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Daimon-zaka Slope

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Daimon-zaka Slope

A historic stone-paved approach symbolizing the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kumano Kodo.

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Supervised by :  Nachikatsuura Town

This approximately 500 m historic approach leads to Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine. More than 100 cedar trees over 800 years old line each side of its moss-covered stone-paved slopes and steps. The scenery is known as a symbol of the Kumano Kodo, a UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage route leading to the Kumano Sanzan—the three grand shrines of Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha.

The approximately 1.3 km walking route ascends Daimon-zaka and the approach to Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple before continuing to Nachi Falls. It is a popular way to experience the atmosphere of the Kumano Kodo. Souvenir shops and teahouses around the main approach to Nachisan provide convenient places to take a break. For the return trip, visitors can also take a bus from near the waterfall back to the Daimon-zaka parking lot.

Near the entrance to Daimon-zaka stand the especially large Meoto-sugi, a pair of cedar trees resembling a gateway. Daimon-zaka Chaya, a rest stop just before the trees, offers Heian-period costume rentals. Walking the stone-paved path in colorful robes offers a taste of what it was like to be a traveler in ancient times.

Highlights

  • An approximately 500 m historic approach leading to Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine.
  • The stone-paved slope surrounded by ancient cedar trees symbolizes the Kumano Kodo.
  • A popular walking route leads from Daimon-zaka through Kumano Nachi Taisha to Nachi Falls.
  • The teahouse in front of the Meoto-sugi cedar trees offers a Heian-period costume experience.

Photos

  • This stone-paved path surrounded by ancient cedar trees is one of the Kumano Kodo’s most iconic locations.

    This stone-paved path surrounded by ancient cedar trees is one of the Kumano Kodo’s most iconic locations.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A

Free Wi-Fi is available near the restrooms in front of Hirou Shrine at Nachi Falls.

Q

Are there coin lockers?
A

There are no coin lockers or luggage storage facilities at the Daimon-zaka parking lot.

Q

Are there restrooms?
A

Yes. Public restrooms, including an accessible restroom, are available 24 hours a day at the Daimon-zaka parking lot just before the entrance to Daimon-zaka. Once you begin climbing the stone steps, there are no restrooms until you reach the area around Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour away. We recommend using the restroom before setting out.

Q

Are there any sightseeing spots nearby?
A

Beyond the top of Daimon-zaka are the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine and Nachisan Seiganto-ji Temple. Farther along is Nachi Falls at Hirou Shrine, which has Japan’s highest uninterrupted drop at 133 m.

Reviews

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Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 周黛西
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    Since ancient times, the Kumano Kodo has welcomed many pilgrims, and Daimon-zaka is the place that still retains the route's most original appearance. This stone-paved slope is about 500 m long with an elevation difference of about 100 m. As you make your way step by step along the ancient path, covered in moss and surrounded by trees over 800 years old and bamboo, you’ll pass the ruins of an old checkpoint, Furigase Bridge, known as the entrance to the sacred grounds, the Meoto-sugi cedars, and the remains of Tafuke-oji. The shade of the giant trees blocks the blazing sun, so even if you’re sweating heavily, the walk feels easy. A gentle breeze through the woods carries away the summer heat, making this a great place to escape the heat in summer!

Details

Name in Japanese
大門坂
Postal Code
649-5301
Address
Nachisan, Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture
Phone
0735-52-2131 (Nachikatsuura Town Tourism Planning Division)
Closed on
Open year-round
Hours
Open at all times
Admission
Free
Access
From Kii-Katsuura Station on the JR Kisei Main Line, take a Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus for 20 minutes to the Daimon-zaka Parking Lot bus stop, then walk 3 minutes.
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa