Plizio Visual Lab
Nachikatsuura
ℹ️Practical info — Nachikatsuura
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Be at the Katsuura Fish Market by 7:00 AM to witness the famous tuna auction.
- Use the small shuttle boats in the harbor to reach the island hotels with their cave onsens.
- Hike up the Daimon-zaka slope to Nachi Falls for the authentic spiritual Kumano Kodo experience.
- Visit the Nachi Falls early in the morning to avoid the large tour groups.
- Buy a day pass for the buses to Nachisan if you plan to travel between the station and the shrine area multiple times.
🍽 Food
Nachikatsuura is famous for fresh, never-frozen tuna; try it at the restaurants near the fish market.
Rice balls wrapped in mustard leaves, a classic snack for pilgrims on the Kumano Kodo trail.
Try pastries shaped like the three-legged crow, a symbol of the region, found in shops near the shrine.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
A great place to buy vacuum-packed tuna and local marine products as souvenirs.
Small shops offering traditional crafts and Kumano Kodo souvenirs.
Away from the main shrine area, there are quiet forest paths lined with small stone statues.
A peaceful stretch of coastline outside the town center, convenient for watching the waves.
Water temperature…
Nachikatsuura is a fascinating destination on the Kii Peninsula that combines natural wonders with deep spirituality. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Kodo, the town is the gateway to the sacred Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine and the impressive Nachi Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Japan. Besides its religious importance, Nachikatsuura is known as one of Japan's most important ports for fresh tuna fishing. The coast features spectacular beaches with views of the mountainous backdrop. Nachi Beach (Nachi Kaisuiyokujo), also known as 'Blue Beach Nachi', is one of the largest and cleanest beaches in the prefecture and is located very close to Nachi Station. Kamichi-no-hama (上地の浜) is another coastal stretch prized for its natural beauty and clear water. The combination of the sea and the sacred mountains in the background creates a unique atmosphere for bathers. A visit to the morning fish market at Katsuura Port and a bath in the numerous onsen hotels, some of which are located directly in sea caves, is a must. Access is best via the 'Limited Express Kuroshio' train from Osaka or Nagoya, which guarantees a scenic ride along the coast.
- Location: Japan
- Nearby: Shingu (9 km)
- Population: ~14.137 (2024)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 12 | 14 | 17 | 20 | 23 | 26 | 28 | 26 | 23 | 18 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 72 | 89 | 127 | 150 | 170 | 227 | 209 | 188 | 253 | 240 | 117 | 82 |
Geography
Facts
- Prefecture: Wakayama
- Waterfall: Nachi Falls
- World Heritage: Kumano Kodo
- Specialty: Fresh Tuna
- Port: Katsuura Port
- Beach 1: Nachi Beach
- Beach 2: Kamichi-no-hama
- Hot Spring: Cave Onsen
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Nachikatsuura (1)
Frequently asked questions
What is the most famous attraction?
How do you get to Nachi Falls?
What is the culinary highlight?
Are there hot springs in the city?
How much time is needed for the Kumano Kodo trail here?
Nachikatsuura: where is it located?
Nachikatsuura: when is the best time to visit?
Nachikatsuura: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
