Inyo Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, and is traditionally counted among the 48 Waterfalls of Nachikatsuura. Located in the eastern valley of the area, the waterfall is also known as Nakago Falls.
The waterfall is approximately 10 meters high. Water flows down the rock face in two separate streams, creating an atmospheric and almost mystical scene surrounded by the quiet forests of the mountains.
Because the two streams flow side by side, Inyo Falls is sometimes called a “husband-and-wife waterfall”. The unusual shape of the falls has contributed to its mysterious character, and it has long been appreciated as a tranquil place connected with the natural and spiritual landscape of Kumano.
Dense forests surround the waterfall, and the walk to the falls itself is part of the experience. The trail passes through a beautiful mountain valley, while the cool air and shade make the area particularly pleasant for walking during the summer.
The main starting point for visiting Inyo Falls is Mandala-no-Sato River Park. The park is located along a prefectural road a short distance uphill from the entrance to Daimonzaka, one of the best-known sections of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.
The park has a free parking area and restrooms, making it a convenient base for visitors who want to explore the surrounding forest on foot.
From the area near the restrooms, visitors descend a flight of steps, cross a small bridge, and follow the river upstream. The trail initially feels relatively easy, but as you continue deeper into the forest, the trees become denser and the atmosphere increasingly quiet and secluded.
After approximately 20 minutes of walking, you reach the vicinity of the waterfall. The forest becomes darker and more mysterious as the surrounding vegetation closes in. The final section of the trail is somewhat steep, but the effort is rewarded with a beautiful view of Inyo Falls.
There is also another waterfall called Yami Falls a short climb to the left of Inyo Falls. Visitors who have enough time can include it in the same walk and enjoy several natural sights along the mountain trail.
The combination of the flowing river, dense forest, rocky valley, and waterfalls creates an experience that captures the mysterious atmosphere for which the Kumano region is famous.
Mandala-no-Sato River Park has an attraction that may be especially interesting to football fans. Near the Daimonzaka bus stop stands the Nadeshiko Japan Memorial Monument, commemorating the achievements of Japan’s women’s national football team.
The monument honors the team’s victory at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup as well as its silver-medal finish in the women’s football tournament at the 2012 London Olympics.
The monument also reflects Nachikatsuura’s connection with the early development of football in Japan. The town was the birthplace of Kakunoshin Nakamura, one of the figures associated with the foundations of Japanese football.
Nakamura translated one of Japan’s earliest football instruction manuals and made an important contribution to the development of the sport in the country. His connection with the area is also associated with the adoption of the Yatagarasu, the three-legged sacred crow from Japanese mythology, as the symbol of the Japan Football Association.
Foot-shaped plaques representing the players and coach of the Nadeshiko Japan team can also be found around the monument. Because of this connection, the area is sometimes visited by football fans and people interested in the history of Japanese football.
It is also said that members of the national team have visited the area to pray for success before major international tournaments, adding another interesting cultural dimension to this otherwise quiet mountain setting.
Inyo Falls and Mandala-no-Sato River Park are excellent places to include in a sightseeing itinerary around the Kumano Kodo and Nachi Mountain. The area offers much more than a beautiful waterfall. Visitors can experience the forests and valleys of Kumano while also discovering connections with the region’s long history, spiritual traditions, and even the development of Japanese football.
As you walk through the quiet forest, you can hear the sound of flowing water and birdsong echoing among the trees. Away from the busier tourist destinations, the trail provides a peaceful opportunity to slow down and enjoy the natural atmosphere of the Kumano mountains.
For travelers exploring Nachikatsuura, a visit to Inyo Falls is a rewarding way to experience a quieter side of the region. Combined with Mandala-no-Sato River Park and the nearby Kumano Kodo, the walk offers a memorable encounter with the natural beauty and cultural depth of southern Wakayama.