Udo Shrine

Udo Shrine (鵜戸神宮, Udo Jingū) is a stunning, brightly painted shrine located along the Nichinan Coast, south of Miyazaki City. Dedicated to Yamasachihiko, the father of Emperor Jimmu, this sacred site offers spectacular views of the ocean. The shrine is built inside a cave on a cliffside, adding to its mystique. There are legends suggesting Emperor Jimmu’s connection to the cave, though it remains uncertain whether he was born here or visited as a baby. A unique feature of the cave is the breast-shaped rocks, believed to have nourished the young emperor.

The shrine is revered for its connection to fertility and good fortune. Visitors can drink water that drips from the rocks, believed to aid pregnancy, childbirth, and women seeking to conceive. Couples and newlyweds often visit, as the shrine is thought to bring them good luck. Outside, visitors can enjoy a terrace with ocean views and try their luck by throwing ceramic undama (lucky balls) into a target, with specific throwing rules for men and women.