Question 1

How do I get there from the nearest station?

Accepted Answer

The nearest station is JR Kii-Katsuura on the Kisei Main Line. Take a Kumano Gokoku Minami Kaiji bus to Nachi-san bus stop, which takes approximately 27–30 minutes. From the bus stop, it is about a 10-minute walk up stone steps to reach the main hall. By taxi from Kii-Katsuura Station takes approximately 20 minutes.

Question 2

When is the Nachi Fire Festival (Fan Festival) held?

Accepted Answer

The annual festival "Nachi Fan Festival" (Nachi Fire Festival) at Kumano Nachi Taisha is held on July 14th each year. It is one of Japan's three great fire festivals, featuring a large torch (fan shrine portable) being carried around the grounds. Large crowds are expected during this period.

Question 3

Can I buy talismans of the Yatagarasu (three-legged crow)?

Accepted Answer

Kumano Nachi Taisha offers talismans and goshuinchō (stamp books) featuring the Yatagarasu, a symbol of Kumano faith. Goshuin (shrine stamps) can be obtained at the shrine office (open 8:30–16:30).

Question 4

How many stone steps are there? Can people with mobility difficulties visit?

Accepted Answer

There are approximately 463 stone steps to the main hall. If you come via the shrine disaster prevention road by car, you can drive close to the grounds and use the elevators, making it accessible for elderly visitors, people with mobility difficulties, and families with small children.

Question 5

Can I bring pets when visiting?

Accepted Answer

Regarding pet access to the shrine grounds, please consider the sacred nature of the space and inquire in advance via the official website or with the shrine office. Please note that the grounds have many stone steps and gravel paths, requiring caution when walking with pets.

Question 6

Is Seigantoji Temple in the same location?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Seigantoji is a Tendai Buddhist temple adjacent to Kumano Nachi Taisha and is the first temple on the Saigoku Pilgrimage Route (Pilgrimage to 33 Temples in the Kansai Region). Kumano Nachi Taisha and Seigantoji stand together as sacred sites on Nachi Mountain, and visiting both is customary.

Question 7

What are the visiting hours and reception times?

Accepted Answer

The shrine grounds are open from 6:00 to 18:00. The treasure hall and stamp reception are open from 8:30 to 16:30. Early morning visits are possible, but please note the reception window hours.

Question 8

How much time should I allow?

Accepted Answer

If visiting only Kumano Nachi Taisha and Hirotaki Shrine (Nachi Falls), allow approximately 1–1.5 hours. If walking the Kumano Kodo stone-paved trail from Daimon car park, allow approximately 2.5–3 hours for the round trip. We also recommend visiting the adjacent Seigantoji Temple.

Question 9

Is there an admission fee?

Accepted Answer

Entry to the shrine grounds is free. Viewing the treasure hall costs 300 yen for adults. Entry to the auxiliary shrine Hirotaki Shrine (Nachi Falls) is paid (check the official website for current rates).

Question 10

When was it registered as a World Heritage Site?

Accepted Answer

It was registered in 2004 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site component of "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". As one of the three Kumano shrines (Kumano Nachi Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Hongu Taisha), it is a sacred site with a long history and tradition of faith.

Question 11

How do you view Nachi Falls?

Accepted Answer

From the Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine grounds, stone steps lead down to the auxiliary shrine Hirotaki Shrine, where you can view Nachi Falls up close. At 133 metres, Nachi Falls is one of Japan's largest waterfalls. The falls themselves are enshrined as the deity at Hirotaki Shrine.

Question 12

Is there a car park?

Accepted Answer

There is a car park on the shrine grounds (approximately 30 spaces). A toll of 800 yen is required for use of the shrine disaster prevention road. You can drive up near the main building and elevators are available, making it convenient for elderly visitors and families with children. The area near Hirotaki Shrine is mainly occupied by paid car parks for souvenir shops.

Question 13

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

Question 14

How much is the admission fee?

Accepted Answer

Grounds free. Treasure hall: ¥300 for adults

Question 15

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

1 Nachi-san, Nachi-Katsuura, Higashimuro District, Wakayama

Question 16

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 30 minutes by Kumano Gōbō Nankai Bus from JR Kisei Main Line "Kii-Katsuura Station" to "Nachi-san" bus stop, or about 20 minutes by taxi from Kii-Katsuura Station.

Question 17

What are the opening hours (visiting hours)?

Accepted Answer

6:00–18:00 (Treasure hall and goshuin reception 8:30–16:30)

Question 18

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

Open year-round

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