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2024 Nachikatsuura Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)
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Popular Attractions
Nachi Falls
Kumano Nachitaisha
Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and the Three-Story Pagoda Waterfall
Located in the mountains, it is considered the most expansive and beautiful shrine among the Kumano Sanzan, but correspondingly, it has the most challenging access. For those without a car, the journey begins with a walk from the bus stop. If you have a car, you can park closer, and the walk is fairly moderate.
The most famous photo spot here is the three-story pagoda at the back. From the platform, you can capture both the pagoda and the waterfall, which are incredibly beautiful and spectacular. The whole trip takes about 45 minutes to an hour, not including the climb.
There are mainly two shrines, one red and one wooden, giving the impression of one being new and the other old. Additionally, there's a large tree hollow nearby that you can pass through for blessings of safety, which is quite interesting.
Cave Open-Air Hot Spring Urashima Hotel in Nachikatsuura
Located at the fishing port with Japan's highest tuna yield, there stands a hotel that appears to be on a small island across the way. In reality, it is accessible by a connecting road, which is somewhat difficult to navigate and has limited parking space. There's a dedicated parking lot nearby in the town, complete with a regular shuttle bus service, making it very convenient.
It's recommended to experience the hotel's 'turtle boat' on the way there, just like the tale of Urashima Taro, which is super cool. For those driving, you can take the bus back to the parking lot.
The hotel is mainly divided into three buildings, some facing the Pacific Ocean, some overlooking the fishing port, and others situated in the high mountain area with high floors and a large area. Just walking around the hotel can be tiring. Wheelchairs are also available for those in need, which is very considerate.
We stayed in the Sunrise Pavilion with a view of the Pacific Ocean, where the sunrise is incredibly beautiful when the weather is good. It's also recommended to visit the mountain behind the hotel, where you can take a super long escalator (often half-closed) or an elevator to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The hotel has four main bathing areas, two of which are built into caves, which is super cool, and you can even hear the sound of the waves. The hotel also has restaurants and a convenience store, which is not open 24 hours, so plan your shopping accordingly.
Holy mountain~
#2023travelwish This is Nachi Taisha Shrine and Nachi waterfall situated in Kumano City, Wakayama prefecture. Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine can be reached by bus from both Kii-Katsuura Station and Nachi Station. The hike up the Daimon-zaka was amazing, the air is so fresh and you can feel the beauty of Mother Nature. It is so peaceful and serene. I wish that I can travel to more unique and peaceful places in Japan! 😊
If u want to try ippaku-nishoku (one stay with 2 meals) with onsen and traditional Japanese clothes, it is a good choice, the view of the room is nice but style bit old. The shower room in the room is a bit smelly, others are clean.
Katsuura Gyoen Ryokan
216-19Katsuura,Katsuuracho,Higashimurogun, Nachikatsuura, Nachikatsuura, Japan 649-5334
#katsuuragyoenryokan #onsenhotel
Beautiful old Buddhist temple best know for its spectacular view of Nachi Falls. The stunning view is the ancient red Pagoda with the fall, it is magnificent view. The falls has been one of the best highlight of Kumano pilgrimage route, the view is so dynamic, definitely one of the most beautiful scenery in Japan. #givethanks #travelinspiration #historicallandmarks #scenicspotguide #newyearstrip #couplestrip
#givethanks
🏝️ Wakayama's Hidden Island Retreat: Unwind in Luxury 🌊
Craving an escape to a secluded island oasis? 🧳✨ Nestled in the heart of Wakayama's hot spring region, I've discovered a gem where the entire isle is your ryokan—a luxurious private haven accessible only by boat. Here's why it's worth the journey:
👀 Every room boasts a breathtaking ocean view, ensuring a serene awakening to the sound of waves. Wake up in paradise!
🛀 Indulge in the open-air hot spring baths with a stunning seascape. And guess what? It's a sulphur spring right by the sea, offering top-notch quality for your rejuvenating dips.
🍽️ The culinary experience here is off the charts! Savor dishes that'll have your taste buds dancing in delight.
This spot is a sanctuary for solo travelers and couples alike, offering a taste of luxury that's been featured in numerous magazines. With plans to offer whole-island rentals and even helicopter access in the future, this retreat is all about exclusivity and pampering. 🚁
Privacy in the baths? Check! Ladies, they've got you covered with bathing attire. The staff's personal touch and dedication to your experience are commendable, making every moment special. 🌟
Whether you're flying solo or with a special someone, this hotel is a must-visit. Trust me, it's a slice of paradise worth every mile traveled!
📍 1179-9 Katsuura, Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan 🚢
Dive into a world of exceptional service, mouthwatering cuisine, and heavenly onsen bliss. And for the cherry on top—free beer at 3 pm and sake and umeshu at 7 pm! 🍺🍶
#EscapeToParadise #IslandLuxury #OnsenHeaven #GourmetGetaway #ScenicSanctuary
An ancient pilgrimage route
#japantrip
Last year, i explored the kumano kodo pilgrimage route. It has been designated as a UNESCO heritage site and is fairly famous. For those unaware, basically this is a network of pilgrimage routes spread to Yoshino, Omine, Kumano Sanzan, and Koyasan.
These pilgrimage routes connect not only to each other, therby giving you plenty to explore along the way. However, they also connect you to the ancient capitals of Japan, Nara, and Kyoto. And among the five different routes that it offers, the Nakahechi Route is the most popular one with travellers. For that route the starting point is Tanabe City. If coming from osaka, direct train service takes around 2-3 hours. #japantrip #pilgrimage #hike #cherryblossom2024
Nachi Falls: A Majestic Natural Attraction in Wakayama
Nachi Falls, located in Wakayama, Japan, is a breathtaking natural wonder. The water cascades from a height of approximately 133 meters, creating a spectacular sight amidst the lush surrounding forest. Nearby, the Nachi Taisha Shrine adds cultural significance to the area. Visitors can enjoy a short walk along the steps to view the falls, with the powerful sound of the water soothing both mind and body. Offering different charms with each season, this spot provides a unique blend of nature and spirituality, making it a highly recommended destination for those visiting Wakayama.
Wakayama Travel: World Heritage! Nachi Falls!
[Nachi Katsuura Town] Nachi Falls
As a tourist spot, parking and restrooms are well-maintained! Follow the easy-to-walk path, and you will soon see the waterfall and the torii gate! It is counted among Japan's three famous waterfalls, with a height of 133 meters, which is truly impressive! Be sure to visit!!
📍 Nachisan, Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture
Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route: Nachi Mountain Edition
Itinerary:
Kii-Katsuura Station 🚌 Nachi Mountain
31 Nanchisan Line (One-way 630 yen, round-trip ticket 1100 yen, unlimited rides between Daimonzaka and Nachi Mountain on the same day)
You can also get off at Daimonzaka and walk up the mountain
Nachi Mountain ➡️ Nachi Taisha Approach (about 10 minutes of stair climbing)
Nachi Taisha ➡️ Nachi Waterfall (550m)
Nachi Waterfall ➡️ Daimonzaka (1.1km)
Attractions:
📌 Nachi Taisha & Seiganto-ji Temple
Kumano Nachi Taisha and the adjacent Seiganto-ji Temple, symbolizing the coexistence of religions, were once combined, becoming a place where followers of traditional Japanese Shinto and foreign Buddhism worshipped together. For a long time, these two existed as a whole, but in the 19th century, the Meiji government forced the separation of Shinto and Buddhism.
Here, the two shrines are still connected, representing harmonious coexistence in nature; both are dedicated to Nachi Waterfall, which has been an inspiring natural wonder long before the shrines were built.
Nachi Taisha and Seiganto-ji Temple are among the few places in Japan where a shrine and a temple stand side by side.
📌 Sacred Tree
Inside the shrine, you will see a giant camphor tree, with branches extending over the shrine's roof.
It is nearly a thousand years old and is revered as a sacred tree.
There is a natural hollow in the trunk that you can enter to feel its ancient breath.
📌 Three-storied Pagoda & Nachi Waterfall
Don't miss the view of the three-storied pagoda and Nachi Waterfall together. I've seen it countless times on promotional posters, and this time I finally saw it in person. However, the downside was that we arrived at noon, and the light was too strong. I prefer the view of Nachi Waterfall shrouded in mountain mist.
After completing the pilgrimage on the Kumano Kodo, we returned to Kii-Katsuura and took the 🚄 Kisei Main Line train to our next destination—Shirahama, where we experienced camping on a deserted beach in Japan. Stay tuned for that!
🌅 Wakayama Wonders: Hotel Urashima Stay 🌊🏨
Discover a slice of island paradise at Hotel Urashima, nestled in the heart of Nachikatsuura's bustling tuna port. 🐟🛥️ Although it seems secluded, rest easy knowing a shuttle bus from a nearby parking lot offers a breezy commute. 🚌
Embrace the Urashima Taro legend by hopping aboard a 'turtle boat' to the hotel - a quirky touch to start your adventure! 🐢✨ With a trio of buildings to choose from, you're spoilt for views: the serene Pacific, the lively port, or the majestic mountains. 🌄🌊🏞️
Wake up to a breathtaking sunrise from the Sunrise Pavilion, or ascend to the mountaintop for panoramic vistas, accessible via a grand escalator or elevator. 🌅🔝
The hotel's four unique bathing areas, including two cave onsens, provide a symphony of relaxation with the ocean's soundtrack. 🎶♨️ Remember, the convenience store has a curfew, so snag your snacks early! 🍜🕒
Just a train ride from Osaka, this tranquil town is your gateway to the sacred Kumano Kodo trails. 🚞🍃 After a day of waterfalls, shrines, and ancient steps, retreat to the vast Urashima Hotel, a classic resort-like haven where tranquility reigns supreme. 🛌💆♂️
#Wakayama #HotelUrashima #WakayamaTravel
Japan Travel | I fulfilled a wish! 1-Day Hiking Strategy for Kumano Kodo!
| I fulfilled a wish! 1-Day Hiking Strategy for Kumano Kodo!. The thousand-year-old Kumano Kodo trail is really photogenic when hiking❗ Additionally, hiking sticks are free💰😂 Just remember to return them after use!!!
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I only planned this ancient trail trip 2 months in advance, from confirming the route, hotels, buying train tickets, taking the bus🚌, everything was just right! A day trip back and forth to Kumano Kodo also counts as fulfilling a little wish.
The original Kumano Kodo trail is over 1000 km long, and it takes at least 7 days to complete the entire trail. However, due to time constraints and limited equipment and physical strength, I only chose a one-day highlight section to experience it!
🏨Stay
Ushima Hotel Ushima Hotel
The hotel has point-to-point shuttle buses or turtle boats🚢 for transfer, and you can watch the sunrise and sunset from the hotel, which is a great experience. I will write a detailed hotel guide later, so I won't go into details here.
🚌Travel (2 hours)
Hotel-Nankai Bus🚌-Daimonzaka
Walking🚶🏻- Kumano Nachi Taisha - Nachisan Seiganto-ji (the prototype of the three-story pagoda from Spirited Away is nearby) - Nachi Falls 🚌 Return to Kii-Katsuura
The bus🚌 is the Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus (you can buy tickets at the starting point, round trip is 1200 yen, or you can choose a one-way ticket for 480 yen)
📸Photography
The entire ancient trail is very photogenic, with misty air like a secret realm. Along the way, there are different shrines where you can buy amulets (decide for yourself).
I want to visit Kii-Katsuura in Japan for the second time!!!
It takes 4 hours from Osaka on the Kuroshio train to reach this small town in Wakayama Prefecture, far from the hustle and bustle of the big cities.
This place is the base for heading to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes.
Exiting the JR Kii-Katsuura Station, there are buses to Nachi Mountain, where you can see waterfalls, shrines, torii gates, check in at the famous three-storied pagoda, and then walk the ancient paths, all made of ancient stone steps, descending to Daimon-zaka, and then returning to Kii-Katsuura.
At night, I stayed at the Urashima Hotel, which I booked on Ctrip, with a random room type.
It's a truly classic hotel experience, super large, the hotel itself is like a resort area.
Kii-Katsuura is that kind of quiet, comfortable, and cozy little place~ Turn off your phone and enjoy it~
11-day tour around the Kii Peninsula in Kansai, Japan
🚗🚗🚗Travel Route:
Day1: Kansai International Airport→Osaka Nagai Botanical Garden teamLab→ART Osaka Bay Hotel
Day2: Universal Studios Japan→ART Osaka Bay Hotel
Day3: Shirarahama Beach→Senjojiki→Nanki Shirahama Toretore Market→Daigo Shirahama Inn
Day4: Daimonzaka→Kumano Nachi Taisha→Seiganto-ji Temple→Nachi Falls→Urashima Hotel
Day5: Kumano Hayatama Taisha→Kumano Hongu Taisha→Oyunohara→Kawayu Midoriya Hotel
Day6: Ise Grand Shrine→Toba Aquarium→Sanko Inn Ise Station Front →Kyoto Biwako Hotel
Day7: Miho Museum→Sanzen-in→Yase-Hieizan-guchi Station→Kifune Shrine→Kyoto Biwako Hotel
Day8: Kiyomizu-dera→Arashiyama→Saiho-ji Temple→JR Kyoto Station→Izumo Green Hotel Morris
Day9: Izumo Taisha→Adachi Museum of Art→Onomichi
Day10: Senkoji Park→Onomichi City Art Museum→Onomichi
Day11: Onomichi Station Front Pier→Shimanami Kaido→Soil setoda living
Day12: Imabari City Omishima Art Museum→Imabari Port→Takamatsu Tokyu Rei Hotel
Day13: Ritsurin Garden→Takamatsu Airport
You must visit one of the world's only two pilgrimage trails once in your life
👏The two-day round trip bus tour of the ancient Kumano Trail, everything is worth it!
💰Bus tour cost:
Adults 10000 yen/person, elementary school students 5000 yen/person.
✔️Charter bus fee
✔️English guide fee
✔️Accompanying staff fee
✔️Various experience activity fees
✔️Lunch fee
💫You can choose to depart from Shingu Station or Kii-Katsuura Station, and the bus will pick up people according to the previously booked time.
🌼Itinerary Day1: Nanki Kumano Natural Scenery Bus Tour
✨Nachi Falls, a mysterious 133m waterfall in the primeval forest and the gods of the mountains and forests. (Japan's first waterfall! A drop of 133m. As a holy place for cleansing the soul, it is a pilgrimage site for ancient emperors, nobles and commoners.)
✨Kozagawa Town Insect Eating Rock, a honeycomb-like landscape, if you are interested, you can try climbing, there is a trail. (The rock has been eroded by wind and rain, like countless bee nests, a wonderful landscape carved by nature.)
✨Kozagawa Town One Rock, a huge rock, there is also a guardian legend of a dog, the river water is clear and bright, and the landscape is beautiful. (A whole piece of giant granite stands on the side of the Kozagawa River, which is a relic of a volcanic eruption 14 million years ago, which is spectacular.)
✨Shionomisaki Sightseeing Tower, where you will have lunch, and there is a small project for handmade shell lamps, which is quite interesting.
✨Nanki Kumano Geopark Center, you can feel the culture and natural charm of this national park. There is a film introducing the formation of the Nanki landform, which is very knowledgeable.
✨Hashizume Rock, a pile of rocks standing in the sea, of different sizes and shapes, you can walk to the middle to take pictures when the tide is low. (If you catch the sunrise and sunset, it's beautiful.)
🌼Itinerary Day2: Kumano River Basin Adventure Bus Travel
✨Mulberry Tree Waterfall Walk, a waterfall that can only be seen after walking through the jungle, it is worth a walk, even the breath is sweet.
✨Kumano River Town Cycling, a difficult road, even if you ride an electric bicycle, it is quite a test of physical strength, but the scenery is really beautiful, it is worth it.
✨MEHARI rice ball making, a quite interesting experience.
✨Lunch is arranged at the Satsuki Hot Spring in Kumano River Town, and you can stroll around the local specialty store after eating.
✨Dorokyo River Boat Tour, a landscape that anyone will praise, the supreme charm of nature! The accompanying guide will also blow a flute, and the flute sound echoing with the landscape echoes in the valley, this scene, unforgettable for life! (The boarding point is at Tamakizuchi, and the boat ride is about 45 minutes.)
✨Kumano Hayatama Taisha, one of the three mountains of Kumano, a must-visit spot in Kumano. The quiet temple has its own heritage, and it is said to be the first miracle place in Japan.
The two-day round-trip bus itinerary, summed up, is 👏time-saving, worry-saving, money-saving, and labor-saving! Get on the bus to rest and get off the bus to take pictures and experience, 😍it can be said to be so comfortable! (A perfect trip without worrying about troubles! 🤔Strongly recommend this bus tour for those with children or those who want a comfortable trip. Two completely different itineraries can be experienced, 🤗it's fun.)
Urasima Hotel Onsen
very nice
Traveling to Wakayama, don't miss the beautiful scenery of Shingu Onsen
Shingu Onsen, written in Japanese as Nanki Shingu Onsen, together with Nanki Shirahama Onsen, are the most representative hot spring scenic spots in Wakayama Prefecture. It is also the central base for visiting the World Heritage Sites such as Nachi Mountain, Nachi Waterfall, Kumano Sanzan, and Yoshino Kumano National Park.
Since the 1850s, the hot spring resort in Shingu appeared overnight, and one after another hot spring hotels appeared, quickly filling up the place. Until today, Shingu is still the best place to soak in hot springs in the Wakayama area.
Unlike Shirahama Onsen, Shingu Onsen does not have high-end entertainment and leisure facilities. What it has are picturesque natural landscapes and a fishing port base famous for tuna. Every November, a grand hot spring offering festival is held at Kumano Nachi Taisha.
When it comes to Urashima, you might think it's a Japanese fairy tale, but in fact, Urashima is a representative hotel here. The hotel has seven hot springs for guests to enjoy. The most famous is the cave hot spring, which is very interesting. And many hotels are facing the sea, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the bay.
Attraction address: Tsukiji, Nachi Katsuura Town, Higashimuro District.
Transportation information: Take the Kisei Main Line and get off at Kii Shingu Station. Self-driving needs to navigate to the destination.
Explore the spiritual homeland of the Japanese on a pilgrimage to the ancient Kumano Kodo in Kansai
🎐 Discover Japan's most mysterious Koyasan, part of the 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range' 🙏, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO 🌏. Walking the Kumano Kodo 🚶🏻♂️ is the most direct way to experience Japanese culture 🙋. The shrines and temples scattered among the towering mountains ⛩ silently tell the vicissitudes of the ancient pilgrimage road...
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【Tour Highlights】
Pilgrimage to the World Heritage Koyasan ⛰ Experience temple Zen activities
Walk the pilgrimage Kumano Kodo 🚶🏻♂️ Enjoy the world-class pilgrimage trail
Watch the tuna disassembly show 🐟 Kansai's coolest Kuroshio Seafood Market
Explore the beautiful mountain and sea scenery of Shirahama 🌊 Full Moon Island, Chikushi, Three-Section Wall
Explore the mysterious mermaid of a thousand years 🤔 Toba Ama performance
Pilgrimage to the highest shrine in this life ⛩ The spiritual home of the Japanese, Ise Jingu
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【Encounter on the way】
✅Wakayama｜Kuroshio Market, Kotama Tram, Wakayama Castle, Full Moon Island, Chikushi, Three-Section Wall
✅Koyasan｜Buddha chanting, Aji view, copying scriptures, Kongobuji, Danjogaran, Okunoin
✅Kumano Kodo｜Nakahechi, Hongu Taisha, Hayatama Taisha, Nachi Taisha, Seigantoji, Nachi Waterfall
✅Mie｜Meoto Iwa, Hinjitsukan, Pearl Museum, Ama performance, Toba Aquarium, Ise Jingu
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【Accommodation】
🏡Ichijoin Shukubo｜A traditional temple in Koyasan, with highly valuable buildings and Buddha statues, offering delicious vegetarian meals and thoughtful service
🏡Hamachidori no Yu Kaishu｜Meet the sea in the guest room, enjoy a happy bath overlooking the sea, and relax
🏡Kumano Bettei Nakanoshima Hotel｜Located on Aoi Island Nakanoshima, all rooms have magnificent sea views and quiet space
🏡Amanemu｜Located on the coast of Ago Bay, following traditional Japanese style, enjoy natural hot springs, walk on the solitary island
🏡Conrad Osaka｜Located in the art-famous Nakanoshima, enjoy the beautiful river view and Osaka skyline
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【Delicacies】
🍱Shojin Ryori｜Originating from Buddhism, dishes made with plant-based ingredients. Stimulate the freshest natural flavor in vegetables
🐮Matsusaka Beef｜Highly marbled, tender and juicy meat, melts in your mouth, known as the 'artwork in meat'
🎏Ise Bay Seafood｜The most representative 'Ise Lobster' is incredibly delicious, the luxurious lobster cuisine will definitely make you stunned
A Quaint Tuna Fishing Town with Waterfall
#nachikatsuura #wheretogo #urashimahotel #nachifall #Japan
Wanting to get away from hustle and bustle of Osaka city, Japan? Nachikatsuura Town in Wakayama Perfecture should be in your bucket list then.
A quaint fishing town famous for Tuna fish catching and onsen hotels overlooking Pacific Ocean, is a great place to unwind. In here, we can witness and learn the Tuna Auction Process as well as testing freshly caught tuna and seafood right from the Katsuura Fish Market.
For nature lover or hiking lover, a trip into the sacred land of Mt. Nachi walking the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage path will be an experience you will not want to miss in your lifetime. At the end of the path, you will meet the stunning Nachi Fall, which is the tallest waterfall in Japan with the largest vertical drop.
Last but not least, what else can beat staying in an onsen hotel with magnificent sunset view and waking up to the calming wave sound from the Pacific Ocean.
tallest waterfall in japan
Nachi Falls, Japan’s tallest single drop waterfall. This waterfall is said to grant good fortune and a long life.
📍Nachi Falls, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan
Getting There -
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It also has a Qingandu Temple with a deep red triple tower that symbolizes Nazhi Mountain. The existing triple tower of Qing'andu Temple was rebuilt in 1972. From the 3rd floor of the triple tower, you can see the whole picture of Nazhi Waterfall.
From the front of Qinghaidu Temple, you can enjoy the wonderful fusion of the triple tower and the big waterfall in the background of the Nazhi virgin forest. It is one of the highlights of Kumano Nachi Taisha.
About 3 minutes from Kyuura Gyoen Hotel
Yuyuan Hotel is the premier sea-view hot spring hotel in the area. Even the most economical Japanese-style rooms here, you can enjoy the infinite beauty, although the hot springs here. Not as famous as Shirahama, the beauty of the window is still full of charm. The size and details of the room are more spacious and comfortable than the hot spring hotel in Shirahama. The sumptuous dinner at the cafeteria is mouth watering.
Recommended Attractions at Popular Destinations
Popular Restaurants in Nachikatsuura