Seiganto-ji Temple and Nachi Waterfalls, located in Nachikatsuura in southern Wakayama, are among the region’s most iconic attractions. The temple’s vermillion pagoda sits against the backdrop of Nachi Falls, creating one of Japan’s most memorable views.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004, Nachi Waterfalls, known as Nachi no Taki in Japanese, hold significant cultural and spiritual importance as part of the ‘Sacred Sites of Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range’. Standing at 133 meters (436 feet), Nachi Waterfalls claim the title of Japan’s highest single-drop waterfall. With an average width of 13 meters, the falls expand during the spring when water flow increases. Renowned for its spectacular height and spiritual significance, Nachi no Taki is revered as one of Japan’s Three Great Waterfalls.

According to legend, Seiganto-ji Temple dates back to the 4th century when it was founded by a visiting monk from India, though historical records vary regarding its exact founding year. The temple’s main hall was constructed in 1590, while the pagoda underwent reconstruction in 1972 following previous destruction. Every morning, a Shinto priest performs a ritual offering at the waterfall, highlighting its sacred importance in local culture and tradition.

In pop culture, Seiganto-Ji & Nachi Falls both appear as a visitable destination in the popular video game ‘Forza Horizons 6’, released in 2026.

Explore Wakayama

Top Attractions

Okunoin Cemetery

Japan's Sacred Forest Cemetery

Seiganto-ji & Nachi Waterfalls

Iconic Temple and waterfall

Koyasan

Japan's Sacred Temple Town

Wakayama Castle

Castle reconstruction in Wakayama City

Kumano Hongu Taisha

Sacred Kumano shrine surrounded by mountains and ancient pilgrimage trails.

Hours and Admission

Seiganto-ji Grounds

Seiganto-ji Pagoda

Nachinotaki Viewing Platform

Accessing Seiganto-ji and Nachi Falls

Seiganto-ji and Nachi Falls are located high in the mountains. As such, we can really only recommend that you rent a car to go visit Seiganto-ji and Nachi falls as it’s in a really remote area that buses rarely visit for a reasonable price.