Udo-jingū 鵜戸神宮 is a Shinto shrine in Nichinan, Miyazaki prefecture, Japan, south of Aoshima.
Udo shrine is in a cave in the side of the cliff, near the Nichinan coast of Miyazaki. The honden, or main shrine, is in a cavern with a spectacular view of the ocean.
In the cave is the ochichi iwa, or “breast stone,” a dripping stone which is said to have fed the kami Ugayafukiaezu, father of the first emperor of Japan, when his mother returned to the sea. The shrine sells a candy made from the water of this stone, mizuame, a kind of taffy.
In the slight distance of the cavern is a rocky island with two peaks. Attendees can purchase small clay balls and attempt to toss them between the peaks for good luck
It is the mythical birthplace of Emperor Jimmu’s father Yamasachihiko, dedicated to Ugayafukiaezu, Amaterasu, Amenooshihomimi, Ninigi-no-Mikoto, Hoori and Emperor Jimmu. The shrine is popular with young couples hoping for easy childbirth and a happy marriage.
All pictures, sounds, music by: © shiso2012 思想会社 Shiso Productions
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