Comprising several small towns, Nachikatsuura is a gateway for Buddhist and Shinto pilgrims to the mountain areas. Nachikatsuura boasts heritage shrines, onsen hot springs, white-sand beaches and family-friendly amusement parks.
Things to do in Nachikatsuura
Don’t miss visiting the Heritage-listed Kumano Nachi Taisha, which is included in the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range”. Take a pilgrimage road through picturesque terraced rice fields to pay your respects at this important Buddhist shrine.
Hike to the thundering 133-metre-tall Nachi Falls, then stop by the Heritage-listed Temple of the Blue Waves, officially named Seiganto-ji. See the Hall of Lantern filled with bright red paper lanterns and a statue of Daikokuten, the god of wealth.
Onsen hot springs in the area include Ryujin Onsen, rumoured to aid in maintaining youthful skin. Katsuura Onsen sits in the foothills of Mt. Nachi and also offers numerous eateries serving fresh local tuna dishes. Make your way to Shirahama Beach for swimming, then dine at one of the several eateries on Fisherman’s Wharf.
Families can touch sea urchins and starfish at Touching Pool inside the Shrimp and Crab Aquarium. At the Adventure World theme park, you can interact with pandas and sea animals or enjoy carnival rides in the PlayZone.
Getting around Nachikatsuura
Kansai International Airport in Osaka is about 63 kilometres away. You can rent a car or use buses and taxis for getting around in Nachikatsuura and the surrounding area.