Wakayama in One Day: Nachi Falls — Guide Hira
October, 2025
This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 8:00 Meet at Nachi Station
- Visit Fudarakusan-ji Temple
- 8:32 – 8:46 Bus ride Nachi Station→Daimonzaka
- Daimonzaka→Visit Nachi Taisha Shrine & Seiganto-ji Temple
- 10:40 Visit Nachi Falls
- 11 10 Lunch
- 11:44-11:59 Bus ride Nachi Falls→Nachi Station
- 12:08-12:41Bus ride Nachi Station→Kamikura Shrine
- Kamikura Shrine: Climb stone steps・Visit Walk Visit Hayatama Taisha Shrine
- 14:44-14:47Bus ride Hayatama Taisha Shrine→Asuka Shrine
- Visit Asuka Shrine→Visit Jofuku Park→Shingu Station
- 15:51-16:11Train ride Shingu Station→Nachi Station
- 16:15 Disband
Title: What's a Full-Day Private Kumano Kodo Tour from Nachi Station Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
Although the tour was scheduled to start at 8:30, when I told the guests I would be waiting at Nachi Station around 8:00, we were able to meet at 8:00.
Since there was a waiting time for the bus, we first visited Fudarakusan-ji Temple. I explained how, out of all those who attempted the Fudaraku sea crossing, only one person survived and reached Okinawa, including how the seasonal winds and ocean currents played a role, and the guests listened with great interest.
We walked up on foot from Daimon-zaka to Kumano Nachi Taisha. Although it was a hot day, we climbed on foot. Before giving the general explanation of Kumano Nachi Taisha and Seiganto-ji Temple, I showed the guests the torch at the entrance of the Nachi Taisha shrine office and explained that it is an enormous one used in the fire festival.
We descended to Nachi Falls while viewing the three-storied pagoda.
Keeping an eye on the bus schedule, we had a light lunch.
We took the bus toward Nachi Station and then moved further to the area in front of Kamikura Shrine.
Because the stairs at Kamikura Shrine are extremely steep, I had placed a long, sturdy staff there in advance. On the way back, we descended a safe slope through the forest called Onna-zaka.
We moved on foot to Kumano Hayatama Taisha and toured it.
For the move to Asuka Shrine, since the guests were getting a bit tired, we took the bus even though there was quite a long waiting time.
We visited Jofuku Park, located on the way between Asuka Shrine and Shingu Station.
We then traveled by train to Nachi Station and parted ways.
Click here for more details: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage in 1 Day Hike with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Nachi Station／Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus～Daimonzaka／Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus | 350JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Nachi Falls／Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus～Nachi Station／Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus | 510JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Nachi Station／Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus～Kamikura Shrine／Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus | 540JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Hayatama Taisha Shrine／Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus～Asuka Shrine／Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus | 200JPY |
| Total | 1,600JPY | ||
I grew up in the mountain village. I learned many things from my family, especially my grandmother. I can give you many interesting experiences in the wild nature. We eat wild strawberries or “Sukanpo ” the edible grass, fly ferns or cross a suspension bridge.
I walked all of Kumano Kodo, Koyasan pilgrimage roads and other ancient highways, total length is more than 600km ( 400 miles).
I want you to show the interesting spots beyond the guide book. Kii mountain range has old history as well as beautiful land scapes. I’ll take you the excellent places you can do Facebook bragging.
My experiences for guiding foreigners are, town of Koyasan, pilgrimage road to Koyasan, Kumano Kodo Nakahechi, hot springs, Shingu city and Nachi Katsuura town, Kushimoto area, Shirahama area so on.
I wish to meet you soon!
May 12, 2025
andrewgT8079NS
Wonderful guide and magical scenery and locations.
Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
Wonderful, interesting…
May 12, 2025
andrewgT8079NS
Wonderful guide and magical scenery and locations.
Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
Wonderful, interesting and very helpful guide Hira. Our hike along the trail was tailored to our level of experience.
Our guide showed us many beautiful and magical scenic locations around the Kumano Kodo trail.
Apr 29, 2025
farmahel
A truly magnificent journey through the Kumano Kodo with a wonderfully kind Hira
Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip…
Apr 29, 2025
farmahel
A truly magnificent journey through the Kumano Kodo with a wonderfully kind Hira
Tripadvisor review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
Our private tour of the Kumano Kodo sacred sites and pilgrimage routes was an unforgettable experience, largely thanks to our truly kind and attentive guide, Yauso Hiraishi(Hira). This journey perfectly blended cultural immersion with breathtaking natural beauty.
Hira expertly guided us through the ancient trails of the Kumano Kodo, sharing insightful knowledge about the history and spiritual significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Visiting Nachi Falls was a definite highlight, its majestic cascade a powerful symbol within the pilgrimage landscape.
The tour also offered stunning diversity in its scenery. We were treated to magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean from the coast, a refreshing contrast to the serene beauty of the mountain trails. The paths themselves were a joy to walk, winding through lush forests and offering a true sense of being on a historic pilgrimage.
Throughout the tour, Hira’s kindness and genuine enthusiasm shone through. He was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly thoughtful, ensuring we were comfortable and engaged every step of the way. His passion for the region and its history was infectious, enriching our understanding and appreciation of the Kumano Kodo.
For anyone seeking a deeply rewarding and beautifully scenic exploration of Japan’s spiritual heartland, a private tour like this with a guide as kind and capable as Hira comes highly recommended. It was a perfect blend of physical activity, cultural learning, and natural wonder, all enhanced by the personal touch of an exceptional guide.
Thank you Hira 😉
Apr 27, 2025
Sofia_N
Had a great time. Guide…
Viator review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
Had a great time.…
Apr 27, 2025
Sofia_N
Had a great time. Guide…
Viator review: Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Full-Day Private Trip with Government Licensed Guide
Had a great time. Guide very helpful and great at telling the history about the places we
visited. And showed some local locations.
Mar 23, 2025
G
GoPlaces681850
Wonderful time with a local.
Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Our guide, Hira,…
Mar 23, 2025
G
GoPlaces681850
Wonderful time with a local.
Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 4hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Our guide, Hira, was a super nice man. We got to see so many beautiful places that we would otherwise have missed on our own. He got to the meeting location early and waited patiently for our arrival. He also arranged to make sure my husband was able to have a gluten-free lunch. He never rushed us along and waited for us to enjoy the site and to take many pictures. Although we had some communication barriers but we managed to understand each other. We loved Koyasan and had a wonderful time. We also really enjoyed meeting a local from the Wakayama prefecture.