First Stop – Miyazki Prefecture
This year during spring break, I decided to drive the perimeter of the island of Kyushu, which is the third largest of Japan’s five main islands that make up the mainland.
My first destination was Miyazaki-shi… the capital city of Miyazaki prefecture. It’s a coastal city located on the south eastern side of Kyushu. My hotel was in a resort area south of the city, which I really enjoyed because it had a “beachy” vibe – complete with surfers walking around with their surfboards.
From my hotel, I took little side trips. The first place I went was to see Udo Jingu Shrine and it did not disappoint.
Udo Jingu Shrine
One of my favorite things I saw on my first stop was Udo Shrine. It was about a 30 minute drive south from my hotel on the Nichinan coast. It may be the coolest shrine I have seen so far – and I have seen quite a few! To get to the main shrine, you pass through two large gates, continue down a path that follows the coastline, and then go down a set of steps.
Udo Jingu Shrine is very unique since it is literally inside a cave, on the side of a cliff, facing the Pacific Ocean.
The Legend
Legend has it that Miyazaki is the place where the gods descended to Earth and gave birth to Jimmu (who is recorded as the first Emperor of Japan). Inside the cave are “Ochichi-iwa” (breast-shaped rocks) which were left behind by Jimmu’s goddess mother for his nourishment. This shrine is frequently visited by couples seeking the blessing of childbirth.
Also inside the cave and behind the shrine building, you will find the Nade-Usagi (patting rabbit). Patting this rabbit is said to bring you good fortune and cure illnesses. Rabbits were said to be the servants of the gods and you will see other rabbit statues located around the shrine grounds.
Ceremonies
During my visit, I was able to observe (quietly, from a distance) a couple of ceremonies in the shrine. The drums and chanting were truly beautiful. The beliefs of Shintoism encourage people to keep themselves clean, cheerful, and to harmonize with nature. You can read more about the Shinto beliefs here.
Making a Wish
Just inside the cave, you can purchase Undama (or luck balls). If you look down toward the sea, you will see a rock with a rope around it. You throw the luck balls to try to have them land within the rope in the hole with water. As you throw a ball, you make a wish. If it lands in the hole, your wish will be granted. This rock is known as Turtle Rock which is said to have once been the turtle that carried the mother goddess to the shrine to give birth.
Unfortunately, I didn’t even get one ball to land within the the rope, so no lucky wishes for me.
The shrine grounds were just beautiful! There is also a little cafe and souvenir shop before the main gate.
The drive to this unique shrine has beautiful coastal views. I definitely recommend a visit if you are in Miyazaki!
Happy Travels,
Kari
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