The striking red three-storied pagoda rising against the backdrop of Nachi Falls captivates visitors, harmonizing beautifully with the majestic natural scenery.
Historic Sites
Shrines and Temples
World Heritage
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Highlights
The red three-storied pagoda standing against the backdrop of Nachi Falls is a breathtaking sight.
As the first temple of the Saigoku Sanjusan-so pilgrimage route, it has attracted numerous devotees throughout history.
It is registered as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range."
Numerous historical structures remain, including the main hall and Hōkyō-intō pagoda, designated as Important Cultural Properties.
You can enjoy the beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons.
Take the JR Kisei Main Line (Kinokuni Line) to Kii-Katsuura Station, then ride the Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus bound for Nachisan for 30 minutes. Get off at the Nachisan stop.
From the Kinokuni Line Nachi-eki-mae intersection on National Route 42, head uphill along the Nachi River for approximately 8 kilometers. Show route
Op.Hours
7:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Daily)
Cld.Days
No holidays
Fee
Entrance Fee: ¥300
INFO
There are many parking lots around Nachisan. Free parking lots are more common further up the mountain, but they tend to fill up quickly, so please be aware.
Seiganto-ji Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Nachikatsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama Prefecture. It's renowned as a sacred site of Kumano faith. Designated as the first temple of the Saigoku Sanjusan-so pilgrimage route and a component of the UNESCO World Heritage site, "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range."
According to legend, Seiganto-ji Temple's history dates back to the reign of Emperor Nintoku (4th century), when it was founded by Rakugyō Shonin, a Buddhist monk who arrived from Tenjiku (India). Later, it became a temple built under the imperial patronage of Empress Suiko, and its temple buildings were constructed by Shobutsu Sho.
From the medieval to the early modern period, it was integrated with the adjacent Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, known as Nachi-san Kumano Gongen or Nachi Gongen, and prospered as a Shugendo training ground blending Shinto and Buddhist practices.
Following the Meiji era's separation of Shinto and Buddhism, while Buddhist halls in other Kumano Sanzan shrines (Kumano Hongū Taisha and Kumano Hayatama Taisha) were abolished, the Nyorin-dō hall of Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, being the renowned first temple of the Saigoku Sanjusan-so pilgrimage, was spared immediate demolition and left empty. However, in 1874, it was revived by long-time devotees, becoming an independent Tendai Buddhist temple named Seiganto-ji.
Seiganto-ji Temple houses numerous historic structures, including its main hall and a Hōkyō-intō pagoda, both designated as Important Cultural Properties. The striking red three-storied pagoda standing against the backdrop of Nachi Falls harmonizes with the magnificent natural setting, enchanting visitors. The magnificent view of Nachi Falls can be enjoyed from the temple grounds.
Seiganto-ji Temple is a sacred place where nature and faith blend seamlessly. Why not spend some peaceful time here, immersed in its history, culture, and breathtaking scenery?
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