Access to Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachi Falls: 3 Routes by Fitness Level | A Guide for Those Worried About the Stairs

Choose Your Access to Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachi Falls by "Fitness Level" and "Time of Day"

Mt. Nachi is one of Kumano's most representative sacred sites, home to both Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine and Nachi Falls (Hiro Shrine), located close together. However, because the area spreads across a mountain slope, how convenient the access feels depends on "how far up you ride, and from where you start walking." What's more, even at the same spot, the impression of your trip can change dramatically depending on "what time you arrive."

In addition to explaining how to get there, this guide organizes how to choose a route based on your fitness level and travel companions, as well as how to spend your time depending on when you arrive. The basic approach is to take a local bus from JR Kii-Katsuura Station toward Mt. Nachi. If you drive, it's common to use the parking lots around Mt. Nachi or near Daimon-zaka. Please note that bus schedules, stops, and parking operations may change by season. Be sure to check official sources before setting out.

Route 1: For Those Who Want to Walk Properly, Start at Daimon-zaka

Daimon-zaka, part of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail, is a path lined with moss-covered stone pavement and towering cedar trees. Take the bus to a stop near the trail entrance, then walk toward Kumano Nachi Taisha from there to experience the feeling of pilgrims from centuries past.

Recommended for

• Those with comfortable walking shoes who don't mind slopes and stairs
• Those who want to enjoy the journey itself as part of the trip
• Those with time to spare

Plan your walking time with plenty of buffer. The stone pavement can be slippery after rain, so watch your footing.

Route 2: If You're Not Confident in Your Fitness, Take the Bus to the Top

If you're worried about your legs or back, traveling with small children, or want to see the sights in a short time, taking the local bus up near the top of Mt. Nachi will reduce the strain. It's easy to access the approach to Kumano Nachi Taisha, and you can comfortably stroll around the area.

Tips for the Order of Your Visit

Mt. Nachi has many ups and downs, so it's easier to go to the higher places first and then focus on going downhill afterward.

1. Take the bus to the upper side of the mountain
2. Visit Kumano Nachi Taisha
3. Enjoy the scenery of nearby temples and shrines, such as Seiganto-ji
4. Head down toward Nachi Falls (Hiro Shrine)
5. Check the time of your return bus and head back to the stop

The path toward the falls is mostly downhill, but there are sections where you'll need to climb back up on the return. Always check your return bus schedule in advance.

Route 3: For Drivers, Plan Backward From "Where to Park"

If you have your own car or a rental car, you'll drive from the area around the station up through mountain roads toward Mt. Nachi. The roads can be narrow with winding sections.

Keys to Avoid Problems

• During long weekends and the autumn foliage season, roads get crowded—aim to arrive early
• Check the walking distance from the parking lot to your destination on a map in advance
• Plan with rest breaks so the driver can also enjoy the visit and the scenery

For parking, whether you stop on the Daimon-zaka side or the upper Mt. Nachi side will greatly affect how much you walk afterward. If you want to walk the ancient trail, choose the Daimon-zaka side; if you want a short visit, aim for the upper side.

How the Face of Mt. Nachi Changes with the Time of Day

Once you've chosen your route, think about "roughly what time you'll arrive." The quietness, scenery, and overall experience change with the time of day.

Arriving in the Morning: For Those Who Want to Visit in Quiet Stillness

In the morning, the air on Mt. Nachi is crisp and cool, and birdsong echoes through the cedar groves. Fewer people are around in the early hours, so you can take your time walking the approach and stone steps.

• Visit Kumano Nachi Taisha and Seiganto-ji first to settle your mind
• Enjoy the view of Nachi Falls framed by the three-storied pagoda while it's still quiet
• Afterward, head down to Hiro Shrine and feel the sound of the waterfall up close

This flow also matches the "go to higher places first, then focus on going downhill" approach introduced in Route 2. Weather in the mountains can change quickly, and some days bring mist or clouds—but these too are part of Mt. Nachi's mystical scenery.

Arriving at Midday: The Classic Sightseeing Experience, With Lively Crowds

During the day, visitors and tourists increase and the whole of Mt. Nachi comes alive. At popular photo spots, give yourself a little leeway and be prepared to wait.

• The stone steps along the approach involve more walking than you might expect—take frequent breaks
• Depending on the season, sunlight and heat can be intense, so bring something to drink
• For meals and rest, shifting your timing slightly off peak hours will let you relax more

Arriving in the Evening: Allowing Extra Time Is the Top Priority

For evening visits, keep in mind that the sun sets earlier in the mountains, and it can feel darker sooner than you'd expect. In particular, watch your footing on stone steps and the approach.

If you're heading there in the evening, confirming the last bus time for your return is the most important thing. Estimate your stay a bit shorter and decide in advance "whether to prioritize the falls or the shrine" so you can visit without rushing. Walking the Daimon-zaka ancient trail in the evening calls for careful judgment, since it gets dark quickly in the mountains.

Small Preparations That Apply to Any Route or Time of Day

• Choose comfortable walking shoes (non-slip ones)
• Carry light rain gear in case of a passing shower
• Confirm your return transportation at the same time as your outbound trip
• Approach your visit with a quiet, respectful attitude

A Word From a Local Perspective

Mt. Nachi is a place where simply "going and coming back" would be a shame. The sound of the waterfall, the scent of cedar, the feel of the stone steps underfoot—the more you walk, the deeper the impression grows. On the other hand, pushing yourself too hard can turn the visit itself into a struggle.

For stillness, come in the morning; for classic scenery and lively atmosphere, come at midday; and if you want to touch the air of Mt. Nachi even briefly, come in the evening with time to spare. For access to Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachi Falls, we recommend choosing your plan by working backward from "your fitness today," "your arrival time," and "your return transportation." With a relaxed plan, take your time to fully savor the atmosphere of Mt. Nachi.

*Content updated and expanded on October 12, 2026.*

Image: 和歌山フォトライブラリー (via 和歌山フォトライブラリー)