Kumano Nachi Taisha includes both a Shinto shrine and Buddhist temple – which for most of their history were under the control of one religious authority. Facing ‘Nachi-no-taki’, a 133 metre tall waterfall, Kumano Nachi Taisha demonstrates the importance of nature devotion in Shintoism – in which many natural features including waterfalls, rivers, mountains, stones and trees are considered divine – along with the harmonious coexistence of Shinto and Buddhist beliefs that pervades Japan.

Also referred to as ‘Nachi-Katsuura’, the shrine is one of three that make-up the ‘Kumano Sanzan’ or Kumano Grand Shrines. As such, many visitors will want to visit this shrine along with Kumano Hongu Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha – the three most important destinations along the Kumano Kodo trail. Information regarding accommodation nearby shrine can be found through our ‘Katsuura Onsen Area’ hotel page.