[A Stunning Tropical Power Spot] Aoshima Shrine Travel Guide

The history of Aoshima Shrine is written in the myth of “Umisachihiko and Yamasachihiko.”
“Yamasachihiko” is another name for Hikohohodemi no Mikoto, the enshrined deity of Aoshima Shrine.
Yamasachihiko lost a fishhook he had borrowed from his older brother, Umisachihiko, at the seaside.
As he was at a loss because he couldn’t find it, Shiotsuchi no Okami appeared and advised Yamasachihiko to search for it under the sea.
There, he met Toyotamahime, the daughter of the sea god, and the two became united.
After twists and turns, he found the fishhook, and it’s said that Aoshima is where Yamasachihiko and Toyotamahime returned from the sea to the land above and lived.
Aoshima Shrine was built to enshrine the three deities—Yamasachihiko, Toyotamahime, and Shiotsuchi no Okami—on the site said to be their former residence.

The Main Hall is striking for its vivid vermilion color, and the contrast with the blue sky is especially beautiful.
It has been rebuilt several times; after it was completely destroyed by fire in 1974, it was reconstructed into its current form.
Since the Main Hall enshrines the married couple Hikohohodemi no Mikoto and Toyotamahime, many visitors come to pray for love and matchmaking.
Benzaiten, a deity said to bring blessings for better financial luck, is also enshrined here.

Follow the path lined with subtropical plants that extends from beside the Main Hall, and you’ll reach Hongu, one of Aoshima Shrine’s top power spots.
This shrine building stands near the center of Aoshima and is said to have originally been built as Aoshima Shrine’s Main Hall.
Pottery believed to date to the Yayoi period has been unearthed around Hongu, making it highly likely that rituals were performed here from ancient times.
Near Motomiya is a pair of closely standing livistona trees called the “Meoto Birou Tree,” where you can try a wish-making ritual known as Musuhi Koyori.
Choose a “koyori” (a thin strip of Japanese paper twisted into a string) in the color that matches your wish, then tie it to the tree.

Hyuga Mythology Hall vividly recreates Japanese myths in 12 scenes using 30 wax figures.
It depicts scenes from when Ninigi no Mikoto—grandchild of Japan’s highest deity, Amaterasu Omikami—descended to Miyazaki, through to the enthronement of Japan’s first emperor.
Since it also recreates the myth behind Aoshima Shrine’s origins, it’s a spot you should visit to better understand Aoshima Shrine.

Among the many wish-making rituals and fortunes at Aoshima Shrine, here are two especially unique ones.
The first is Ame no Hirakana Nage.
While softly stating your wish, you toss a small dish called a hirakana into the iwakura (a sacred place where the deity is believed to reside).
If it lands inside, your wish will come true; even if it doesn’t go in, it’s said that if the dish breaks, your luck will open up from here on.
The second is Sainome Shinji.
This ritual involves rolling a large die while chanting, “Oshietamae, michibitamae.”
The die has sides for gold, body, social ties, misfortune, learning, and relationships, and the result is said to represent what matters most to you.
When you visit Aoshima Shrine, be sure to give them a try.

The wave-like rock formations known as “Devil’s Washboard” surrounding Aoshima are also one of Aoshima Shrine’s highlights.
They were named “Devil’s Washboard” because their jagged shape resembles an old-fashioned washboard.
Rocks uplifted Approx. 7 million years ago were eroded by waves, leaving only the harder sections behind; they then stacked like boards into the shape now known as Devil’s Washboard.
They’re hidden below the water at high tide, but appear at low tide.
The view of Aoshima Shrine’s torii gate lined up with Devil’s Washboard is a must-see.

A rare shrine located inside a cave on seaside cliffs.
It’s said to grant blessings for safe childbirth, childrearing, love and matchmaking, fishing, and safe voyages.
The wider Udo area centered on Udo Jingu Shrine is designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty.
To worship, you need to descend an Approx. 800-meter stone staircase built into the cliff.
The cave is Approx. 1,000 square meters in size and is said to be the place where Toyotamahime, a goddess in Japanese mythology, built a birthing hut to give birth.
There is also Omichi Iwa, where Toyotamahime is said to have pressed her breast to a rock for her child when she returned to the Sea Palace, and it’s said that licking “Ochi Ame” candy made from water dripping from the rock helps increase breast milk.

One of Miyazaki’s 대표 shrines, enshrining Emperor Jimmu, Japan’s first emperor, as its deity.
Ugayafukiaezu no Mikoto and Tamayorihime no Mikoto—Emperor Jimmu’s parents—are also enshrined here, and the shrine is well known for blessings for marital harmony, safe childbirth and fertility, victory prayers, and success in exams.
Locals affectionately call it “Jinmu-sama,” and along with the grand festival in October, it draws many worshippers.
According to old records, it was established when Takeiwatatsu no Mikoto, a grandson of Emperor Jimmu, performed a pacification rite upon becoming Kyushu’s governor, and shrine buildings were later constructed during the reigns of Emperor Sujin (10th) and Emperor Keiko (12th).

A hill tied to a legend in which Emperor Jimmu’s grandson, Tateiwatatsu no Mikoto, stopped by here and surveyed the land while governing Kyushu.
At 513 m above sea level, it’s known for its incredible sea of clouds views from the observatory in autumn. The sea of clouds that forms like it’s filling the Takachiho Basin, surrounded by mountains such as Mount Aso and the Sobo-Katamuki Range, is a breathtaking sight you’ll want to photograph even if you’re not a professional.
The sea of clouds is said to be visible in the early morning from mid-September to late November, forming when conditions such as high humidity and sufficient radiative cooling come together.