harmonious blend of spiritual traditions. The iconic view of the temple’s three-story pagoda set against the backdrop of the majestic Nachi Waterfall is one of Japan’s most celebrated and photographed scenes.

The shrine also hosts the Nachi Fire Festival (Nachi no Hi Matsuri) every year on July 14, one of Japan’s three great fire festivals. During this ancient ritual, men carry enormous flaming torches down the mountain to purify the path to the waterfall — a breathtaking and powerful sight symbolizing spiritual cleansing and renewal.

Surrounded by centuries-old cedar trees, the atmosphere of Kumano Nachi Taisha is serene and sacred, inviting visitors to connect deeply with nature, faith, and the enduring spirit of Kumano.

• From JR Kii-Katsuura Station, take a bus bound for “Nachi-no-Taki-mae” (about 25 minutes). From there, walk approximately 15 minutes up the Daimon-zaka stone staircase to reach the shrine.

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for climbing and walking on stone steps.

• Visiting early morning or late afternoon offers a quieter experience and stunning light over the waterfall.

• In autumn, the red shrine buildings contrast beautifully with the colorful foliage.