Magnificent Mountain Scenery and Pristine Nature
Nachisan is not a single mountain but a vast mountainous region made up of several peaks, including Mount Okumotori (966 m), Mount Eboshiyama (909 m), Mount Mitsugamine (686 m), and Mount Myohosan (749 m).
The area forms part of the headwaters of the Nachi River and remains rich in forests, streams, and clear mountain water. Much of the surrounding landscape has retained its natural character, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the deep connection between nature and spirituality that has defined Kumano for centuries.
The entire area is included within Yoshino-Kumano National Park. Particularly around Nachi Falls, the ancient forest known as Nachi Primeval Forest has been designated a Natural Monument. The preservation of this forest, which has remained largely untouched since ancient times, provides a valuable glimpse into the origins of Japan’s tradition of nature worship.
On exceptionally clear days, Mount Fuji is said to be visible from parts of the region. Such distant views offer a sense of the enormous scale of the mountains surrounding Kumano.
A Sacred Landscape Shaped by Faith and History
Since ancient times, Nachisan has been revered as a sacred mountain where nature itself was regarded as an object of worship. Nachi Falls in particular was considered sacred, and the surrounding mountains and water sources became important sites for religious training and ascetic practices.
By the Heian period (794–1185), monks and Shugendo practitioners were already visiting the area to undertake rigorous spiritual training. Historical records show that Nachi Falls was well known by this time, and it is also mentioned in “The Pillow Book”, the famous work by Sei Shonagon.
A record of pilgrimage to Nachi dates back to 1078, demonstrating that the area had already become widely recognized as a sacred destination. As the belief in the Kumano Sanzan, or the Three Grand Shrines of Kumano, developed, Nachisan grew into a major religious center visited by emperors, aristocrats, warriors, monks, and ordinary people.
During the Kamakura period (1185–1333), numerous temples, shrines, halls, and religious residences were established around Kumano Nachi Taisha. The mountain developed into a major center of religious activity, laying the foundation for the magnificent sacred landscape visitors can experience today.
The Sacred Shrines and Temples of Nachisan
Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine
Kumano Nachi Taisha stands on the slopes of Nachisan and is one of the three major shrines of Kumano. Its origins lie in ancient nature worship, and the sacred waterfall of Nachi is central to the shrine’s spiritual tradition.
One of the distinctive features of the shrine is its connection with Hirogongen, the divine manifestation associated with Nachi Falls. Together, the shrine buildings and surrounding natural landscape represent the long development of Kumano’s religious traditions.
Seiganto-ji Temple
Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple famous as the first temple of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, a pilgrimage route consisting of 33 temples dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist bodhisattva of compassion.
The temple is especially significant for its connection with the history of Shinto-Buddhist syncretism, a tradition in which Shinto and Buddhism were closely intertwined for centuries. Together with Kumano Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji forms one of the most iconic sacred landscapes of Nachisan and is included within the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nachi Falls and Hiro Shrine
Nachi Falls is one of Japan’s most famous waterfalls, with an impressive drop of 133 meters. The waterfall has long been revered as the sacred body of Hiro Shrine, the auxiliary shrine of Kumano Nachi Taisha.
The sight and sound of the enormous volume of water cascading down the cliff create a powerful atmosphere. More than simply a spectacular natural attraction, the waterfall remains a living symbol of the ancient belief that divine presence can be found within nature.
Fudarakusan-ji Temple
Fudarakusan-ji Temple is known as an important center of the ancient Fudaraku Tokai tradition. According to this belief, certain Buddhist practitioners attempted to reach the Pure Land of Kannon by setting out to sea in small boats.
The extraordinary history of these sea voyages reflects the depth and intensity of the religious culture that developed in the Kumano region. The temple remains an important place for understanding the distinctive spiritual traditions associated with Nachisan.
Daemon-zaka and the Kumano Kodo
At the foot of Nachisan lies Daemon-zaka, one of the most famous sections of the Kumano Kodo, the ancient pilgrimage routes through the Kii Mountain Range.
The approximately 600-meter-long stone-paved path is lined with towering cedar and cypress trees. Walking beneath these enormous trees, visitors can experience an atmosphere remarkably similar to that encountered by pilgrims centuries ago.
One of the highlights of the route is the pair of enormous trees known as the Meoto-sugi, or “Husband and Wife Cedars.” These ancient trees, believed to be several hundred years old, stand like guardians along the pilgrimage route.
Walking quietly along the moss-covered stone pavement offers a unique opportunity to follow in the footsteps of emperors, aristocrats, monks, and ascetic practitioners who once traveled to Kumano. It is an experience that connects the present with the spiritual history of Japan.
Mount Myohosan and Its Sacred Sites
One of the mountains forming the Nachisan region is Mount Myohosan. On the mountain stands Myohosan Amidaji Temple, a sacred Buddhist site associated with Kobo Daishi Kukai and traditionally known as “Nyonin Koya,” or “Koya-san for Women.”
Because the temple is located high on the mountain, Mount Myohosan has held special religious significance since ancient times. It became an important destination for worshippers seeking spiritual purification and salvation.
The wider Nachisan area forms a distinctive spiritual landscape in which mountains, waterfalls, and the sea are closely connected. The belief that these elements of nature possessed sacred qualities helped create a unique religious culture found nowhere else in quite the same form.
Experiencing a Living Sacred Place Today
Today, Nachisan is valued not only as a UNESCO World Heritage destination but also as a remarkable place where nature, history, and spirituality come together.
Walking along the ancient pilgrimage routes, visiting historic shrines and temples, and standing before the magnificent Nachi Falls allow visitors to experience the atmosphere of Kumano in a deeply personal way. The combination of towering forests, flowing water, stone paths, and centuries-old religious sites creates a sense of peace and wonder.
Although modern visitors can reach Nachisan relatively easily by car or bus, its essential character remains that of a sacred place meant to be experienced on foot. The pilgrimage paths, shaped by centuries of prayer and devotion, continue to invite travelers to slow down and appreciate the spiritual atmosphere of the mountains.
Nachisan is far more than a sightseeing destination. It is a place that represents important aspects of Japan’s spiritual culture, including reverence for nature, pilgrimage, Buddhist and Shinto traditions, and the belief that sacredness can be found within the natural world.
With its magnificent mountains, ancient forests, sacred waterfalls, historic temples and shrines, and enduring pilgrimage traditions, Nachisan continues to captivate visitors from around the world. A journey here offers not only beautiful scenery but also a chance to encounter the deep spiritual heritage of Japan.