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How Many Stone Steps Does Nachi Taisha Have? First, Understand How to Read the Numbers
If you search for "Nachi Taisha stone steps," you'll find different numbers on different sites, which can be confusing. The short answer: the count changes depending on where you start measuring from.
The stone steps along the shrine approach are often said to number "467," while the Daimon-zaka slope just before it is said to have around "267" steps. That said, counts vary depending on how you count and recent repairs, so it's safest to treat these as rough guides.
Three Reasons the Numbers Don't Match Up
1. The starting points are different
Nachisan can be approached either by walking up from the foot of the mountain or by taking a bus or car partway and walking from there. "From the shrine's torii gate to the main hall" and "from the entrance of Daimon-zaka" cover completely different stretches.
2. Flat sections and slopes are mixed in
The stone-paved paths include gentle inclines and landings that aren't technically steps. Depending on where you draw the line on what counts as a "step," the total shifts slightly.
3. Repairs can change the layout
These old stone steps have been preserved through repeated repairs over the centuries. Some signage still reflects older counts, so it's a good idea to check the on-site information boards as well.
The "Felt" Number of Steps Depends on How You Climb
Walking up from Daimon-zaka
The moss-covered stone pavement lined with towering cedar trees lets you fully experience the atmosphere of the Kumano Kodo. The step count may feel high, but you'll get that true sense of a slow pilgrimage journey.
Taking a bus or car and walking only the approach
Even if you ride up, the shrine's approach still has stone steps waiting for you. If you arrive expecting an easy walk, you may be surprised at how out of breath you get—so comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
Three Tips for Climbing the Steps Comfortably
- Take the first 10 steps slowly. Rushing before your body has warmed up will leave you winded later.
- Turn around once at each landing. It doubles as a break, and the view of the cedar grove and surrounding scenery changes with every stop.
- Watch your footing on the way down. Descending after rain is slipperier than climbing and harder on the knees.
Counting as You Walk Is Its Own Kind of Fun
If you climb with a companion and take guesses—"How many steps do you think there are?"—the distance might feel a little shorter. Just be careful not to get so absorbed in counting that you lose track of your footing. Count only when you've stopped in a safe spot.
In Summary: The Count Is a Guide—Your Own Pace Matters More
The number of stone steps at Nachi Taisha changes depending on where you start and how you count. What matters more than an exact number is choosing a starting point that fits your fitness level and taking breaks along the way. The view of Nachi waiting at the top of those stone steps, climbed one at a time, is sure to become an unforgettable travel memory.
Image: 熊野那智大社と那智山青岸渡寺 (via (公社)和歌山県観光連盟)
