A Sacred Forest Shaped by Nature Worship
The spiritual traditions of Kumano have their roots in ancient Japanese nature worship. Natural features themselves were regarded as sacred. At Kumano Hongu Taisha, ancient trees and forests played an important spiritual role; at Kumano Hayatama Taisha, sacred rocks were revered; and at Kumano Nachi Taisha, the magnificent Nachi Falls became the central object of worship.
Nachi Primeval Forest surrounds the waterfall that has been regarded as sacred for generations. The forest therefore forms an essential part of the spiritual landscape of Kumano and represents the close relationship between nature and religious belief in Japan.
Numerous waterfalls are scattered throughout the surrounding mountains. Collectively known as the “Forty-Eight Waterfalls of Nachi,” these waterfalls have long been associated with mountain asceticism and Shugendo, a Japanese tradition of spiritual practice in the mountains.
Mountain ascetics known as yamabushi historically practiced rigorous religious training in this area. Today, special guided experiences may occasionally allow visitors to explore parts of this sacred landscape with an authorized guide.
A Forest Rich in Plant Life
One of the most remarkable characteristics of Nachi Primeval Forest is its exceptionally diverse vegetation. The area lies in a climatic zone where warm-temperate and temperate plants coexist, creating a particularly rich ecosystem.
More than 300 species of plants are said to have been recorded in the forest. Ferns, vines, shrubs, and other plants form dense layers beneath the canopy, creating a complex natural environment from the forest floor to the tops of the tallest trees.
Rare plants such as Nagoran orchids and Ki-senninso can also be found in the area. Huge old trees, including impressive holly olive trees, provide a powerful reminder of the immense amount of time represented by this ancient forest.
The Legacy of Kumagusu Minakata
Nachi Primeval Forest is also associated with the pioneering Japanese naturalist and folklorist Kumagusu Minakata. From 1901 to 1904, Minakata conducted extensive collecting and research on plants and slime molds in the Nachi area.
His work contributed greatly to the study of natural history in Japan. The forest therefore remains important not only as a protected natural environment but also as a place connected with the history of scientific research.
The Spectacular Landscape of Nachi Falls
The natural beauty of Nachi Primeval Forest cannot be separated from the magnificent Nachi Falls. Water flowing from the mountains of Nachisan passes through several waterfalls before plunging from a dramatic cliff approximately 133 meters high.
Known as “Ichino-taki,” or the First Waterfall, Nachi Falls is one of Japan’s Three Great Waterfalls. The waterfall has an enormous flow, and the sound and spray of the falling water create an unforgettable experience for visitors.
For centuries, the waterfall itself has been regarded as a sacred deity. Today, it is worshipped as the sacred object of Hiro Shrine, a branch shrine of Kumano Nachi Taisha.
The ancient forest surrounding the waterfall adds to its spiritual atmosphere. Sunlight filtering through the enormous trees, clear streams flowing over rocks, and the intense fragrance of vegetation combine to create a landscape that feels both powerful and peaceful.
Hiro Shrine and the Water of Longevity
Hiro Shrine is a sacred site dedicated to Nachi Falls itself. Unlike conventional Japanese shrines, it has no main sanctuary building because the waterfall itself is regarded as the object of worship.
This arrangement offers a fascinating example of the ancient Japanese belief that mountains, forests, waterfalls, and other natural features can possess sacred power.
At the Otakifudokusho, or waterfall worship area, visitors can view Nachi Falls from a particularly close vantage point. Standing near the waterfall allows visitors to experience its immense scale through both sight and sound.
Near the worship area is also a sacred spring traditionally known as the “Water of Longevity.” Visitors may receive the sacred water in a ceremonial cup and drink it. According to local belief, the water is associated with long life and good fortune.
Kumano Nachi Taisha and Seiganto-ji Temple
On the mountainside of Nachisan stands Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of the three major shrines of the Kumano region. Located at an elevation of approximately 500 meters, its vermilion buildings stand out beautifully against the surrounding green forest.
The shrine’s principal deity, Fusumi-no-Okami, is associated with birth, growth, and the life-giving power of nature. The deity is also traditionally revered as a protector of relationships as well as agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.
Next to the shrine is Nachi-san Seiganto-ji Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple and the first temple on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, one of Japan’s famous pilgrimage routes dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion.
The temple’s present main hall was rebuilt under the orders of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
The Famous Pagoda and Waterfall View
One of the most iconic views in Nachi is the combination of the temple’s bright vermilion three-story pagoda and Nachi Falls rising dramatically behind it.
This beautiful composition of traditional architecture, sacred forest, and a towering waterfall has become one of the most recognizable landscapes in Japan and is a favorite subject for photographers from around the world.
Daimonzaka and the Kumano Kodo
One of the most atmospheric routes leading toward Nachisan is Daimonzaka, a historic section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes.
The approximately 640-meter-long stone-paved path is lined with towering cedar trees, many of which are several hundred years old. Walking beneath these trees gives visitors a strong sense of what it may have been like to travel toward the sacred sites of Kumano in centuries past.
The Famous Couple Cedar Trees
Near the entrance to Daimonzaka stand the famous “Couple Cedar Trees.” These enormous trees are believed to be more than 800 years old and form a striking gateway to the historic pilgrimage route.
Moss-covered stone steps, enormous cedar trunks, and the quiet atmosphere of the forest create a remarkable walking experience. The route offers visitors an opportunity to leave behind the modern world and experience the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese pilgrimage.
During the Heian period, retired emperors, aristocrats, and other pilgrims traveled great distances to reach the sacred sites of Kumano. Walking Daimonzaka today provides a tangible connection with this centuries-old pilgrimage tradition.
Fudarakusan-ji Temple and the Fudaraku Crossing
Another important religious site in Nachikatsuura is Fudarakusan-ji Temple. The temple is particularly famous for its connection with the unusual religious tradition known as Fudaraku Tokai.
According to this tradition, Buddhist practitioners set out across the ocean in small boats in the hope of reaching Fudaraku, the Pure Land associated with Kannon Bodhisattva.
Historical records indicate that monks undertook these journeys from this area from the Heian period through the Edo period. The tradition reflects the distinctive spiritual culture that developed around Kumano, where religious beliefs, mountains, forests, and the sea were closely interconnected.
Historical materials relating to this tradition remain at the temple, offering visitors an opportunity to learn about one of the most unusual aspects of Kumano’s religious history.
World Heritage Significance
The UNESCO World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” was inscribed in 2004. Its significance lies not simply in individual shrines, temples, or historic buildings, but in the way that mountain spirituality, sacred natural landscapes, pilgrimage routes, and cultural traditions have developed together.
Nachi Primeval Forest is an especially important part of this heritage. The survival of an ancient natural forest alongside a religious tradition that has continued for more than a thousand years provides a rare example of the enduring relationship between people and the natural world.
The combination of ancient forest, waterfalls, shrines, Buddhist temples, and historic stone paths creates a cultural landscape that communicates the spiritual traditions of Japan in a remarkably tangible way.
Why Visit Nachi Primeval Forest?
The area around Nachi Primeval Forest offers an extraordinary combination of nature, history, spirituality, and culture. The sound of Nachi Falls, the towering cedar trees, the cool air of the forest, and the scent of vegetation create an atmosphere that can feel far removed from everyday life.
Visitors can explore the area around Kumano Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji Temple, Hiro Shrine, Daimonzaka, and Fudarakusan-ji Temple, making it possible to spend an entire day discovering the cultural and natural heritage of Nachisan.
For international travelers, Nachi Primeval Forest offers a particularly meaningful introduction to the traditional Japanese concept of nature as something sacred. Here, ancient forests and waterfalls are not merely scenic attractions—they are an integral part of a spiritual tradition that has survived for centuries.
Surrounded by the timeless beauty of the Kumano mountains, visitors can experience the atmosphere of a sacred landscape shaped by generations of pilgrims, monks, and nature worshippers. A journey through Nachi Primeval Forest is an opportunity to encounter the enduring spiritual heritage of Kumano and one of the most remarkable natural landscapes in Wakayama.