What it is
Kumano Nachi Taisha, one of the three great shrines of the Kumano pilgrimage in southern Wakayama, stands above Nachi Falls, a 133-metre waterfall that was worshipped long before the shrine was built. Its annual festival on July 14 is known as the Fire Festival.
The twelve deities of the shrine are carried in twelve tall ōgi mikoshi, portable shrines decorated with fans, down to Hirō Shrine at the foot of the falls, where worship at Nachi began. On the stone steps, bearers carrying twelve huge burning torches swing them to purify the path, and the fire and the waterfall meet in clouds of smoke.
Kami of this festivalKumano GongenThe gods of the three great shrines of Kumano, deep in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula, where emperors, nobles and commoners walked for weeks to pray, and where a waterfall is worshipped as a god. Read the story →The festival at a glance
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Jul 14, 10:00 | Rites at Kumano Nachi Taisha: The main festival rite at the shrine |
| Jul 14, late morning | Dances: Yamato-mai and the Nachi dengaku field dance are offered on a stage at the shrine |
| Jul 14, from about 14:00 | Otaimatsu: Twelve giant torches meet twelve fan-decorated portable shrines on the steps by the waterfall |
Which day should you go?
Jul 14, afternoon
Find a place along the steps to Hirō Shrine by late morning for the fire ritual.
What to look for
The torches
Each torch weighs more than 50 kg. Bearers swing them up and down the steps to purify the way.
Ōgi mikoshi
Twelve tall, narrow portable shrines covered with fans and mirrors carry the twelve deities.
Nachi Falls
The falls, 133 metres high, are themselves worshipped as a god.
Getting there & where to stay
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Osaka | JR Limited Express Kuroshio from Shin-Osaka or Tennōji to Kii-Katsuura, then bus | about 4 h |
| Nagoya | JR Limited Express Nanki to Kii-Katsuura, then bus | about 4 h |
| Kii-Katsuura | Kumano Kōtsū bus to Nachisan | about 25 min |
On the day. From the Nachisan bus stop it is a walk to the shrine and down to the falls. Extra buses usually run on the day, but expect queues.
Crowds. The steps beside the falls are crowded in the afternoon. Claim your spot by late morning.
Where to stay
Katsuura Onsen
Hot-spring hotels on the bay, some reached by boat, and the start of the bus to Nachi.
Kii-Katsuura town
Smaller inns near the station and the fish market.
When to book. Book 1–2 months ahead. Mid-July is the start of the summer holidays.
Book ahead
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Times are typical fastest routes. Check current timetables before you travel.
Make a day of it
Daimon-zaka 大門坂
The most beautiful stretch of the Kumano Kodō pilgrimage route: 267 stone steps climbing about 600 metres through tall cedars, past the pair of 'husband and wife' cedars at the bottom, to the shrine. Allow about 40 minutes. The stones are mossy, so wear shoes with a good grip.
Seiganto-ji 青岸渡寺
The Buddhist temple that stands beside Kumano Nachi Taisha, a reminder of the centuries when gods and Buddhas were worshipped together here. Its three-storey pagoda in front of Nachi Falls is the classic view of Nachi.
Opening hours change by season. Check before you go.
Practical tips
- Heat. Mid-July is hot and humid. Bring water and a hat for the long wait.
Glossary
Taimatsu松明
A torch made from bundled wood or bamboo. Giant taimatsu are the centerpiece of fire festivals such as the Omizutori.
Mikoshi神輿
A portable shrine. During the festival the kami rides inside while people carry it through the neighborhood.
Kami神
A Shinto deity or sacred presence. Kami can be gods from myth, spirits of nature, or deified people.
Matsuri祭り
A Japanese festival, usually held for the kami of a local shrine. The word comes from the idea of serving and entertaining the gods.
References
- Kumano Nachi Taisha: Nachi no Ōgi Matsuri.
- Nachikatsuura Town tourism and travel listings: festival schedule.
- Japan Tourism Agency multilingual commentary database: Daimon-zaka, https://www.mlit.go.jp/tagengo-db/common/001541447.docx
Last checked 2026-10-16.