Aoshima Udo Jingu and Nichinan Coast Drive Course

Running south from Miyazaki City with the Hyuga Sea on your right, the Nichinan Coast is a drive brimming with tropical mood. From Aoshima Shrine, ringed by the wave-carved rock formations known as the Devils Washboard, to Udo Jingu with its vermilion hall enshrined in a seaside cave, enjoy a day that links the ocean and myth. With phoenix palm avenues, Moai statues on a hill, and a shrine set below a cliff, the scenery through your window keeps changing. Scenery unfolds as you drive, making this a classic route that feels quintessentially Miyazaki.

Course Route

9:00 Visit Aoshima Shrine Cross the Yayoi Bridge to the island. The whole island, cloaked in livistona palms, forms the shrine precinct and is loved for its blessings of love. The surrounding ridged rock formations, the Devils Washboard, are a precious landform designated a national natural monument. Outside the New Year period, amulets are offered from around 8:00 in summer and 8:30 in winter.

10:30 Scenic drive at Horikiri Pass From the coastal pass road spreads the finest view on the Nichinan Coast, with the Hyuga Sea and the washboard rocks. A phoenix palm avenue adds to the tropical feel.

11:00 Break at Michi-no-Eki Phoenix A lookout spot gazing down at the sea from a rise. Pause for a rest while browsing local products.

12:00 Meet the Moai at Sunmesse Nichinan The seven reproduction Moai statues standing on the hilltop are a famous spot for photos with the ocean behind them. Flower fields and lookout plazas dot the grounds, making a slow walk a pleasant time.

14:00 Visit Udo Jingu Descend the cape cliffs and a vermilion main hall appears within a cave. Rare among shrines for being a descending shrine, the main hall sits inside a sea cave measuring about thirty-eight meters east to west, twenty-nine meters north to south, and eight and a half meters high. Try the lucky-ball throw to close out the trip.

Highlights

The charm of this course is that the sea view never lets up. From Aoshimas ridged rocks to the panorama at Horikiri Pass and the cliffs of Udo Jingu, the varied coastline rolls on. Udo Jingu is rare nationwide for having its main hall inside a sea cave, and it has long drawn faith for safe childbirth and matchmaking. The lucky balls are small unglazed clay pieces; men throw with the left hand and women with the right into the hollow of the turtle-shaped rock before the hall to make a wish. Knowing that local schoolchildren handcraft the balls adds a warm touch to the ritual.

Access and Tips

Starting from the Miyazaki interchange makes for an easy drive, heading south along the coast from Aoshima to Udo Jingu. The road follows the shoreline through continuous curves, so allow plenty of time. Udo Jingu has a first parking lot near the second torii, a second lot near the cliff carvings, and a tourist lot for buses; from the tourist lot it is about a twelve-minute walk to the main hall through a tunnel. The approach also has stairs to climb, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Summer sun is strong, so do not forget a hat and water.

A Quick Tip

Without a car, you can still reach the main spots by local bus from Miyazaki Station toward Nichinan; the nearest stop for Udo Jingu is Udo Jingu Mae. In the late afternoon the light over the Hyuga Sea turns soft, making the coastal drive home especially pleasant.

Practical Travel Notes

• Aoshima Shrine: The whole island is the precinct. Amulets are offered from around 8:00 in summer and 8:30 in winter, outside the New Year period. The surrounding Devils Washboard is a national natural monument.
• Sunmesse Nichinan: Open 9:30 to 17:00 (last entry 16:30), generally closed Wednesdays (open on holidays, Golden Week, Obon, and year-end). Admission is about 1,000 yen for adults, 700 yen for junior and senior high students, and 500 yen for ages four and up (a 2026 guide, subject to change). Phone 0987-29-1900.
• Udo Jingu: The main hall sits inside a sea cave as a descending shrine. For the lucky-ball throw, men use the left hand and women the right toward the hollow of the turtle rock. It is about a twelve-minute walk from the tourist lot to the hall.
• Access: Head south along the coast from the Miyazaki interchange. By public transit, take a Nichinan-bound bus from Miyazaki Station and get off at Udo Jingu Mae. The shoreline has many curves, so drive with room to spare.
• What to wear: Udo Jingu has many stairs, so wear comfortable shoes. In summer bring a hat and drinks for sun protection.
• Fees and hours may change. Please check each facilitys official information before you go.