Nachi · Japan

Kumano Nachi Taisha

Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine

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moderate

9/10

best: morning

spiritual, contemplative

A local would say...

The vermillion pagoda framed against a 133-metre waterfall is one of Japan's most photographed sacred views — and it's even better in person.

Built in homage to the kami of Nachi-no-taki waterfall, this grand shrine perches on a steep mountainside with views that cross the gorges to the falls and down to the Pacific. The climb up the steep steps is demanding but the payoff is one of Japan's most iconic vistas: the three-storey vermillion pagoda of neighbouring Seiganto-ji framed against the 133-metre waterfall. The shrine and waterfall together form a perfect expression of the Kumano faith's fusion of Shinto nature worship and Buddhist devotion.