Um dos três santuários Kumano Sanzan, este local sagrado xintoísta situa-se junto às Cataratas de Nachi, a cascata mais alta do Japão. Parte do Patrimônio Mundial da UNESCO da Cordilheira de Kii, tem sido um destino de peregrinação há mais de 1.000 anos, venerando divindades da natureza.
If you're walking the Kumano Kodō, Kumano Nachi Taisha is one of the four UNESCO-listed pilgrimage destinations on the route, often visited with the other two Kumano Sanzan shrines.
The Sacred Camphor Tree is about 850 years old and is said to have been planted by Taira-no-Shigemori (1138–1179).
Kumano Nachi Taisha is one of the three Kumano Sanzan shrines, and pilgrims historically visited all three to complete the Kumano pilgrimage.
Plan extra time to see Nachi Falls beside the shrine; the 133-meter waterfall is part of the sacred setting and linked to nearby Hiryū Shrine worship.
Look for the 850-year-old Sacred Camphor Tree between the shrine's heiden and Seigantoji; you can enter its hollow base to make an offering at a small altar.
