Take the Bus to Nachi Falls: A 'Guiding Bird' Hunt Along the Way

Yatagarasu, the three-legged crow of Kumano, is the divine messenger said to have guided Emperor Jimmu from Kumano to Yamato. For its meaning and the origin of the three legs, see our complete Yatagarasu guide.

In this article, we'll focus on how to spot and enjoy the "guiding bird" motifs during your bus trip to Nachi Falls.

Getting to Nachi Falls: The Bus Is the Standard Option

Nachi Falls is an area most travelers reach by taking a local bus from JR Kii-Katsuura Station toward Mt. Nachi. As the bus climbs winding mountain roads, the scenery outside the window gradually deepens into lush green. Feeling that you are "finally entering a sacred land" is one of the special pleasures of traveling by bus.

The Bus Stop You Choose Shapes Your Journey

• Daimonzaka Bus Stop: For those who want to walk the moss-covered stone-paved Kumano Kodo up to Mt. Nachi.
• Nachi-no-Taki-mae Bus Stop: For those who want to see Hiro Shrine and the falls first.
• Nachisan Bus Stop: For those who want to visit Kumano Nachi Taisha and Seiganto-ji Temple first.

Bus frequency and timetables may change by season. Be sure to check the latest information from the bus operator before you set out. For tips on planning around your return bus, our article "Nachi Falls Access: Plan from Your Return Trip First" is a helpful reference.

Hunt for the "Guiding Bird" Along the Way

You'll find the Yatagarasu depicted in many forms throughout Kumano:

• Shrine amulets, charms, and goshuin (stamp book) designs
• Signage and motifs along the Kumano Kodo
• The design of the "Goō-fu" talismans long distributed at the Kumano Sanzan (crows drawn as if forming characters)

At Mt. Nachi, we recommend taking time between your visits to look around the shrine buildings and amulet counters for Yatagarasu motifs. When you then look up at the falls thinking, "I was guided here," the same view may feel just a little different.

A Little Trivia: The Soccer Connection

The Yatagarasu is also known as the symbol of the Japan Football Association. Many of you may have seen it on the emblem of the national team. If you're traveling with a soccer fan, try bringing up the fact that "the origin of that mark is right here in Kumano."

A Word from a Local Perspective

The Yatagarasu is a "cute character," but for the people of Kumano, it is also a long-standing symbol of prayer. Riding the bus up into the mountains, climbing the stone steps, and listening to the sound of the falls — that entire journey itself may be a journey of being guided.

Put on a well-worn pair of shoes, give yourself a bit of extra time, and visit Mt. Nachi at a leisurely pace.

Frequently asked questions

Q. Which station do I take the bus from to reach Nachi Falls?

Take a local bus bound for Nachisan from JR Kii-Katsuura Station. Timetables change by season, so check the operator's latest information before you go.

Q. Which bus stop should I get off at?

Daimonzaka if you want to walk the stone-paved Kumano Kodo, Nachi-no-Taki-mae to see the falls first, or Nachisan to visit Kumano Nachi Taisha first.

Q. Where can I spot Yatagarasu motifs?

On shrine amulets and goshuin book designs, signage along the Kumano Kodo, and the crow-shaped characters of the Goō-fu talismans of the Kumano Sanzan.

Image: 那智の滝 (via (公社)和歌山県観光連盟)