The most challenging part of writing this blog is condensing everything we’ve done and seen into short posts. Today is no exception. First, a map of our train ride from Kyoto to Osaka and then around the coast of the Kii peninsula to the fishing village of Katsuura, which is known for its tuna catch.
We’re staying in a ryokan with our own private onsen overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Nachi Beach across the inlet. It’s fun to think that this is the same water that is Laguna Beach, on the other side of the world.
The morning view from our room reminds me a bit of Hawaii, with the green hills that meet the sea. I also saw a palm tree here, so I guess it’s fairly tropical. Today the weather was balmy and in the high 60s F.
After yet another huge ryokan dinner and breakfast (seriously, who can eat this much?), we hopped a local bus up mountain to Nachi Falls and the UNESCO site of the Kumano Nachi Grand Shrine (Shinto) and the Nachisan Seiganto-Ji Temple (Buddhist), which once were part of the same religious site but were separated by the Japanese government in the 1800s.
This religious site contains many buildings. The photo above is from the interior of the Three Story Pagoda with a gold many-armed Buddha.
This Laughing Buddha reminded us of Poppy — round, happy and quick to laugh. We rubbed his tummy for good luck, as Poppy said to do.
This is the exterior of the pagoda with Nachi Waterfall behind (see below for more about the waterfall).
This is the exterior of the Buddhist Temple. The inside is very beautiful, but I didn’t want to take photos while the monks and others were having a service.
Some of the Shinto buildings, freshly repainted in colorful orange.
The gate leading to the waterfall.
Hannah burning a prayer stick. I hope her wishes come true.
I feel very tiny but very happy to be here on this beautiful, sacred mountain.
Hannah and I both descended into the trunk of this tree, said to be good luck to anyone who visits. We felt like hobbits in there. And in case we needed more good luck, we also drank water from the falls, which is said to promote longevity.
Click here for Nachi Falls. https://youtube.com/shorts/O3fDZcalvNY?feature=share
At 436 feet (133 meters), Nachi Falls is the tallest single drop waterfall in Japan. It is called Hiro-jinja Shrine because it is said to contain a diety called Hiro-Gongen, who promotes connection and marital harmony. Without a man made shrine, one worships to the waterfall.
Finally, tuna.
Using long-line fishing, boats that dock here catch and sell bluefin, big-eye, yellowfin and albacore tuna. We’ve eaten tuna sushi for each of our three meals here, plus a lot of other kinds of seafood, including whale (didn’t like it).
Dinner
Breakfast
Lunch
So much more to share, but for now will leave you with this. Time for me to head to the hot tub!
