Udo Shrine
鵜戸神宮
/ Udo Jingū
Overview
Udo Jingu is one of Japan's most breathtaking shrines — the main hall is built inside a natural sea cave on a cliff face overlooking the Pacific Ocean. According to mythology, the cave is where the sea goddess Toyotama-hime gave birth to Ugayafukiaezu, the father of Japan's first emperor. The 'Ochichi-iwa' (breast rock) dripping with mineral water is said to have nurtured the infant deity. Visitors throw undama clay balls at a hollow in the sacred Turtle Rock below the cliff as a fortune ritual.
Enshrined Deities
Father of Emperor Jimmu, born in the unfinished cormorant-feather birthing hut
Blessings
Did You Know?
The 'breast rocks' inside the cave drip mineral water that was traditionally used to make baby formula — symbolizing the shrine's childbirth blessings.
Source: tradition
Visitors try to throw undama clay balls into the hollow of a turtle-shaped rock below the cliff — success brings good luck.
Source: tradition
In Pop Culture
Udo Shrine in Miyazaki Prefecture. The Kyushu locations in the film's opening match the Nichinan coast area. The cave shrine atmosphere resonates with the film's themes.
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
31.5908, 131.4478
Physical Address
3232 Miyaura, Nichinan, Miyazaki 887-0101
〒887-0101 宮崎県日南市大字宮浦3232
Historical Province
Hyuga
Access
Aburatsu Station (JR Nichinan Line)
Hours
6:00–19:00 (Apr–Sep) / 7:00–18:00 (Oct–Mar)
Bus
Bus from Aburatsu Station to Udo Jingu, ~20 min
Best Times to Visit
Foreign Language Support
Accessibility
Limited due to cliff-side location and stairs
Official Website
https://www.udojingu.com/Why This Shrine
A shrine built inside a sea cave on a cliff — one of Japan's most dramatically situated sacred spaces.
Related Myths
Learn More About Shinto Shrines
Background reading for visitors and pilgrims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Udo Shrine?
Udo Jingu is one of Japan's most breathtaking shrines — the main hall is built inside a natural sea cave on a cliff face overlooking the Pacific Ocean. According to mythology, the cave is where the sea goddess Toyotama-hime gave birth to Ugayafukiaezu, the father of Japan's first emperor. The 'Ochichi-iwa' (breast rock) dripping with mineral water is said to have nurtured the infant deity. Visitors throw undama clay balls at a hollow in the sacred Turtle Rock below the cliff as a fortune ritual.
Where is Udo Shrine located?
Udo Shrine is located in Nichinan, Miyazaki. The full address is: 3232 Miyaura, Nichinan, Miyazaki 887-0101.
What deities are enshrined at Udo Shrine?
The enshrined deities are: Ugayafukiaezu no Mikoto.
What blessings can you pray for at Udo Shrine?
Udo Shrine is known for: Safe Childbirth, Marriage, Fertility, Maritime Safety.
How do I get to Udo Shrine?
The nearest station is Aburatsu Station (JR Nichinan Line). Bus from Aburatsu Station to Udo Jingu, ~20 min