All Reviews of Udo Shrine

Udo Shrine is truly unique. It’s built inside a rocky cave by the sea. When you come here, you have to try throwing undama lucky stones at the hollow on the back of the turtle-shaped rock by the ocean. Men use their left hand and women use their right. If you get one in, they say your wish will come true. Walking along the path and watching the waves crash against the cliffs is so soothing. Although there are some stairs to climb, it’s definitely worth it and a must-visit.

One of Miyazaki's most iconic mythological sites is Udo Shrine, built inside a natural sea cave. Although it's not easy to reach and you need to check the bus schedule carefully, this sacred place is well worth visiting.

On the way to the shrine, you pass through a quiet, deep tunnel reminiscent of Spirited Away, then follow a cliffside path along the ocean. The blue sky and vermilion railings create a magnificent and mysterious scene. The main shrine hidden inside the cave is even more remarkable. The experience you absolutely shouldn't miss is throwing “undama,” or lucky stones. Standing at the edge of the cliff, if you can successfully toss the five ceramic lucky stones into the hollow, it symbolizes that your wish will come true and good fortune will arrive.

After your visit, the distinctive shops along the cliff sell many Nichinan souvenirs. One item you should definitely buy is the “Undama Mini Manju,” baked to resemble the lucky stones. They're small and delicate and carry the auspicious meaning of good luck and blessings. Don't rush off after visiting the shrine—find a chair and quietly take in this spiritual place.

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!