Hello,I went KumanoNatitaisya by local bus and walking Kumanokodo from Daimonzaka to Natitaisya. You can walk in an easy route Daimonzaka→KumanoNatitaisya→Nati Falls about 2 hours. Please try searching for the words "kumano kodo daimonzaka" and visit kumano bus website "kumakou".You can see the bus timetable for Nachiyama. Buses depart from Kii Katsuura Station and Nati Station. When you go back, you can take a bus that leaves from the bus stop in Nachi no Takimae.

We stopped here during a larger package tour (Japan Private Journeys), arranged by California-based Wilderness Travel.

You can take a dog to Kumano Nachi Taisha and Nachi Falls. However, it is not possible to enter the building such as prayer room, treasure hall, etc. and the place of worship of Nachi Falls.

Hello, I cannot answer your questions. We took a normal bus to this area and there was no special place to put luggage, so I would plan on leaving your luggage somewhere else if possible, prior to getting on the bus IF you are taking a normal bus. Do not worry about your issues. If you take the time to ask people at your hotel the night before or at the station (whichever makes more sense) they will help you. Japanese people in the service industry will always help you if you are polite and do not rush them if there is a language barrier.

Look up schedule at Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau and look up transport. Tried to give the link but it does not allow me. Bus fare is JPY 220 and there is a bus every 30min in the afternoon ie 2pm, 2:30pm, etc. Bus ride from Kii katsuura station to Nachi station only takes 8min. I suggest you stay one night at Katsuura or anywhere along the coast instead of rushing back to Wakayama. There are some lovely ryokans with beautiful views in Shirahama.

I agree with the previous comments. There is a very good JR forum. I suggest you pose a question on that too for any further information.

It is pretty mountainous area in the centre part of Wakayama, and the JR train from Osaka Tennoji station follows the Wakayama coastline to Kii-katsuura. From Kii-katsura, a 30-minute bus ride will bring you to Kumano Nachi Taisha. From Osaka, it will take about 5 hours to get to Nachi Taisha, and 30 minutes longer from Kyoto or Nara as you will need to get to Osaka first to catch the train. You'll need to watch the train schedule, as the train from Osaka Tennoji runs every 4 hours, and the bus from Kii-katsuura runs every 45 minutes. To answer your questions, yes the Japan Rail Pass will cover your train ride. It will not be practical to commute from Osaka, Kyoto or Nara to Nachi Taisha as it takes too long to get there. If you intend to visit Nara, it will be better for you to make a day-trip from Osaka or Kyoto.

Any time of the day is fine as long as the weather is good with sunshine. Do allow yourself more time for walking around and tour the temples at leisure. We visited in winter and mistakenly took the hike (for slightly more than an hour) up the mountain which turned out to be a nice walk for those who enjoy hiking. If you go in spring, guess the scenery would be even better.