Udo Jingu — Attraction in Nichinan

You'll need a good pair of legs to get up and down the substantial amount of uneven stairs to see this lovely and peaceful shrine. Snuggled into a cave, this cave is a favourite with young couples hoping to have children and a happy marriage, I am told, but even if neither category is relevant to you, this shrine overlooks some very interesting and incredibly smooth rock formations, and you have the chance to throw pebbles onto these rocks for good luck if you please.

If you are travelling to see this shrine on our own, the most efficient way is to take the bus that specifically stops in the parking area for tourist buses and cars for the shrine. If you are taking the bus from Miyazaki train station, go to the information booth just beyond the entrance doors to the bus terminal and ask for the bus timetable. There are two different sets of times depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend. There is a very helpful gentleman at the information booth that can speak English and can give you an English information timetable. On board the bus, announcements are made over loudspeaker as to the upcoming stops in 4 different languages- Japanese, Korean, English and Mandarin so you'll know when you get off.

If you are also planning to travel to other tourist places in Miyazaki, then the best value for money is getting an all day buss pass, that will allow you to hop on and off for 1000 yen per adult the whole day. These passes can be bought at the information booth.

Be aware that transport here, as like the rest of the Japan arrives and leaves on time 99% of the time. So plan your trip around Miyazaki very wisely and be aware of the time, lest you just miss a buss and have to wait another huge stretch of time to catch...

Visiting Udo Jingu was one of the most memorable parts of our Miyazaki trip—an experience that blended spiritual calm, dramatic scenery, and family-friendly adventure.

🏞️ Breathtaking Setting Perched right into a seaside cliff, the shrine overlooks the ocean through a naturally formed cave. Walking there feels like entering an enchanted world—waves crashing below, salty sea breeze in the air, and the view through the cave like a secret window to the sea.

🙏 Tranquil & Reverent Atmosphere Despite its natural grandeur, the shrine grounds remain peaceful and not overly crowded. The quiet murmur of prayers, rustling leaves, and ebbing waves created a soothing ambiance that instantly relaxed us all.

🍀 Love Stones & Wishing Ritual A highlight was the famous undama (lucky stones)—small pebbles you toss into a narrow hole carved below the cave shrine. If it enters, your wish comes true! Watching each family member give it a try was full of joyful suspense—heads tilted, arms extended, kids cheering, and fingers crossed.

🚶 Scenic Hike & Great for Kids There’s a gentle walk through wooded paths along the cliffs, giving beautiful views at every turn. Our kids were excited throughout, spotting ocean vistas and stopping for snacks from temple vendors.

✨ A Meaningful Stop Udo Jingu isn’t just a “see-it-and-go” shrine. It offers a heartfelt, multi-sensory experience—sea echoes in a holy cave, ancient rituals, folklore, and quiet moments...

Lovely sprawling but secluded shrine hugging the coast line.

There is a car park with 2 levels, there were still a few spaces left when we got there around 11 but there were cars waiting when we came out around 12.

The shrine is well maintained and there are many shrines other than the famous one in the cave. As you go through the main gates look for a smaller shrine with lots of red gates (torii) to the left. The short detour is worth it for some great photos.

The rugged coast and emerald sea provides a great contrast to the red, white and browns of the shrines and lends the place a really natural feel, along with all the crabs running around. Watch out under foot!

There is a small bridge and steps down to the cave shrine which are well maintained and as you go down you can see inside the cave and hear the drips of water dripping inside the cave. It is cool and still inside the cave and the low ceiling and quiet inside gives the shrine a special feeling, almost mystic.

For the more spending inclined there are many talismans and souvenirs to buy or you could purchase some small pottery beads to throw into a small pool on top of a rock in the sea. Good luck will surely follow you if you make it in...

A great visit to connect with nature, get off the road and enjoy...