Udo Jingu Shrine

Udo Jingu Shrine - main photo

Udo Jingu (Photo: Udo Jingu – Sanjo / CC BY-SA 3.0)

Overview

Static map of (31.6504534, 131.4665531)

Address

3232 Miyaura, Nichinan, Miyazaki 887-0101
( Map ) ( Directions )

Hours

7:00 - 18:00 Open now

Opening Hours

  • Monday

    7:00 - 18:00

  • Tuesday

    7:00 - 18:00

  • Wednesday

    7:00 - 18:00

  • Thursday

    7:00 - 18:00

  • Friday

    7:00 - 18:00

  • Saturday

    7:00 - 18:00

  • Sunday

    7:00 - 18:00

  • Holidays

    7:00 - 18:00

Price

Free

Highlights

Shin-mon

The outer gate of Udo Jingu Shrine is called Shin-mon. Shin-mon marks the entrance to the realm of the gods, signifying to visitors that they are now entering a sacred space.

Shin-mon

Turtle Rock

Marked with a circular rope is the famous Turtle Rock, where visitors to Udo Jingu are encouraged to throw their clay Undama balls into the center of the rock. The lucky Undama can be purchased at the shrine itself, and it is recommended for men to throw with their left hand and women to throw with their right. Landing an Undama in the center of the Turtle Rock is said to make your wishes come true.

Turtle Rock

Ochichi Iwa

This dripping stone structure got its unique name from a myth involving Toyotama-Hime — the daughter of the god of the sea, who gave birth in this cave. During childbirth, she asked her husband to refrain from looking at her non-human form, but he did so anyway which resulted in her needing to return home to her father and leave her family behind. Before she left, she removed her breasts and stuck them onto the walls of the Udo Jingu cave — in order to let her children remember her when they grow up. Now, the water that drips from the Ochichi Iwa is used to make a local confectionary called Ochichi-Ame; which is believed to improve the production of breast milk for expectant mothers and bring good luck to those trying to start a family.

Ochichi Iwa

Nade-Usagi Patting Rabbit Statue

Within the cave, you will also find the Nade-Usagi Patting Rabbit Statue. This rabbit is said to have been a servant to the gods of the shrine. Patting the rabbit statue is believed to bring you good fortune and good health.

Nade-Usagi Patting Rabbit Statue

Equipamentos

  • Balcão de Informações
  • Salas de oração

Access

JR Miyazaki Station to Ihii / Aburatsu Station via JR Nichinan Line, followed by a 20-minute local bus ride to Udo Jingu Shrine stop. From there, it's a 10-minute walk to the shrine grounds.

From Ihii Station: Take bus bound for Nichinan, Obi, Toi Misaki

From Aburatsu Ekimae Bus Center: Take bus bound for Airport Station

Udo Jingu Shrine