NACHI TAISHA      [ see map ]

A six hours' drive from the industrial city of Osaka, near Katsuura, Wakayama prefecture, lies the temple complex of Nachi Taisha guarding the nearby falls. According to ancient myth, it was here that Emperor Jimnu—Japan's legendary first emperor—landed in his campaign to conguer Yamato.

The temple complex at Nachi Taisha. (Photo © Kjeld Duits)

He saw a light in the mountains that turned out to be the elegantly thin falls. Deeply impressed by the majestic beauty he declared the falls sacred. The gods, obviously pleased, rewarded him by having the crow messenger Yatagarasu guide him on his very succesful campaign.

Men dressed in purifying white carry huge torches during the Fire Festival of Nachi Taisha. (Photo © Kjeld Duits)

Every July Nachi Taisha witnesses one of Japan's most famous fire festivals, Nachi no Hi-Matsuri. Wearing purifying white clothes, men carry torches, weighing up to 50 kilograms, from the temple to the falls. The ceremony is meant to guide the 12 gods of the area to the falls.

More Information

  Short description of Kumano Nuns
  Short description of Nachi Falls
  General information on Wakayama Prefecture
  A private travellogue of the ancient Road of Kumano
  Some travel info from Wakayama Prefecture

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