Temples, a Pagoda, and Japan’s Tallest Waterfall at Nachisan Seiganto-ji
One of Japan’s most picturesque temples, Nachisan Seiganto-ji is a temple complex with a gorgeous 3-storied Pagoda in the foreground of Nachi Falls. Nachi Falls is considered to be Japan’s tallest waterfall at 133 meters. Seiganto-ji is one out of 33 temples and places that make up the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, visitors can take the pilgrimage and walk to all the temples and sites along the route. If you don’t have days to hike and want to just see Nachisan Seiganto-ji, it makes for a great half day to full day trip.
Nachisan Seiganto-ji is in considered to be a part of the nearby town of Nachikatsuura in Wakayama Prefecture. The town of Nachikatsuura is home to many resorts and Ryokan style hotels. It is a 15-20 minute drive to the temple and waterfall from Nachikatsuura. There are buses that make stops at the temple complex from town. Taking a taxi is another option for getting to Seiganto-ji from Nachikatsuura.
Nachikatsuura is about a 2 hours and 15 minute drive from Ise in Mie Prefecture or a 3.5 hour drive from Osaka if taking the toll roads, 4.5 hours when avoiding tolls.
Once at Nachisan Seiganto-ji, there are several large parking lots in and around the temple. Prior to getting to the temple, there are gift shops, restaurants, and plenty of places to use the restroom.
Nachisan Seiganto-ji
Seiganto-ji has a long history, dating back almost 2,000 years ago. Legend has it that a Buddhist monk from India settled in the area beneath Nachi Falls after being visited by Kannon, a Bodhisattva and the Goddess of Compassion.
in the year 988, Emperor Kazan came to the area while on a pilgrimage. He spent 1000 days here performing spiritual trainings at Nachi falls. Like many others, Emperor Kazan also had a vision of Kannon at the site. Many emperors followed the footsteps of Emperor Kazan and the pilgrimage became popular.
Because of constant threats and civil wars, many of the temples along the pilgrimage were burned down. Oda Nobunaga had a big role in the destruction of these temples including Seiganto-ji. It was not until 1590 where Toyotomi Hideyoshi reconstructed Seiganto-ji.
Today, visitors can freely walk around Seiganto-ji and visit the temples, 3-storied pagoda, and other structures around the complex. Some of the more notable structures are the Main Hall of Nachisan Seiganto-ji, the Believer Hall, Sanmon (Main Gate), Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, and the 3-storied pagoda.
Kumano Nachi Taisha
Kumano Nachi Taisha is the Grand Shrine at Nachisan Seiganto-ji. This is a Shinto Shrine and considered to be the head shrine of all Kumano shrines located throughout Japan.
Off to the side of Kumano Nachi Taisha is a sacred Camphor tree that is estimated to be 800 years old. There is an opening at the trunk of the tree where visitors can make an offering.
Seiganto-ji
Seiganto-ji is located just behind Kumano Nachi Taisha. Seiganto-ji is a Tendai Buddhist temple. Seiganto-ji is an old temple, dating back to the 4th century. This was my favorite temple at Nachisan Seiganto-ji. I loved the old wood and simple decorations.
3-Storied Pagoda at Nachisan Seiganto-ji
The famous 3-storied pagoda at Nachisan Seiganto-ji is that iconic photo you see with the pagoda and Nachi Falls in the background. Simply put, this pagoda is beautiful and the nature that surrounds it is stunning.
The original pagoda burnt down in the year 1581 and was not rebuilt unto 1972. Visitors can tour the pagoda, there is a ¥300 admission fee. There are some interesting paintings inside and spectacular views of Nachi Falls and the surrounding mountains.
Nachi Falls
Nachi Falls or the Great Falls of Nachi is that towering waterfall seen in the background of many photos of Seiganto-ji and the beautiful 3-storied pagoda.
There are varying sources on what Japan’s tallest waterfall is. Nachi Falls is technically the tallest uninterrupted drop waterfall at 133 meters. However, there are waterfalls in Japan that are technically taller at 497 meters is Hannoki Falls and Shomyo Falls at 350 meters. According to multiple sources, these two waterfalls have multiple drops, whatever that means. I assume, they are not continuous and are seasonal.
Obviously, the waterfall has been here much longer then any of the manmade structures and locals have worshipped Nachi Falls since the beginning of time. Above the waterfall there is a rope with shide strung out across the falls from one side to the other. A shide is paper in the shape of a zig zag used for ritual purposes at Shinto temples throughout Japan.
Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range
The “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Three sites, Kumano Sanzan, Koyasan, and Yoshino and Omine make up the sacred sites along the pilgrimage route. This pilgrimage route actually connects to the cities of Nara and Kyoto.
There is a pilgrimage route that is popular among avid hikers. The pilgrimage is known as the Kumano Kodo which consists of a network of trails and hikers can spend just a few hours hiking to several days.
Yatagarasu
Yatagarasu is a mythical three-legged crow. Legend has it that Yatagarasu was a servant to the Japanese kami, Amaterasu. Yatagarasu aided Japan’s first Emperor, Jimmu to Nara from Kumano. After guiding the Emperor to Nara, Yatagarasu returned to Kumano Nachi Taisha.
At first Jill and I saw these cute crow mascots around the temple and never noticed the three legs until we went to a gift shop near the parking areas and noticed this mascot everywhere. There we noticed the three legs and did our research only to find out it is Yatagarasu. Now we can’t unsee it, the logo is even on the Japan World Cup jerseys!
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2 Comments
Camilla
Great post about places to visit in Japan! I loved reading it! I hope to visit there one day soon !
zimminaround
Thanks, hopefully you make it to Japan. If so, let me know if you need help with anything.