June 30, 2019

The best temple with a waterfall is Seigantoji in Nachitsuura, Wakayama. This temple was built somewhere between 313 and 399 by Ragyō Shōnin, a monk from India who came here by following the river to find a place to practice his austerities. The Nachi Waterfall behind the temple is a 133 meter (436 feet) vertical drop which is also used for religious meditation by Monks to strengthen the mind, body and soul. This waterfall is the tallest single tier waterfall in all of Japan and I can not explain in words the enormous power and mystic beauty it has when seeing it in real life. — humbling experience.

The temples and shrines at this location is a mixture of Shinto and Buddhist temples. There is also a Dainichi Nyorai (Buddha) statue made of copper believed to be from the 12th century (late Heian period) in this Temple. The monks that live here have dedicated their lives in protecting it and has also become a World heritage site now. I must also mention the brown sugar ice cream that they sell is amazing, a must try.

I have to say the location of this temple is a bit difficult to get to and very far from Tokyo. If you only have a few days in Japan, I suggest other locations to visit as its in a remote area of Japan but If you have a rental car and want to get lost and away from the tourist traps, this is the spot for you. They also have a very famous hiking trail called “Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route” which is around 70km long, passing over three gorges at 1,000 meters in elevation. The hike is usually done over 2 days and no easy walk in the park. These trails are over 1,000 years old and used primarily by followers of the Shugendo mountain worship sect. More than just a means to reach the three shrines, the pilgrimage trails were also designed to be a religious experience in themselves and often pass through difficult, even dangerous, mountain terrain. Do your research before going on this hike.

Access:

From Nagoya Station it is 3.5 hours on the Limited Express Wide View Nanki to Shingu Station. Change at Shingu Station for a JR Kinokuni Line for Kushimoto towards Nachi Station (around 20 minutes).  From the station there are local buses to take you to the temple.

There are also buses from Osaka and Kyoto if you do not have the JR Rail pass.