WakayamaTravel

Pay respects at the first of the Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage Sites in Western Japan and capture the spectacular view where the three-tiered pagoda overlaps with Nachi Waterfall

About this spot

This ancient Tendai Buddhist temple, adjacent to Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine, holds the distinguished honor of being the first pilgrimage site (Site No. 1) on the Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage Circuit. The main hall (Nyoirin Hall), said to have been rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, is a stately Momoyama-style structure designated as a National Important Cultural Property. This temple was worshipped together with Nachi Shrine until the Meiji Separation of Shinto and Buddhism, and retains the atmosphere of Kumano where both kami and Buddha are revered. What the temple is most famous for is the spectacular view from within the grounds where the vermillion-painted three-tiered pagoda and Nachi Waterfall align perfectly in a single frame. This composition—arguably Japan's archetypal landscape—is renowned as Kumano's representative scenic treasure, and all who visit pause here to take photographs. The three-tiered pagoda's interior can be visited, and from the top floor you can view the waterfall even more closely—another highlight.

Tips

You can walk directly to this temple from Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine grounds. The prime photography spot where the pagoda and waterfall align is found along the path descending from the main hall toward the pagoda. Morning light is ideal for photographing the waterfall. Interior viewing of the three-tiered pagoda costs 300 yen for adults. As the first pilgrimage site, the stamp office (where goshuin seals are received) is busy with pilgrims; don't forget your goshuin book.