Udo Jingu Shrine
鵜戸神宮
A vermilion shrine set in a clifftop cave above the Hyuga-nada sea. Walk down the steps to pray, then throw lucky undama at a turtle-shaped rock for a wish.
A shrine in a seaside cave
Udo Jingu Shrine is on the coast of Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture. Its main hall stands inside a cave carved out by the waves, halfway up a cliff facing the Hyuga-nada sea. The cave measures 38 m east to west, 29 m north to south and 8.5 m high.
Most shrines sit at the top of a flight of steps, but here you go down steps along the cliff to reach the main hall. That is why it is called a kudari-miya (a "downhill shrine"), which is unusual for a shrine. The vermilion-lacquered main hall is designated a cultural property of Miyazaki Prefecture.
Myth and the Ochichi-iwa
The principal deity (the main god worshipped here) is Ugayafukiaezu no Mikoto. In the myth, when his mother Toyotamahime left her child behind, she attached her breasts to a rock in this cave. Water still drips from this Ochichi-iwa (Breast Rock), and the child is said to have been raised on its drops.
Because of this legend, the shrine has long been worshipped for safe childbirth and child-rearing. Ochichi-ame, sweets made using the drops, are unique to this shrine. It is also said to bring blessings such as safety at sea and good relationships.
Throwing undama
Look down at the sea from the open space in front of the main hall and you will see a rock called Kameishi (Turtle Rock) on the rocky shore about 12 m away. It is said to be the rock Toyotamahime rode here on, and it has a square hollow in its back.
People throw undama (small lucky clay balls) at it, and it is said that if one lands in the hollow your wish will come true. By custom, men throw with their left hand and women with their right.
Getting there
From JR Miyazaki Station, take a Miyazaki Kotsu bus bound for Obi; it takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, and from the Udo Jingu bus stop it is about a 10-minute walk. By car, it is about 45 minutes from Miyazaki Airport and about 1 hour from Miyazaki Station. Visiting is free.
The Nichinan Coast is a scenic stretch of strange rock formations and cliffs, also known as a place to watch the sunrise; many people come especially to see hatsuhinode, the first sunrise of the year, on New Year's Day.
Tips
- You reach the main hall by going down stone steps along the cliff, so the way back is uphill. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- When throwing undama, men use their left hand and women their right. Decide on your wish before you throw.
- If you have time, also walk the Hacchozaka, the old approach path. Running about 800 m from the harbour to the shrine gate, it is the shrine's oldest stone-stepped path.
Sources
Updated 28 September 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so check the official site before you go.
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