Udo Jingu Shrine [Miyazaki]

【Udo Jingu Shrine summary】

The exact date of construction of Udo Jingu Shrine is unknown. It is said to have been a sacred place of ocean worship since ancient times, and the rock cave where the main shrine is located is believed to be the place where Princess Toyotama built a maternity house to give birth to the main deity. It is said to have been built during the reign of Emperor Sojin (the 10th emperor), which would have been 148 B.C. to 30 B.C., although there are various theories. According to records, the temple was rebuilt in 782, the first year of the Enryaku reign of Emperor Kanmu (the 50th Emperor), by the Tendai priest Kouki-bo Kaikyu, who was ordered by the emperor.

Since the Heian period (794-1185), the area has flourished as a sacred site of Ryobu Shinto, also known as “Koya in the West,” as a major center of Shugendo (mountain asceticism), coupled with the oddly shaped rocks and mysterious reefs rising out of the sea.

The deities enshrined at the shrine are: Hikonagisatakeugayafuakiatani no Mikoto, son of Princess Toyotama and father of Emperor Jinmu; Ohirume no Muchi (Amaterasu); Ame-no-Oshihomimi no Mikoto; Hikohonininigi no Mikoto; Hikohohohodemi no Mikoto; and Kamu-nihon Iwayohiko no Mikoto (Emperor Jinmu). The shrine also enshrines the deity Kamuyamato Iwarehiko (Emperor Jinmu).

【Udo Jingu Shrine shrine gate】

After passing under the second torii gate, you will see the first gate, Shinmon (Gate of God). It is smaller than the gate at the back, but has a certain elegance to it.

The approach to the temple overlooks the Pacific Ocean and offers a spectacular view of the rough waves lapping against the shore.

【Udo Jingu Shrine tower gate】

Beyond the shrine gate is a magnificent romon (tower gate). This one was very powerful.

【Udo Jingu Shrine Tamahashi】

From this bridge, descend to the cave where the main shrine is located. The scenery around here is probably famous as the Udo Shrine.

【Udo Jingu Shrine Turtle Stone and Luck Ball】

The sacred stone in front of the main shrine is said to be a turtle that Princess Toyotama rode on when she came from Watatsumi-no-Miya (the Shrine of the Sea Gods), and which turned into a stone.

The legend has it that if you throw a ball of luck and it lands in the square depression on the back of the turtle stone, your wish will come true. Men throw the ball with their left hand and women throw it with their right hand. Many visitors enjoy throwing the ball, and sometimes there are shouts of joy.

【Udo Jingu Shrine main shrine】

The main shrine is located in a cave, creating a mysterious atmosphere.

Perhaps due to its location in the sea breeze, it has undergone numerous renovations, and was renovated in 1997. However, the style of the building has remained unchanged and is now designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of the prefecture.

【Udo Jingu Shrine Ouchichiwa (milk rock)】

If you go around the back of the main shrine building, you will find a rock with a milk stone at the back, which is believed to be beneficial for safe delivery, childbirth, and growth of the child.

According to mythology, after Toyotama-hime gave birth, before returning to Watatsumi-no-kuni, she cut her breast and moved it to a rock, and the “milk water” coming out of it is said to have nurtured the main deity.　

【Udo Jingu Shrine Nearby attractions】

Aoshima Shrine

【Udo Jingu Shrine Access】

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Kagoshima Jingu Shrine [Kagoshima] Tomi Shrine [Nara] Shiratori Shrine [Miyazaki] Katori Jingu Shrine [Chiba]