Udo Jingu: a Rather Unusual Shrine

A cave shrine with dramatic sea views

Amber Mezbourian May 21, 2013 - 1 min read

The shrine is a fifteen minute walk from the carpark. Along the way, there are some lovely views of the coastline.

Many couples and newlyweds visit Udo Shrine as it is believed to bring good fortune and successful childbirth for women.

The shrine overlooks some dramatic rocks, constantly buffetted by the waves.

Make your way carefully down a flight of stone steps to the shrine entrance, marked by a red torii in the mouth of the cave.

The main building fits snugly in the cave. A pair of breast-shaped rocks around the back of the building are thought to bring luck to pregnant women, who can drink the fresh water that drips from them.

Be sure to buy five undama (small clay balls) that you can then throw over the edge of the cliff.

A sign states the rules for throwing the undama - it is a bit more difficult for men!

Aim for the centre of the rope target when throwing the undama - can you get them into the small pool?

It's harder than you might think ... A closer look reveals how many of the clay balls miss the target. If you manage to get your ball inside the rope, you deserve all the good luck this is said to bring!

Drive along the scenic Nichinan coastal road south of Miyazaki City, and you'll reach Udo Jingu. Established in 1711, this shrine is dedicated to the father of Jimmu, Japan's mythical first emperor.The main shrine building is set inside a cave in the cliff face, overlooking the sea. It is believed to bring good luck to newly married couples. In the past, newlywed brides would ride a decorated 'shanshan' horse back home after visiting the shrine.

More info

Find out more about Udo Jingu Shrine.

Amber Mezbourian @amber.mezbourian

I spent three years living in Japan as an Assistant Language Teacher on the JET Programme, not knowing what to expect but with images of Tokyo, geisha and Mount Fuji in my mind. I was placed in Yamagata prefecture in a small rural town that I couldn't find in any guidebook. I learnt to sno...