Udo Jingu Shrine

鵜戸神宮

Udo Jingu is a truly unique shrine that should definitely feature on your itinerary when visiting Miyazaki. It's located along the Udozaki coastline and is actually built within a cave overlooking the ocean and some unusual rock formations. With its impressive vermilion-red architecture, the shrine is dedicated to Ugayafukiaezu no Mikoto, a Shinto god from the region. The shrine is believed to have powers over fertility and safe childbirth as well as harmonious romantic relationships. In addition to the typical rituals when visiting a shrine, visitors can throw "undama" (a ball-shaped clay stone) into the rocks below. It's believed that if you hit the target, your wishes will come true!