Kumano Kodo and Nachi Falls

熊野古道・那智滝

Ancient pilgrimage trails through sacred forest leading to one of Japan's most stunning waterfalls surrounded by lush wilderness. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers spiritual trekking, pristine nature, and access to remote Kumano shrines in a dramatic mountainous setting.

Things to do

• Hike the Nakahechi Trail — Trek the most popular 2–3 day Kumano Kodo route through old-growth forest with stone steps, passing through villages and arriving at Kumano Hongu Taisha.
• Visit Nachi Falls — Witness Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall at 133 meters, best viewed from the observation platform near the vermillion pagoda of Seigantoji temple.
• Worship at Kumano Nachi Taisha — Pray at this sacred shrine dedicated to the waterfall itself, perched on a mountainside with ancient wooden structures and stunning forest views.
• Bathe in onsen hot springs — Soak in naturally heated waters at traditional inns and public baths throughout Kii Peninsula, many fed by geothermal springs near the trails.
• Explore Kumano Hongu Taisha — Visit the grand shrine at the convergence of three sacred rivers, featuring a massive torii gate and peaceful riverside setting steeped in pilgrimage history.
• Walk the Doro-Toge Pass — Hike this scenic mountain pass on the Nakahechi route offering panoramic views of forested valleys and traditional waymarkers (stone cairns) along the ancient trail.
• Visit Seigantoji Pagoda — Photograph the iconic vermillion three-story pagoda framed by Nachi Falls, an UNESCO-listed structure that has stood as a symbol of Kumano pilgrimage for centuries.

Food to try

• Kaki no Hagushi (oyster leaf sushi) — Local specialty of raw oysters wrapped in persimmon or oak leaves, reflecting Kii Peninsula's coastal tradition and unique regional ingredients.
• Kuma-gashi (local mountain vegetables) — Mountain greens and wild plants foraged from the forest and prepared as simple tempura or simmered dishes at village restaurants near the trails.
• Yuzu-based dishes — Citrus-flavored broths, ponzu sauces, and preserved yuzu from local groves, commonly served with fish and in noodle soups at Kii Peninsula restaurants.
• Jibuni (mountain chicken or wild boar stew) — Rustic one-pot dish of locally hunted game simmered with local vegetables, a hearty meal available at traditional inns and village eateries.
• Umeboshi (pickled plum from Kishu) — Kii Peninsula's famous salted plums used as trail snacks or served with rice, prized for their digestive properties on long pilgrimages.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the sacred nature of shrines — Remove shoes before entering shrine buildings, bow before passing through torii gates, and observe silence in meditation areas as a sign of reverence for the pilgrimage tradition.
• Book accommodations (minshuku or ryokan) in advance — Rural mountain villages have limited lodging and meals are often pre-arranged set menus; advance booking ensures availability and authentic home-cooked experiences.
• Obtain a pilgrim's journal (koyado suuin-chou) — Purchase or bring this passport-style booklet to collect stamps at each shrine and lodge along the trail, a meaningful keepsake of your spiritual journey.
• Follow Leave No Trace principles strictly — Pack out all waste, stay on marked trails, and avoid disturbing forest wildlife; Kumano's pristine ecosystem depends on pilgrims respecting its sacred wilderness status.