Udo Jingū

Overview

Udo-jingū is a Shinto shrine in Nichinan, Miyazaki Prefecture. Formerly a top-ranked imperial shrine, it is now designated a Beppyō shrine of the Association of Shinto Shrines. It is known as an unusual "descending shrine," with its main hall enshrined inside a sea cave in a cliff facing the Hyūga Sea.

Highlights

• ●A main hall enshrined within a sea cave in the cliff face
• ●The rare "descending shrine" form, reached by stone steps down the cliff
• ●The cave sheltering the main hall, measuring 38 m east–west and 29 m north–south, 8.5 m high
• ●A scenic coast lined with sea caves and wave-cut terraces formed by erosion

History

Its shrine buildings are said to have been arranged in 1711. Once a top-ranked imperial shrine, it is now a Beppyō shrine of the Association of Shinto Shrines. Set on a cliff facing the Hyūga Sea, the surrounding coast, including the shrine grounds, is designated a place of scenic beauty for the landforms created by wave erosion.

Map

31.6503, 131.4667 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Descend the stone steps along the cliff to follow the descending-shrine approach
2. 2Pay respects at the main hall enshrined within the cave
3. 3Observe up close the scale and form of the sea cave surrounding the hall
4. 4Take in the coastline of sea caves and wave-cut terraces designated a scenic beauty

Did you know?

💡 The form of descending the cliff to worship is called a "descending shrine," a rarity among shrines.

Nearby spots