Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, located in Nachi-Katsuura, Japan, is a highlight on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route and an important place of spiritual devotion. Consecrated to the deity of the impressive Nachi Falls, these 133-meter-high vertical falls are considered the abode of a divine spirit. The shrine, along with the Buddhist temple Seiganto-ji, were part of a combined religious complex reflecting the harmony between Buddhism and Shintoism, a practice known as Shinbutsu-Shūgō. Despite the bans and forced separation of these religions during the Meiji Restoration, Kumano Nachi Taisha remains a symbol of the spiritual connection between humans and nature.
Upon entering the shrine grounds, visitors are greeted by an impressive sacred camphor tree, revered for its longevity and considered a symbol of eternal spiritual presence. The movie “My Neighbor Totoro” illustrates the reverence for these trees in Japanese culture. A visit to the shrine, which includes the nearby Hiro Shrine waterfall and a panoramic view of Nachi Falls, offers a unique spiritual and cultural experience, where nature and religion intertwine in perfect harmony.
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25 Nachisan, Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro District, Wakayama 649-5301, Japan - Web
https://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/kumano-kodo/world-heritage/kumano-nachi-taisha/ - Visiting Hours
From Thursday to Tuesday from 8:00 to 15:30 - What to see
Nachi Falls, Seiganto-ji temple
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