Nachi Falls

Overview

Nachi Falls is a waterfall on the middle course of the Nachi River in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. It plunges along a nearly vertical cliff of quartz porphyry, with a crest 13 metres wide and a drop of 133 metres. Together with Kegon Falls and Fukuroda Falls it is counted among Japan's three most celebrated waterfalls.

Highlights

• ●A single uninterrupted drop of 133 metres, 13 metres wide at the crest
• ●Water falling along a nearly vertical cliff of quartz porphyry
• ●Its standing as one of Japan's three great waterfalls with Kegon and Fukuroda
• ●A natural landscape forming part of a UNESCO World Heritage property

History

Long an object of nature worship, the falls are venerated as the sacred body of Hiryū Shrine. In 1972 they were designated a national Place of Scenic Beauty under the name Nachi Ōtaki. In 2004 they were inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range."

Map

33.6720, 135.8910 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1View the full cascade and its height from a point facing the falls
2. 2Take in the surrounding natural setting, including the sound and spray of the water
3. 3Note the background of the falls venerated as the sacred body of Hiryū Shrine
4. 4Continue a walk taking in the scenery along the nearby Kumano pilgrimage routes

Did you know?

💡 The falls are listed among Japan's 100 Soundscapes and the 100 Exquisite Waters of the Heisei period.

Nearby spots