Nachi Falls

Nachi Falls is located in the Kii Mountains of Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. It is part of the Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine complex, which is itself a key component of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. The waterfall is surrounded by ancient cedar forests.

Nachi Falls boasts a single, uninterrupted drop of 133 meters, making it the tallest waterfall in Japan with a constant flow. The water cascades down a sheer cliff face into a deep pool below. This impressive height and its pristine natural setting contribute to its sacred status in the Shinto religion.

Nachi Falls has been revered as a sacred site for centuries and is considered the physical manifestation of the Shinto deity Hiro Gongen. It is deeply intertwined with the Kumano religion, which blends Shinto and Buddhist traditions. Pilgrims have traveled to this site for over a thousand years to worship the waterfall and the surrounding mountains.

Yes, visitors can drink the water from Nachi Falls at the base of the waterfall near the Hiro Shrine. A small pavilion with a hanging rope provides access to the sacred waters, which are believed to promote longevity and good health. Many pilgrims and tourists stop here to taste the pure mountain water during their visit.