Udo Shrine might just be the sweatiest surprise of our Miyazaki trip, a dramatic coastal shrine built into the cliffside, with sweeping ocean views and a cave full of local legends. Known officially as Udo Jingu (Shrine) Miyazaki, it’s one of the most unique shrines in Japan and, surprisingly, one of the more playful too. Between a ritual ring-walk, a cliffside ball-tossing game, and enough stairs to fuel sibling drama, this is a top pick for travelers looking for family-friendly shrines in Japan.
This post is part of our ongoing Luca & Nico’s Travel Journal series, inspired by our actual adventures, interactions, and discoveries in Japan with kids.
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To give you a real sense of what it’s like to experience Udo Shrine through young eyes, here’s what Luca and Nico had to say about our visit.
Luca’s Journal Entry
Dear Journal,
It was hot. Really hot. We parked the car and thought we were there, but then we found a sign that said we had to walk 15 more minutes. Nico groaned louder than the cicadas. We followed a long tunnel (at least it was shady and cool) and then came the stairs, lots of them. Suddenly, Nico and I had full energy again and started marching down. Some older Japanese hikers laughed and said, “They’re happy now, but not when they go back up.” Eventually, we reached Udo Shrine. That’s when we saw it, another parking lot right next to the shrine. “WHY DIDN’T WE PARK THERE?!” Nico and I shouted in perfect sync. No answer. Just quiet sighs from Mama and Papa. Before the shrine, there was a big grass ring called a Chinowa. We were supposed to walk through it in a special pattern. I followed it. Nico… didn’t. He just spun through it like a ninja. The shrine itself is in a cave, and right on the edge of the ocean. The wind, the smell of salt, the crashing waves, it felt powerful and ancient. Mama said there’s a game here: you buy five clay balls and try to throw them into a target carved into a rock in the ocean. It’s harder than it sounds. Papa had to throw with his left hand. Mama made three. Papa got one. Nico and I both got… none. Zero. Zilch. Still fun.
~ Luca
Nico’s Journal Entry
Dear Journal,
We followed the map, but the map tricked us. It made us park far away and walk. The sign said 15 minutes. My legs said 100 minutes. But then… TUNNEL. It was long and cool and echoey. I yelled into it. Then… STAIRS. I ran. Then MORE stairs. I ran faster. A nice old man said we’d be crying later. He was right. When we got to the shrine, we saw a parking lot RIGHT NEXT TO IT. I almost fell over. “WHY DIDN’T WE PARK THERE!” We may never know. There was a giant ring you’re supposed to walk through in loops. I think I did it right. Maybe. Sort of. Not really. Then we saw the shrine, INSIDE a cave. It looked like a sea dragon’s treasure room. The waves were crashing under it and there were rocks everywhere. Mama said there’s a game where you throw clay balls and try to land them in a dip in a rock in the ocean. We got five each. Mama made THREE. Papa made one with his left hand. Luca and I missed all of them. I blamed the wind. Then we had to walk all the way back up. The old man’s prophecy was real. I melted.
~ Nico
Luca & Nico’s Challenge:
Can you land at least one clay ball in the ocean rock’s indention? Bonus challenge: do it with your non-dominant hand like Papa.
Parent Insight:
Sometimes the best moments come from shared struggle, sweaty walks, missed throws, or silly mistakes. Shrines like Udo create space for ritual and play. The challenge of reaching it becomes part of the memory, especially when the reward includes crashing waves and a playful family ritual.
Did You Know? Fun Facts About Udo Shrine
- Udo Shrine is carved directly into the side of a sea cliff and is believed to bring blessings for safe childbirth and happy marriages.
- The clay ball game is called Undama-nage, and locals say that landing a ball in the ocean rock’s hollow brings good luck.
- The Chinowa ritual before the shrine is meant to purify visitors, traditionally walked through in a figure-eight pattern.
- Though lesser-known internationally, Udo Shrine is one of Miyazaki’s most spiritually unique and photogenic coastal spots.
Want to see what else Miyazaki has to offer for families? Udo Shrine was just one part of our adventure! Head over to our Miyazaki with Kids guide to discover more family-friendly attractions, hidden gems, and unforgettable things to do across this sunny southern region of Japan.
Until Next Time…
Even though our throws didn’t hit the mark, Udo Shrine hit us with surprise views, a secret cave, and memories worth every stair-step.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
