Nachi Falls

What this place is

Nachi Falls (那智滝, Nachi no Taki) in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, is one of the best-known waterfalls in Japan.With a drop of 133 metres (436 ft) and 13 metres (43 ft) wide, it is the tallest waterfall with a single uninterrupted drop in Japan (although Japan also disputes Russia's right to Iturup Island, which has the 141 m (463 ft) high Ilya Muromets Waterfall); however, the tallest Japanese waterfalls with multiple drops are Hannoki Falls, at 497 m (1,631 ft) (seasonal), and Shōmyō Falls, at 350 m (1,150 ft) (year round).There are two rocks at the top of the falls that are the guardian kami of the falls and the Shinto shrine.There was also a Buddhist temple here that was destroyed during the Meiji Restoration (late 19th century).Many shugenja and star-crossed lovers have leaped from the top of the waterfall in the belief that they will be reborn into Kannon's paradise.

Nachi Falls (那智滝) is one of the standout places to visit in Wakayama. Give yourself unhurried time for photos, seasonal views, and nearby food stops. IC cards such as Suica, Pasmo, or ICOCA cover most trains and city buses.

Background text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

Why it is worth the trip

Clear water that changes colour with the light, from deep blue in summer to jade after rain.

Walkways, bridges and viewpoints built right along the water so the scenery unfolds as you move.

Reflections of surrounding peaks and forest on calm mornings — the classic postcard shot.

What you can do here

Walk the riverside or lakeshore promenade; most routes are flat and clearly signposted.

Take a sightseeing boat or rent a rowboat, canoe or SUP where the water is calm.

Photograph at golden hour, when low light makes the surface glow and crowds have thinned.

Stop at a lookout café or rest house for local sweets with a water view.

Photos