1 tours available
Kii-Katsuura is a small fishing port on the rugged Kii Peninsula coast, famous for landing more fresh tuna than almost any other harbour in Japan. The early-morning tuna auction at Katsuura Fish Market rivals Toyosu in spectacle but without the crowds — visitors can watch enormous bluefin being bid on and then eat sashimi cut from that morning's catch just steps away.
The town is also the traditional finishing point of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, one of only two UNESCO-designated pilgrimage routes in the world. Nachi Taisha shrine and Nachi-no-Taki, Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall at 133 metres, are a short bus ride away. Add in Hotel Urashima's famous cave onsen — a hot spring set inside a natural sea cave with waves crashing at the entrance — and Kii-Katsuura packs extraordinary experiences into a tiny coastal town.
Spring (March – May) — Pleasant temperatures for hiking the Kumano Kodo trails, cherry blossoms near Nachi Taisha, and the waterfall is at its most powerful after spring rains.
Autumn (October – November) — Comfortable hiking weather with fewer visitors. The forested pilgrimage paths are beautiful with autumn colour.
July 14 (Nachi Fire Festival) — One of Japan's most dramatic festivals, with priests carrying giant flaming torches down the stone steps beside the waterfall.
Ancient Shrines, Ama Traditions, Ocean Views: Departures from January to December
Explore Ise Jingu, Kumano shrines, Ama traditions, and Japan's iconic cities.
Region
Kansai
Location
Available Tours
1 tours
