Michi-no-Eki Nachi (Roadside Station)

Overview

Michi-no-Eki Nachi is a roadside station right next to JR Nachi Station on National Route 42, an easy stop on the way to Nachi Falls and Kumano Nachi Taisha, both about ten minutes away by car. With around 50 parking spaces and clean 24-hour toilets, it is a popular base for travellers, including those sleeping in their cars.

The article describes the bathhouse on the upper floor, Nishiki-no-Yu, in some detail, but the town has since suspended its operation — check the official channels before counting on a bath here. Next door, the Kumano Nachi World Heritage Center introduces the 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range,' with panels on the grand shrine, Seiganto-ji, the falls and Daimon-zaka, plus a three-screen film of the Nachi Fire Festival and a replica of the Nachi pilgrimage mandala. The produce market sells local vegetables, fruit, the area's prized tuna and preserved goods such as pickled plums.