Categories
General

Kumano Kodo Day 5: Koguchi – Takata Greenland to Nachisan – October 23, 2023

Takata Greenland shuttle bus to Shingu

Our train from Shingu to Nachi Station

Torii Gate entrance to Nachi Falls

Dragon Fountain

Nachi Falls – 133 Meters

Longest waterfall drop in Japan

Pilgrim

Pilgrim

Gomaji Stick Burning Cauldron

Write your wish and name on the back of the Gomaji stick and leave it. The Gomaji is burned at a praying ritual on the 18th of every month. Your wish will come true.

Gomaji stick detail

Gomaji stick burning cauldron detail with Yatagarasu

Gomaji stick burning cauldron foot detail

Cedar wood burning cauldron

Mom hiking out of Nachi Falls

Who knew there was a shorter path to enlightenment

Hiking the Daimon zaka.
Diamon zaka is a cobblestone staircase slope which runs from the base of the valley to Kumano Nachi Taisha, Seiganto-ji Temple and Nachi waterfall. It is lined with centuries-old Japanese cedars (cryptomeria), cypress, camphor trees and bamboo groves. Daimon-zaka means “large gate slope” referring to a gate that once stood nearby. This is a short section of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.
The stone staircase is about 600 meters long with 267 stairs. At the base of the slope is the 800 year old Meitosugi – “husband and wife cedar trees,” whose roots are entwined beneath the path.

Kumano Kodo original stone waymarker

Yatagarasu leading the way

Street art depicting the Fire Festival held in February on the stairway leading to Nachisan Taisha

Nachisan Taisha Dragon Fountain

Nachisan Taisha Building Detail

Buddha Statue at Nachisan Seigantoji Temple

The oldest building in the Kumano area. Built in 1590.

Lanterns at Seigantoji Temple

Nachisan Taisha Torii Gate

Yatagarasu

Nachisan Taisha Fountain

Nachisan Taisha Pagoda Temple

Nachisan Taisha Pagoda Temple with Near Full Moon

Mitaki Sanso Hotel

Dinner at Mitaki Sanso Hotel