World Heritage in Wakayama

Asuka Jinja was built in 423 BC and registered as a World Heritage Site in 2016. The shrine itself is not too large but is surrounded by the nature of Mt. Horaisan. Because the shrine is small, it is often overlooked by tourists exploring the biggest spots. The atmosphere of the shrine and mountain is peaceful, especially in the early morning. Asuka Jinja is especially beautiful in autumn, when the red leaves match the shrine’s walls. It is related to the Hayatama Taisha, the famous Kumano shrine near the Kumano River. The shrine is a 10-minute walk from JR Shingu station.

Asuka-jinja Shrine

4.0

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Wakayama Pref. Shingushi Asuka 1-2-25

0735223986

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Also near Shingu station is the elevated Kamikura Jinja. The small shrine is halfway up Mt. Gongenyama and is accessible only via 538 stone steps. The hike is all uphill and surrounded by trees and tranquil greenery. Enshrined is a large boulder named Gotobikiwa, which represents the shrine’s god. The views of Shingu city from this spiritual spot make the trek worthwhile. Be sure to visit the shrine in February, when the annual Oto Matsuri Fire Festival is held. Local men light torches and march around the shrine praying for good health and spirit, creating a river-like fire across the mountain.

Kamikura-jinja Shrine

4.5

212 Reviews

Wakayama Pref. Shingushi Kamikura 1-13-8

0735222533

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Nachi no Taki is the tallest waterfall in Japan at 133 meters. The waterfall acted as a religious spot of worship and was chosen for the location of the Kumano no Nachi Taisha. It has been depicted in artwork and stories since the Kamakura period. In the early 20th century, ancient religious relics were found at the top and the base of the waterfall. They are now displayed within the Treasure Hall of the Kumano no Nachi. The religious history of Nachi no Taki is both tragic and enlightening. Worshippers and priests believed jumping to their deaths from the peak would bring them to paradise. The falls’ water is still used for purifying rituals every day.

Nachi Waterfall (Hiro Jinja Shrine)

Wakayama Pref. Higashimurogunnachikatsurachou Nachisan

0735550321

7:30-16:30

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Kumano Kodo Walking Trail & Nachi Falls One Day Tour from Nagoya

¥11,200

Update date：2024/04/25

Kumano no Nachi Taisha is the most famous shrine in Wakayama. A part of the Kumano Sanzan, the large shrine acts as one of the destination points for most of the hikes around the Kumano Kodo. The Buddhist and Shinto religions are both represented, after the shrine started as a Shinto complex but accepted Buddhist beliefs around the 6th century.

The ancient cedar trees towering above the shrine create a cool and peaceful atmosphere. The weather is normally misty and autumnal, creating an almost spooky atmosphere. Many visitors will see pilgrims donning white with straw hats on, relaxing after finishing their multi-day hikes. July hosts a fire festival during which torches are lit to purify the mountain and sacred grounds. While Kumano no Nachi Taisha is popular with hikers, it can also be accessed via bus and car. Buses run from Kii Katsuura station and Nachi station.

Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine

4.5

652 Reviews

Wakayama Pref. Higashimurogunnachikatsurachou Nachisan 1

0735550321

7:30-16:30

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