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Last updated on May 16th, 2026

Here are some recommendations for the best hotel in this scenic fishing town if you are looking for where to stay in Nachikatsuura.

Nachikatsuura is of fishing town on the southeastern coast of the Kii Peninsula. It is best known for its scenic Nachi Falls, tuna fishing, and also natural hot springs. Most accommodations in town are located on the island or the opposite side of the bay, boasting an amazing sea view.

Spending one night in Nachikatsuura is one of the joys of traveling in the area. You can enjoy a nice view of the ocean while soaking in the natural hot spring. Some hotels even have open-air hot springs close to the ocean. It’s a unique experience to spend one night in Nachikatsuura.

There are few accommodations options available in Nachikatsuura and each has its unique offers. Let’s begin by looking at where to stay in Nachikatsuura with the best ryokan and hotels.

Quick Quie: Where To Stay in Nachikatsuura

Nachikatsuura has no shortage of excellent hotels and ryokan to experience the scenic view. You might opt to stay nearby the JR station if you are traveling by public transport.

Where To Stay in Nachikatsuura:

Best for luxury gateway: Kumano-bettei Nakanoshima.
Mid-Range: Hotel Urashima, Hotel Nagisaya, Sunrise Katsuura.
Budget: Why Kumano, MAGURO BLDG by WhyKumano, Oyado Hana Guesthouse, Onsenminshuku Kosakaya.

Let’s begin by looking into more detail for the best option to suit your interest and budget.

Kumano-bettei Nakanoshima

Best Luxury Nachikatsuura stay: Kumano-bettei Nakanoshima – This is one of the best hotels in Nachikatsuura if you want a luxurious stay! It is a seaside Ryokan located on a private island in Katsuura Bay. This huge onsen resort with four separate buildings is located on an isolated island in the middle of the sea. It is accessible by a relatively frequent and short 5-minute ferry ride from Kanko Sanbashi pier.

Hotel Nakanoshima offers both Western-style and Japanese-style rooms with traditional décor. All rooms are air-conditioned and include an LCD TV, and an en-suite bathroom, with Yukata robes.

Natural Onsen from Kumano-bettei Nakanoshima

The highlight of Hotel Nakanoshima is its outdoor onsens, which provide a breathtaking view of the island’s surroundings. The sounds of waves on the rocks nearby, while watching the sunset over the mountains, is a wonderful experience.

Traditional Kaiseki dinners and rooms with views of Nachi Bay are featured. 2 board meals start from ¥34,700.

Hotel Urashima

Mid-Range: Hotel Urashima is another popular onsen resort with beautiful hot springs in Nachi Katsuura. The property offers both Japanese traditional-style rooms with tatami mats and also standard Western-styled rooms. It also has karaoke rooms, a karaoke dive bar, massage parlors, convenience store lawsons, a shopping mall, a comic book store, and the longest escalator in Japan! It also contains various shrines, an observation deck, and a walking trail.

Hotel Urashima is located in the hot spring area with hot spring baths scattered throughout the facility. The most famous is the Bokido, a natural hot spring bath in a cave overlooking the ocean. Truly amazing!

2 board meals start from ¥15,700. You can take a closer look at Hotel Urashima.

Hotel Nagisaya

Mid-Range: Hotel Nagisaya – Another traditional Japanese ryokan boasted hot spring baths with an ocean view. All rooms are Japanese-style rooms with tatami (woven-straw) flooring, futon bedding, and an ocean view.

Guests can relax in the indoor/outdoor hot spring baths, and karaoke at a surcharge, or purchase souvenirs at the gift shop. Fishing and massages are also available at a fee.

Hotel Nagisaya is located within a 5-minute drive from JR Kii-katsuura Train Station with a free shuttle service. Check for room availability for Hotel Nagisaya.

Sunrise Katsuura

Mid-Range: Sunrise Katsuura is a ryokan hotel in the coastal fishing village of Katsuura. It offers spacious rooms overlooking the sea. Waking up to a view of sunrise and ocean waves when staying on the property. Choose either Japanese style (futons) or Western style (twin bed) accommodation.

An easy 10 -15 or so minute walk to the station, fish market, and restaurants. Check for room availability for Sunrise Katsuura.

Why Kumano, Hostel & Cafe Bar

Where to stay in Nachikatsuura on a budget - Why Kumano

Why Kumano is a convenient hostel accommodation with a bar and café in front of the. It is housed in a narrow three-story building with a tasteful design. The property offers a limited private room and mixed-gender dorm to spend the night in Nachikatsuura.

Solo travelers will also be happy to know that the hotel offers dorm rooms at a lower price. While the first floor is the Bodai restaurant where you can enjoy coffee and snack.

The location is excellently located right in front of Kii-Katsuura train station. Easy walking distance to the fish market and hoop on the bus to Nachi Falls. The staff is super helpful and friendly. Highly recommended if you are looking for where to stay in Nachikatsuura on a budget.

Mixed-gender Dorm started from ¥3,600. Check for room availability at Why Kumano.

MAGURO BLDG by WhyKumano

Budget: MAGURO BLDG by WhyKumano – A basic hotel in the town within a walking distance from the Kii-katsuura train station. Rooms are western-styled and have all the basic amenities. Each unit is fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom, and a kitchen including a fridge and a microwave. Some units feature a terrace and/or a balcony with sea views. Everything you need to have a comfortable stay – perfect for the budget traveler.

Check for room availability for this budget hotel – MAGURO BLDG by WhyKumano.

Oyado Hana Guesthouse

Budget: Oyado Hana Guesthouse is lovely accommodation transformed from an old building into a comfortable guesthouse. It is run by a friendly family and they are accommodating. The rooms are comfy and the styling and decor throughout the house were so lovely and homey.

The private natural Onsen bath is one of the best parts of this guesthouse where you can enjoy the natural water containing sulfur directly coming from the source. Truly relaxing after a long day.

The location is excellent and located conveniently near the Kii-Katsuura station, and nearby with a variety of restaurant choices. Great value for money. Your stay at Oyado Hana Guesthouse start from ¥34,400.

Onsenminshuku Kosakaya

Budget: Onsenminshuku Kosakaya is a family-run located close to the JR Kii-Katsuura Station with a 4-minute walk. The property offers Japanese-style rooms and a hot spring bath for guests. It is well maintained and served as a convenient base for visiting the area and for those planning for a multi-day walk on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. Free private parking is available on-site.

Overview: Where to Stay in Nachikatsuura

All in all, we hope you can find the best place to stay in Nachikatsuura. A night at Nachikatsuura is the perfect way to escape the busy metropolitan life and enjoy the onsen. We highly recommended staying in Hotel Urashima if budget is not a concern. It was truly an amazing stay for us when spend our night there.

Alternatively, stay in Why Kumano, Hostel & Cafe Bar – one of the best budget Nachikatsuura hotels that value the money.

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Last updated on May 16th, 2026

Check out my Nachi Falls travel guide blog for more travel information and tips. A popular Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail from Daimonzaka to Nachisan with a quick and easy itinerary.

Nestled deep in the valleys of the Kumano region, Nachi Falls (那智の滝, Nachi no Taki) is an excellent taste of the natural beauty of Japan. At 133m high, this sacred waterfall is the longest single drop in Japan and is considered one of the premier waterfalls to visit. It has been a place of worship for centuries and is also part of a World Heritage-protected landscape in the Kii Peninsula.

A trip to Nachi Falls is include visiting the Nachi Grand Shrine and Seigantoji Temple. Surrounded by luscious greenery, Nachi falls is popularly photographed with the three-story red Seigantoji Pagoda in the foreground, making for a strikingly mystic scene. A highlight of the region!

We visited Nachi Falls on our Nachikatsuura trip. As you can see, the view was incredibly beautiful and magical. The picturesque scene is one of my most memorable trips to Japan. Unfortunately, A visit to Nachi Falls is not easy due to the limited information and long traveling journey. It took us some time to look for the travel information and transportation options.

Still, we absolutely loved our time here, and that’s why we’ve decided to write this Nachi Falls itinerary with all the highlights so that you won’t miss out on anything. Read our Nachi Falls Travel Guide blog below to find out all about this fascinating destination!

How to Get to Nachi Falls

Depending on your starting location, it can take a while to get to Nachi Falls. Most people will depart from Osaka, Kyoto, or Nagoya. But no matter where you start, you shall take the train to Kii-Kutsuura station.

Getting to Kii Katsuura Station:

From Osaka: It takes about 3.5 hours to get to Kii Katsuura by JR limited express train Kuroshio.
From Nagoya: It takes 4 hours by JR limited express Wideview Nanki.

Take note that all seats are reserve seat for JR limited express train Kuroshio. And it is always recommended to reserve a seat for JR limited express Wideview Nanki due to limited seats available.

Pro Tips: Travel smart and save with Japan Rail Pass, JR Kansai Wide Pass, JR Kansai Hiroshima Pass, and JR Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area Tourist Pass. Check to each pass on more detail on the coverage area.

Bus from Kii-Katsuura to Nachi Falls

Once you are in Kii-Katsuura station, take the Kumano Kotsu Bus bound for Nachisan. The bus runs every 45 minutes and a single ride is about half an hour long. It is advised to check the timetable in advance and manage your time carefully due to the infrequent bus.

Nachisan line: Kii-Katsuura Station – Nachi Station – Daimonzaka – Nachi-no-Taki-mae (Waterfall) – Nachisan

One way is ¥620 for an adult. You can purchase a roundtrip ticket at ¥1000 which is sold at the bus center in front of the station. Check the bus timetable here.

Pro Tips: The handy JR Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area Tourist Pass is covered the bus ride!

Another option is getting there via rental car. Self-driving in the Kii Peninsula is also the best way to see the beauty of Japan’s countryside vistas and stay flexible with plans. There is a large car park on top when visiting Nachi Falls. Japan is one of the cheapest countries for renting a car. You may check out price detail from RentalCars.com.

Where To Stay when Visit Nachi Falls

When visiting Nachi Falls, it is best to spend one night in Nachikatsuura, a lovely fishing town with amazing natural hot springs. Most accommodations in town are located on the island or the opposite side of the bay, boasting an amazing sea view.

There are few accommodations options available in Nachikatsuura and each has its unique offers. Here are our best picks:

High-Range: Kumano-bettei Nakanoshima – This is one of the best hotels in the area if you want a luxurious stay! It is a seaside Ryokan located on a private island in Katsuura Bay.
Mid-Range: Hotel Urashima – A popular onsen resort with beautiful hot springs in Nachi Katsuura. The most famous is the Bokido, a natural hot spring bath in a cave overlooking the ocean. Truly amazing!
Budget: Why Kumano, Hostel & Bar is a convenient hostel accommodation with a bar and café in front of the. It is housed in a narrow three-story building with a tasteful design.

More Nachi Falls accommodation: Where To Stay in Nachikatsuura – Best Hotels Pick.

Planning on Nachi Fall Itinerary

There are 3 options if you planning on the Nachi Falls itinerary. From Nachi Station, you can take the bus and get off at Daimonzaka (base of the slope), Kumano Kodo (one-third up the slope), or Nachisan (top of the slope).

Things to do in Nachi Falls itinerary:

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail
Daimonzaka Walking Trail
Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine
Seigantoji Temple
Nachisan Pagoda
Hiro-jinja Shrine
Nachi Falls (Nachi no Taki)

With about 4 to 5 hours allocated, we choose to start at Daimonzaka for an easy hike to Nachi Falls.

Pro Tips: Stop by a tourism information center located beside the JR train and bus station to get a Nachi Falls area map! You can also ask for the Nachi Falls bus schedule, along with other bus schedules around Kumano Kodo.

Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail

The ancient Kumano Kodo trail is one of Japan’s most sacred pilgrimage routes that run through the beautiful Kii Mountain Range. It has been traversed by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims throughout the centuries. The Kumano Kodo consists of several walking courses and it about 4 days to complete the trail.

The Nachi Falls is a part of the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail’s highlight!

If you don’t have time to spare and wanted to experience a small part of the sacred trail, you can consider the take the Daimonzaka walk – just like what we did!

The 2.7 km route starting from Daimonzaka to Nanchi Falls is the beginner route for the hiker.

Start Point for Kumano Daimonzaka Walking Trail

To start the Nachi Falls itinerary, firstly board a bus departing from Kii-Katsuura Station, and get off at the “Daimonzaka” bus stop after a 30-minute ride.

There is a memorial monument of the Japanese national women’s soccer team “Nadeshiko Japan” which you can easily be spotted from the bus stop. Walk further to the entrance of the Daimonzaka on your left. The official path of Kumano Kodo begins here, welcoming you with a steep uphill immediately.

Pro Tips: Once you start the Daimonzaka hike, there is no restroom available along the trail Be sure to go to the toilet which allocates near the memorial monument!

Getting there: Get off at Daimonzaka Chusayo bus stop and walk to Daimonzaka slope.

Kumano Daimonzaka Walking Trail

Daimonzaka Trail - Nachi Falls Itinerary

The Daimonzaka is part of the spiritual Kumano Kodo pilgrimage traversed by many monks. It is part of the Nakahechi route that starts from Tanabe city. The complete Nakahechi route will take about 3.5 hours to complete. While this waterfall route from Daimonzaka with beautiful stone steps will lead you to Kumano Nachi Taisha, the Seigantoji Temple, and ultimately, Nachi Falls.

The 2.7-km-trail cobblestone paved trail is lined with majestic centuries-old Japanese cedars that wind up through the dense forest.

Walking through the Kumano Kodo with your own feet while closely engaging with the nature of the mountains. There is torii (gates), piles of stones, and small shrines, all covered in moss. Walking time is 30 minutes uphill at a steady pace. Truly an awesome experience!

Visitor with traditional pilgrims outfits in Nachisan

There are lots of signs along the way, so you will basically just be following the signs. Some travelers even wear traditional pilgrims outfits to experience the sacred trail. You may rent it at the start point.

The trail is not difficult and suitable for hikers of any level of fitness. In some parts, the mossy stone steps were a bit slippery. Make sure to have proper hiking clothing, and walking shoes, and keep hydrated. The Daimonzaka walk is free and a worthwhile experience.

Daimonzaka (熊野古道大門坂)
Duration: 30 – 60 minutes (depending on fitness)
Length: 2.7 km
Official Website: https://www.tb-kumano.jp/en/kumano-kodo/nakahechi/daimon-zaka/

Meoto Sugi Trees

When passing by the Daimonzaka Chaya, a giant cedar tree standing on both sides of the road will catch your eye. The 800-year-old Meoto Sugi Husband and Wife Cedar Tress (夫婦杉) are connected at the root, lined up on both sides is a gate inviting you deeper into the Kumano Kodo.

Continues your hike through the dense forest until we reached the top of Daimonzaka.

Long Stairway to Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine

When you saw a steep flight of stairs, you are almost completed the Daimonzaka trail. The stair consists of 470 steps in total and it is a short distance away from the Kumano Nachi Taisha.

Pro Tips: The long stairway is the start point if you choose to get off from Nachisan Station.

Passing through the red-colored torri gate, we finally arrived at the grounds of the Kumano Nachi Taisha.

Kumano Nachi Taisha

Situated approximately 350 meters above sea level, Kumano Nachi Taisha is a famous Shinto shrine built on the Nachi mountain. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed holy sites and pilgrimage routes in the Kii Mountains of Japan.

Kumano Nachi Taisha - Nachisan Travel Guide

The 3 Grand Kumano Shrine in Kii Mountain Range are Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and the Kumano Nachi Taisha.

Kumano Nachi Taisha displays a mixture of Buddhist and Shinto influences. It has been worshipped as a holy site of Shinto since Buddhism was introduced to Japan in the mid-6th century. You can observe monks walking about, paying their respects at a close range.

A worthwhile stop on your visit to Nachi Falls.

Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine (熊野那智大社)
Address: 1 Nachisan, Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro District, Wakayama
Operating hours: Always open.
Admission Fee: Free!
Official website: https://kumanonachitaisha.or.jp/

Nachisan Seigantoji Temple

Nachisan Seiganto-ji temple next to the Kumano Nachi Taisha. It is a temple that was allegedly built in the 4th century. It is one of the few temples that are still in existence after the forcible separation of Shinto and Buddhism during the Meiji restoration.

Wooden Building of Nachisan Seigantoji Temple

The front of the main building of worship is the Hondō (Nyoirindō) at Seigantoji. Entrance to these attractions is free.

Nachisan Seigantoji Temple (那智山青岸渡寺)
Address: 649-5301 Wakayama, Higashimuro District, Nachikatsuura, Nachisan.
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 until 16:30
Admission Fee: Free!

Nachisan Pagoda

Continue walking towards the waterfall and took photos of it side by side with the iconic three-story pagoda.
From here, you will be able to see Sanjudo Pagoda, a striking three-story pagoda erected in front of Nachi Falls. It is the most picture-perfect three-story pagoda you could find in Japan.

The temple ground is open from 8:30 to 16:00 and can be entered for ¥300.

A great photo opportunity was presented with the Nachisan pagoda overlooking the waterfall, not to be missed!

Nachisan Pagoda (那智山青岸渡寺三重塔)
Address: 68 Nachisan, Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro District, Wakayama.
Operating hours: Daily from 8:30 until 16:00
Admission Fee: Free for temple ground and ¥300 to enter the pagoda.

Hiro-jinja Shrine

A short walk down to the forest gateway to the base of Nachi Waterfall. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes along the winding path.

There is a Shinto shrine, Hiro-jinja Shrine that honors the deity of the Nachi-no-Taki waterfall.

Hiro-jinja Shrine (飛瀧神社)
Address: Address: 206 Kaminakano, Hirogawa, Arida District, Wakayama.
Operating hours: Always Open.
Admission Fee: Free!

Nachi Falls

Nachi Falls (also known as Nachi no Taki or Nachi Otaki) is one of, if not the most famous waterfall in all of Japan. We enjoy our time mesmerized by the beautiful sight and the falls are more than beautiful enough to simply be seen!

Entrance to Nachi Falls is free.

But with additional ¥300, you can get closer via a viewing platform leads to witness the waterfall. We opted out of this option, as the falls were close enough without the extra vantage point. Take a stroll around the area and hear the roaring sound. Touching the rippling water spray is much of a blessing.

At ¥100, you can also get a Sakazuki, Shinpai sacred cup, and drink the Enmeisui, Longevity Water. Locals believe the sacred water will give you a long life.

Lastly, we catch a bus just outside the Hirou Shrine to get us back to Kii-Katsuura. A good ending for Nachi Falls itinerary!

Nachi Falls Travel Tips

Is a day trip to Nachi Falls from Osaka doable?

We wouldn’t recommend doing a day trip from Osaka, as this would entail approximately 8 hours on the train and additional bus rides to the Nachi Falls. Still, it is doable as you can depart super early and back to Osaka at late night.

How to get to the Nachi Falls from Osaka?

Travelers can take the Kuroshio Limited Express from Osaka to Kii-Katsuura station. The journey takes around 4 hours and costs around ¥7,000 one way.

Is Nachi Falls worth a visit?

Definitely worth it! The Nachi Falls is really spectacular, surrounded by dark forest and a beautiful shrine.

Overview: A trip to Nachi Falls

That’s it! Above was one Nachisan itinerary from Daimonzaka to Nachi Falls. The Nachi Falls was one of the highlights of my trip to the Kii Peninsula. We enjoyed the breathtaking views of the waterfalls from different perspectives, beautiful temples, and shrines, and also an easy hike.

All in all, we strongly recommend planning a visit to Nachi Falls if you plan on traveling anywhere nearby. A wonderful and mystical experience!