Japan’s cherry blossom season is approaching.
During this treasured time of year, ephemeral flowers decorate Japan—transforming its countryside and cityscapes into festive sceneries. Cherry blossom-viewing destinations are as ubiquitous as the tree itself, and it can sometimes be overwhelming to choose a place to visit. In this article, we will introduce Nachikatsuura, a lesser known cherry blossom spot in southeastern Wakayama Prefecture.
In addition to cherry blossoms, Nachikatsuura also offers a wealth of historic heritage—including the revered Kumano Kodo trail—as well as rejuvenating hot springs and some of the country’s freshest tuna. Kamenoi Hotel Nachi Katsuura serves as an excellent base for sightseeing in Nachikatsuura and is home to some of the area’s premier hot spring baths.
Discover Nachikatsuura’s visual and gastronomic delights below.
Access to Kamenoi Hotel Nachi Katsuura, a Kumano trail ryokan
Located in the Kansai region of Japan, Wakayama is most easily accessible from nearby prefectures like Osaka and Kyoto.
- Osaka: From Shin-Osaka Station, Kii-Katsuura Station is about a four-hour train ride via the Kuroshio Limited Express. The hotel is about a 10-minute walk from Kii-Katsuura Station.
- Kyoto: The total travel time from Kyoto Station is about five hours. From Kyoto Station, take the HARUKA Limited Express to Hineno Station. Then, transfer to the Kuroshio Limited Express for Kii-Katsuura Station.
From the closest airport, Nanki-Shirahama Airport, you can take the Shirahama Airport Limousine Bus to Kii-Katsuura in about two hours.
Kamenoi Hotel Nachi Katsuura is also relatively close to Wakayama’s Koyasan, a mountaintop sanctuary and the center of Shingon Buddhism in Japan. The hotel is about a three-hour drive from the sacred site, making it a great place to pair with a trip to Koyasan.
Cherry blossoms
Cherry blossoms in Nachikatsuura are typically in full bloom from late March to early April. Thanks to its well-preserved cultural sites, Nachikatsuura is an ideal place to admire the pastel petals against traditional Japanese aesthetics without the crowds.
A must-visit spot in the area is Nachi Falls. The composition of elegant blossoms beside Seigantoji’s vermilion pagoda with Nachi Falls roaring in the background creates a mesmerizing visual of grace and power.
During cherry blossom season, the renowned Kumano trail—a network of sacred pilgrimage paths across Wakayama, Nara, Osaka, and Mie—also gets a pastel makeover. Daimonzaka, one of the popular Kumano Kodo routes, is located near the base of Mount Nachi, which features a stunning collection of historical sites, lush forests, and cherry trees.
Even the roadsides in this beautiful town are lined with pink blossoms.
It takes approximately 24 minutes by bus from Kii-Katsuura Station, Kamenoi Hotel Nachi Katsuura’s closest station, to Nachi-no-Taki-mae bus stop. On a pleasant day, get off at the Daimonzaka bus stop instead (one stop before Nachi-no-Taki-mae) and enjoy a scenic hike along the historic Kumano Kodo trail.
Suggested Route:
- Start at Daimonzaka
- Walk up a staircase (approx. 267 steps, 50 minutes)
- Kumano Kodo
- Continue up the stairs (approx. 467 steps, 20 minutes)
- Visit Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine
- Walk approx. 15 minutes
- Visit Nachi Falls
- Then, board a bus from Nachisan bus stop to Kii-Katsuura (total travel time is approx. 26 minutes)
Have a wonderful time exploring the beautiful and historic area!
Hot springs at Kamenoi Hotel Nachi Katsuura
Kamenoi Hotel Nachi Katsuura, a great Kumano Kodo ryokan option, is an extension of the area’s wonders and offers unparalleled lodging, dining, and relaxation. One of the hotel’s most notable characteristics is its natural hot spring water. Kamenoi Hotel Nachi Katsuura sources its bath water from Katsuura Hot Spring, which is known for its moisturizing effect on the skin.
The tranquil indoor and outdoor baths envelop you in healing waters that destress your mind and body. Outside, the bathing experience is especially memorable, featuring panoramas of Nachi Bay and Mt. Nachi. During springtime, you can enjoy mild weather and distant cherry blossom views as you soak in the water.
If you are looking for a ryokan with private onsen, Kamenoi Hotel Nachi Katsuura also offers suites with personal hot spring baths that overlook the stunning scenery.
Nachikatsuura’s world-renowned tuna
Nachikatsuura is regarded as one of the world’s top tuna fishing grounds, allowing you to savor fresh tuna straight from the sea.
Nachikatsuura’s waters are nutrient-dense, resulting in firm, fatty tuna. The fatty meat of the tuna, called toro in Japanese, is beloved for its melt-in-your-mouth texture and umami-rich flavor. The freshness of Katsuura Port’s toro takes this already exquisite taste to the next level. At Kamenoi Hotel Nachi Katsuura, you can enjoy this famous tuna as sashimi, sushi, and even deep-fried tuna cheek cutlets.
Fishermen at Katsuura Port use the longline fishing method to catch tuna, which is a sustainable fishing practice that combats overfishing. With each bite of unforgettable tuna, you can have peace of mind that the tuna was sustainably sourced. To learn more about Nachikatsuura’s tuna industry, you can even join a tuna auction guided tour.
Welcome spring in Nachikatsuura
Nachikatsuura makes for a unique cherry blossom destination filled with culture, history, hot springs, unrivaled tuna, and of course, flourishing cherry blossoms. Pair your visit with a stay at Kamenoi Hotel Nachi Katsuura, a Kumano ryokan, for a truly exceptional experience.
