Item: Wakayama Wonders: Mount Koya to Nachi Falls
Rating: 2
Author: Jameswl5518bn

Wakayama Wonders: Mount Koya to Nachi Falls

1.5

2 Ratings

Wakayama

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Explore Wakayama’s spiritual sites and natural wonders on a self-guided tour. Discover Mount Koya, Wakayama Castle, and Nachi Waterfall in one day.

Duration: 14 hours

Cancellation: 24 hours

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Highlights

Wakayama Castle - This destination is included in all booking options.
Wakayama Castle, a historic fortress from the late 16th century, offers breathtaking views of Wakayama City. Visitors can explore samurai armor and artifact exhibits, wander through peaceful gardens, and enjoy the stunning vistas from the castle tower. As a symbol of Japan’s…

Wakayama Castle - This destination is included in all booking options.
Wakayama Castle, a historic fortress from the late 16th century, offers breathtaking views of Wakayama City. Visitors can explore samurai armor and artifact exhibits, wander through peaceful gardens, and enjoy the stunning vistas from the castle tower. As a symbol of Japan’s feudal past, the castle beautifully combines cultural heritage with natural beauty, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts.
Mt. Koya - Accessible only with the option excluding the Nachi Waterfall Tour.
Mount Koya is a spiritual sanctuary and UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized as the heart of Shingon Buddhism. It houses the Kongobuji Temple and the tranquil Okunoin Cemetery, offering serene temple stays, ancient shrines, and peaceful forest paths. Ideal for those seeking cultural and spiritual experiences, Mount Koya merges rich history with natural splendor.
Kongobu-ji Temple - Accessible only with the option excluding the Nachi Waterfall Tour.
Kongobuji Temple, the main temple of Shingon Buddhism, is situated on Mount Koya. Founded in 1593, it serves as the spiritual hub of the Shingon sect. The temple features exquisite architecture, including traditional sliding door paintings and detailed carvings. Visitors can explore its serene rock garden, one of Japan’s largest, and tranquil halls where monks perform ancient rituals. The temple offers insight into Japan’s Buddhist traditions and provides a peaceful setting for reflection and meditation.
Okunoin Cemetery - Accessible only with the option excluding the Nachi Waterfall Tour.
Located in the mystical mountains of Koyasan, Okunoin Cemetery is Japan’s largest and most sacred graveyard, with over 200,000 tombstones shaded by towering cedar trees. The path through the cemetery leads to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, one of Japan’s most esteemed Buddhist monks, believed to be in eternal meditation. Whether visited during the day or softly illuminated at night, Okunoin radiates a profound sense of peace, spirituality, and timeless beauty.
Nachi Waterfall - Accessible only with the option including the Nachi Waterfall.
Nachi Waterfall is the highlight of this tour, celebrated as Japan’s tallest single-tier waterfall, plunging 133 meters into a lush forested valley. This awe-inspiring natural wonder is not only a visual delight but also holds deep spiritual significance, revered by locals and connected to the nearby Nachi Taisha Shrine. Visitors can enjoy the serene surroundings, perfect for reflection and photography, and explore the area’s rich cultural heritage. With its majestic beauty and tranquil atmosphere, Nachi Waterfall is a must-visit for any traveler exploring Wakayama.
Sandanbeki Cave - Accessible only with the option including the Nachi Waterfall.
Sandanbeki Cave is a striking coastal cave located beneath the towering cliffs of Wakayama’s Sandanbeki coastline. Once a pirate hideout, this cave offers a unique experience, showcasing hidden chambers and rugged rock formations sculpted by the ocean’s force. Inside, visitors will find exhibits on local history and legends, along with spectacular views of the powerful waves crashing against the cliffs. The blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue makes Sandanbeki Cave a captivating destination for adventurers and history buffs alike.

What's Included

Private transportation
English speaking driver
In-vehicle air conditioning

What's Not Included

Food and Drinks
Fee to attractions
Wakayama Castle Fee per Adult 410Yen
Kongobu-ji Temple fee per Adult 1000Yen
Sandanbeki cave Fee Per Adult 1300Yen
Nachi Waterfall Fee Per Adult 300Yen
Guide

Additional Information

Wakayama Tour Overview
Discover the rich history, spirituality, and stunning natural landscapes of Wakayama with two customizable tour options.
Option 1: Including Nachi Waterfall (14-Hour)

Wakayama Castle: Delve into the history of this ancient fortress.
Sandanbeki Cave or Kuroshio Fish Market: Choose between exploring dramatic…

Location

Wakayama Castle

3 Ichibancho,

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

1.5

(2 Ratings)

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1 star

Jameswl5518bn

Apr 1, 2025

My driver told me to rent a car instead. - If at all possible, rent your own car and navigate using Google maps for an experience that is far less expensive, more relaxing, and more rewarding. Pro: 1) Clean vehicle 2) Picked up at AirBnB 3) Returned to AirBnB 4) Nachi falls is a beautiful destination Con: 1) Nachi Falls is a four hour drive one way from Osaka. It is a nice place, but due to logistics, it will likely be your only destination. It is up to you if that is worth the cost. 2) If you choose the option for Nachi falls, the cost increases and the duration of the tour increases from 10 hours to 14. Unfortunately, many destinations close around 5pm, so it is difficult to make use of this time. In our case, our driver attempted to dissuade us from making additional stops and claimed he needed to return to Osaka by 6pm (four hours early). 3) There was limited value added by the driver other than the physical act of driving. In our case, English and Japanese were second and third languages, so basic requests like a bathroom stop were sometimes misunderstood. While the experience does state a “guide” is not included, users should understand this is not the option to choose if you are looking for local insight or recommendations on itinerary. 4) The character of the driver made the 10+ hour experience difficult to enjoy. As mentioned above, there was pressure to cut our trip short so the driver could return home. On two occasions the driver attempted to not pay for parking by telling the attendants he had no money. When I informed the driver the experience was scheduled for 14 hours he started questioning me on why I made the poor choice of paying for him to drive rather than driving myself.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Feped

Apr 17, 2025

Impractical itinerary in 1 day - Nachi Falls is too far away and precludes visiting the other places listed. In fact, after the falls we quickly toured Koya and returned to the hotel without seeing the cave or Wakayama Castle. By adding the falls, we paid extra, but we certainly would not have done so had we known that the rest of the itinerary would be skipped. Poor clarity and professionalism, we were very disappointed and sad. We don't advice it at all.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Check Availability

From $672

(Per Group)

From $672 (Per Group)

up to 6 guests

1 - Traveler