Udo-jingu 鵜戸神宮

The sanctuary under the cave

During a visit to the Udo-jingu coastal sanctuary in Nichinan, immerse yourself in one of the founding myths of the archipelago. In addition, the landscape is exceptional.

The feeder cave

A rare fact to report, you reach the Udo-jingu by taking the coastal access path and the stairs that go down to the bottom of the cliff ; where usually the pilgrim climbs steps to access the honden . Enthroned under a 1000 m² cave, the latter in a dazzling vermilion red offers a striking contrast with the rock and the relative darkness of the place. This sacred place where young women come to make a fertility wish is classified as Tangible Cultural Asset of the prefecture.

This power of fertility attributed to the Udo-jingu originates at the very end of the story of the birth of Ugayafukiaezu. Indeed, before leaving his child, Otohime took care to cut his chest and fix it to the wall of the cave so that his son could benefit from breast milk. Two protuberances in the stone are thus indicated as being the breasts of Otohime. From these stones called ochiwa continues to flow a milky water, used to make small candies.

See also: 5 famous Japanese legends

ochiwa-Udo_jingu_shrine

Otohime Stone Chest

z-tanuki

Very strange rocks

Another sign of the passage of Otohime is visible at the foot of the cliff. The turtle that was sent to her for childbirth from the Sea Kingdom turned into a stone statue. Its carapace has a cavity surrounded by a rope. If you manage to throw an undama (a small ball of clay marked with the kanji "luck") into this small hole, you will ensure good fortune. According to tradition, women throw the ball with their right hand and men with their left hand. During the walk, take a look at the Udo Senjojiki, a very curious rock formation to the west of the site nicknamed the "demon's washboard". An entire program !

To go further: Meoto Iwa, the married rocks of Futami

Udo_Jingu_Reiseki_Kameishi

Aim for the circle on the back of the turtle rock to bring you good fortune

Sanjo

oni-no-sentaku-ita

The "Demon's Washboard"

Kasuga sho


Address, timetable & access

  • Address

  • Phone

    +81 987-29-1001
  • Timetable

    From Miyazaki station, take the bus towards Nichinan and get off at the Udo-jingu stop (1h10 journey)
  • Price

    Free
  • Access

    April to September: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. October to March: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Website

    http://www.udojingu.com/

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