Udo Shrine

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Udo Shrine

Breathtaking! The mystic shrine hidden inside a cave.

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Head Editor : Udo Shrine

This unique shrine sits inside a cave found along the cliffs facing the sea. The shrine is known for safe childbirth, children, marriage as well as property for fishermen and those headed out to sea.
Udo Shrine and its surrounding area are designated as a National Scenic Beauty.

Udo Shrine can be reached by going down an approx.. 800-meter stone staircase carved into the cliff. The cave itself is about 1000 square meters large, and is said to be made by Toyotama-hime, the goddess in Japanese mythology, who came here to give birth. According to the myth, the goddess left breast-shaped rocks in the cave (“Ochichi-iwa”), which are believed to aid in breastfeeding if you eat “Ochichi-ame candy” made by the water that drips from it.

Just outside the main honden hall of the shrine sits the “Kame-ishi” (turtle rock) and undama (luck balls). According to the custom, men throw with their left hand and women through with their right hand, but if they land the undama in the target its said to bring good luck.

From the Edo to Meiji Periods, there was a custom called “Shan Shan Horse”, where new brides rode a horse down to visit the temple. While no longer in practice, it is recreated occasionally during local temple events.

Highlights

  • This mystical shrine sits tucked inside a cave, shining in a bright vermillion red.
  • Shrine is know for protection in childbirth, children, marriage, fishing and voyages.
  • There are “ochichi candies” sold here as well, said to help new mothers produce more breast milk.
  • Throw an undama (lucky ball) at the turtle rock for extra luck if you make the target.
  • You can also find the “Devil’s Washboard” craggy cliffs nearby.

Photos

  • The Honden (Main Hall) of Udo Shrine

    The Honden (Main Hall) of Udo Shrine

  • Udo Shrine

    Udo Shrine

  • Udo Shrine

    Udo Shrine

  • The Turtle Rock

    The Turtle Rock

  • Undama (Lucky Balls)

    Undama (Lucky Balls)

  • Devils Washboard (Uto senjoujikikigan)

    Devils Washboard (Uto senjoujikikigan)

Reviews

4

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  • Built along the edge of a cliff, you can look down at the steep drop right from the entrance. The main shrine is set inside a cave, and quite a few people come here to pray for good relationships.

  • This shrine has a unique coastal landscape, but transportation is a major issue.

  • Standing on a seaside cliff, the waves have carved out lots of caves here, and the shrine is actually built inside one of them. It's really unique!

  • You have to walk a bit to get to the shrine, but the coastal scenery is stunning and the shrine inside the natural cave is really unique.
    You can also buy five lucky stones and try to toss them through a rope ring to make a wish—left hand for men, right hand for women. It's actually not that easy to get them in!

Details

Name in Japanese
鵜戸神宮
Postal Code
887-0101
Address
3232 Miyaura, Nichinan City, Miyazaki
Tel
0987-29-1001
Closed
None
Hours
6:00am - 6:00pm
Admission
Free
Access
Walk approx. 10 min. after getting off at “Udo Shrine” bus stop. The bus stop is about a 20 min. ride from Ibii or Aburatsu Station on the JR Nichinan Line.
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)