Nachikatsuura

Nachikatsuura is a town on the eastern coast of the Kii Peninsula in Wakayama Prefecture. It is home to Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of the three grand shrines of Kumano, and the magnificent Nachi Falls, Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall at 133 metres. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage site with deep spiritual significance as part of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network.

Nachikatsuura is on the JR Kisei Main Line. From Nagoya, limited express trains (Wide View Nanki) take about 3.5 hours. From Osaka, about 4 hours via the Kuroshio limited express. By car, it is about 3 hours from Wakayama City via Route 42.

Local buses run from Nachi Station to the shrine and waterfall area. A rental car is useful for exploring the coast.

• Kumano Nachi Taisha — the magnificent vermilion shrine complex set against a forested hillside.

• Nachi Falls — a 133-metre single-drop waterfall, one of Japan's most famous and photogenic natural wonders.

• Seiganto-ji Temple — a Tendai Buddhist temple adjacent to Nachi Taisha, with the waterfall as a backdrop.

• Nachi Primeval Forest — a protected forest of ancient trees behind the shrine.

• Hashigu-iwa — giant boulders on the coast that are objects of worship.

• View Nachi Falls — the viewing platform offers the classic perspective.

• Hike the Kumano Kodo — the Ise-ji and Kohechi routes converge at Nachi.

• Attend the Nachi Fire Festival — held annually on July 14, with giant torches.

• Onsen bathing — the Nachikatsuura area has several hot spring resorts.

• Walk the Nachi primeval forest trail — a short hike through ancient cedars.

Seafood is the local speciality — the port of Katsuura is a major tuna landing port. Tuna dishes, including maguro don (tuna bowl), are excellent.

Sake from Wakayama breweries and yuzu products.

Nachikatsuura has ryokan and hotels along the coast, many with onsen. The area is a popular hot spring resort.

Kumano-themed amulets and talismans from Nachi Taisha. Local crafts include Kishu lacquerware.

• Kumano Hayatama Taisha — the Shingu shrine, 30 minutes north
• Kumano Hongu Taisha — the grand shrine in the mountains
• Shingu — the city and fishing port
• Taiji — the historic whaling town