Nanki and Kumano driving guide: Shirahama, Cape Shionomisaki, Nachi Falls and the Kumano shrines

The Nanki and Kumano area lies in the south of Wakayama Prefecture. Shirahama, Susami, Kushimoto, Nachikatsuura and Shingu line the southern coast of the Kii Peninsula, with Hongu in Tanabe in the mountains inland. Heading south from Shirahama on the coastal Route 42 takes you past Cape Shionomisaki, the southernmost point of Honshu, and Hashigui-iwa to Nachikatsuura and Shingu, home to Nachi Falls and Kumano Hayatama Taisha. For Kumano Hongu Taisha, follow Route 168 up the Kumano River from Shingu.

This guide follows a day from Shirahama around Cape Shionomisaki to Shingu, with roads and places to stop listed below.

Map of Nanki and Kumano

The line follows the route under "First visit: one day from Shirahama around Cape Shionomisaki to Shingu" below. Numbers mark the stops: green for scenery and nature, blue for roadside stations. Tap a marker to see its name.

Recommended drives

First visit: one day from Shirahama around Cape Shionomisaki to Shingu

From Sandanbeki and Senjojiki in Shirahama, take the free section of the Kisei Expressway to Michi-no-Eki Susami, a roadside station, then follow Route 42 and stop at Cape Shionomisaki (Boro-no-Shiba) and Michi-no-Eki Kushimoto Hashigui-iwa. Continue along the coast to Nachikatsuura for Nachi Falls, then on to Kumano Hayatama Taisha in Shingu.

The route is about 129 km, with around 1 hour 50 minutes of driving. Distance and time are calculated from map data and exclude traffic.

Kisei Expressway Nanki-Tanabe IC–Susami-Minami IC is free. Reaching the car park at the top of Nachisan costs ¥800 on the disaster-prevention road, parking included.

Touring the three Kumano shrines

Kumano Hongu Taisha is about 35 km and about 1 hour from Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and about 54 km and about 1 hour 30 minutes from Nachi Taisha. From the Shirahama side, it is about 65 km and 1 hour 15 minutes from Kamitonda IC via Routes 42, 311 and 168.

From Hongu to Ryujin, take Route 311 and Prefectural Route 198 through Nakahechi. Route 425 from Totsukawa to Ryujin is narrow and has rockfall, so do not use it even if your navigation suggests it.

Roads closed by rain and waves

Sections of Route 42 close at 250 mm of continuous rainfall. Kisei Expressway Nanki-Tanabe IC–Susami-Minami IC has the same 250 mm threshold but can close sooner in sudden heavy rain. Designated sections of Route 168 close at 240–550 mm, and Route 311 between Fukusada and Okawa closes at 600 mm.

Route 42 also has seven sections that close when waves break over the road and driving is judged dangerous. On 6–7 October 2026 a typhoon closed Igushi–Hime in Kushimoto.

Roads you can drive

The Susami-Kushimoto Road is scheduled to open in summer 2027.

Places to stop

Views and nature

Numbers match the map.

Roadside stations

Best seasons and crowds

On 15 November, sunset is at 16:56 (Wakayama City).

Busy places and times

• Kumano Hayatama Taisha's car park can fill at weekends, New Year, Golden Week and Obon, when a temporary car park opens.
• Shirarahama's roads and car parks are busy in swimming season.
• Nachisan Tourist Center's car park costs ¥500 for three hours with no daily maximum in normal periods. In peak periods such as long weekends, New Year, Golden Week and Obon it costs ¥500 per car.

Roads and restrictions checked on 2 November 2026

• The closure of Route 42 at Igushi–Hime in Kushimoto during the typhoon of 6–7 October has been lifted.
• Michi-no-Eki Okukumano Kodo Hongu closes on 11 and 25 November.
• The treasure hall at Kumano Hayatama Taisha has cost ¥1,000 since 1 November (free for high-school students and younger).

Getting there and fuel

Hongu town has three filling stations, and some close on Sundays. Refuel in Shirahama, Kushimoto, Nachikatsuura or Shingu before entering the mountains of Hongu and Nakahechi. EVs can charge at Michi-no-Eki Susami, Mushikui-iwa and Kumano Kodo Nakahechi.

When heading into the mountains of Hongu or Nakahechi in winter, carry chains.

If you don't have a car

Use the Wakayama rental-car listings to find a pickup location. Before booking, check the driving-permit requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I drive with one day in Nanki?

From Sandanbeki and Senjojiki in Shirahama, pass Cape Shionomisaki and Hashigui-iwa, then continue to Nachi Falls and Kumano Hayatama Taisha. The route is about 129 km, with about 1 hour 50 minutes of driving.

Is the Kisei Expressway free?

Nanki-Tanabe IC–Susami-Minami IC is free. The expressway from the Osaka side to Nanki-Tanabe IC is tolled.

Where do I park for Nachi Falls?

Nachisan Tourist Center's car park holds about 70 ordinary cars, 26 of them in normal periods. In normal periods it costs ¥500 for three hours with no daily maximum; in peak periods it costs ¥500 per car. Reaching the Kumano Nachi Taisha car park at the top costs ¥800 on the disaster-prevention road, parking included.

How do I reach Kumano Hongu Taisha?

From Shingu it is about 35 km and about 1 hour on Route 168. From the Shirahama side, it is about 1 hour 15 minutes from Kamitonda IC via Routes 42, 311 and 168.

Can I drive in the rain?

Designated sections of Route 42 in Shirahama, Susami and Kushimoto and Kisei Expressway Nanki-Tanabe IC–Susami-Minami IC have a 250 mm continuous-rainfall closure threshold. The expressway can also close sooner in sudden heavy rain. Designated sections of Route 168 close at 240–550 mm. In typhoon season, check road restrictions before you set out.

Nearby areas and guides

• Ise-Shima driving guide: Ise Jingu, Toba and Ago Bay route with map
• Wakayama driving and travel guide