Udo Jingu and Nichinan Coast Drive: Cliffside Shrines and Scenic Coastal Routes

The Nichinan Coast, stretching from southern Miyazaki City to Nichinan City, is a superb scenic drive route where a varied coastline and the deep-blue sea weave together along National Route 220. Connecting the avenue of phoenix palms, Aoshima, Udo Jingu, and the castle town of Obi, it is a standard Miyazaki sightseeing course, and the southern panorama filling your car windows is exhilaration itself. You can enjoy a reward-like drive that you will want to tour at a leisurely pace over a full day.

Highlights

Udo Jingu

This is a nationally rare shrine where a vermilion-lacquered main hall stands inside a sea-eroded cave in a cliff. Enshrining Ugayafukiaezu-no-Mikoto, the father of Emperor Jimmu, it is known for blessings of safe childbirth, matchmaking, and marital harmony. A famous, distinctive way of worshipping is to throw an undama (luck ball) into the hollow of the Kameishi (Turtle Rock) on the rocks before the main hall; if you successfully get it in, your wish is said to come true. It is a mysterious sacred site where the contrast of the crashing rough waves and the vermilion shrine is beautiful. Because you walk stone steps and an approach path from the parking lot to the main hall, easy-to-walk shoes are recommended.

Sun Messe Nichinan and the Moai Statues

At Sun Messe Nichinan, spread across a small hill, stand Moai statues (seven figures of Ahu Akivi) reproduced with the only formal reproduction permission in the world, granted by the council of elders of Easter Island, Chile. A photo of the Moai statues lined up under the blue sky with the Pacific Ocean behind them is a popular shot symbolizing a Miyazaki trip. The grounds have changes in elevation, and you can also enjoy views overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Horikiri Pass and Aoshima

Horikiri Pass (Horikiri-toge), overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the phoenix-palm avenue, is one of the premier viewing spots of the drive. The view from the adjacent roadside station Phoenix is also exceptional and perfect for a rest. Aoshima and Aoshima Shrine, surrounded by the wave-eroded Devils Washboard, are also famous spots you will want to stop by. Aoshima is known for blessings of matchmaking, and the whole island, thick with tropical plants, is wrapped in a sacred atmosphere.

Enjoying the Seasons

Early summer to summer (May to September), when the sea shines its bluest, is recommended. The southern ambiance of the phoenix-palm avenue is especially photogenic in the morning of a clear day. Spring and autumn are comfortable even during the day, making them pleasant for driving and strolling. In winter there are many days when the clear air lets you see far into the distance, and the New Year visit to Udo Jingu is lively. During typhoon season (August to September), watch out for high waves and traffic restrictions.

Access and Basic Information

Heading south on National Route 220 from central Miyazaki City, it is about 30 minutes to Aoshima, about 1 hour by car to Udo Jingu, and about 1 hour 10 minutes to Obi, as a guide. The route running along the coast itself becomes the purpose of the sightseeing, a fun-to-drive course. Parking is provided at the main spots, but Udo Jingu and Sun Messe Nichinan may require paid parking or admission fees. By public transport you can use the JR Nichinan Line or route buses from Miyazaki Station, but service is limited, so travel by car is convenient.

Practical Travel Notes

• Time required: If you tour the main spots once through, allowing a full day (about 6 to 8 hours) gives you room to spare.
• Road conditions: National Route 220 has many single-lane sections and curves, and it gets crowded in the tourist season. Drive with plenty of time to spare.
• Fuel / rest: Gas stations are somewhat few toward Nichinan. Plan for early refueling and rests at roadside stations.
• Food: In the Nichinan and Aburatsu areas you can enjoy local fish cuisine and the specialty gourmet of Obi. Popular restaurants get crowded at lunchtime.
• Clothing / items: On days with a strong sea breeze, a jacket you can throw on is reassuring. Bring easy-to-walk shoes, as you will walk the shrine approach paths.

A Word of Advice

The Nichinan Coast drive is a course that shows its true value only when you enjoy the detours. Leave room to stop by spots not listed in guidebooks, such as lookouts, small fishing ports, and local farm stands. If you create a rhythm between sections where you concentrate on driving and sections where you stop the car to savor the scenery, you will tire less throughout the day and can fully enjoy the openness of the tropics. (Tabitabi Japan Editorial Team)

📚 Sources

For the Nichinan coast drive, the Nichinan City Tourism Association and the public information of each spot are useful. The parking and fees of each sight such as Udo Jingu, Sun Messe Nichinan, Horikiri Pass, and Aoshima can also be checked in public information.

The opening hours, parking, and admission of each spot may change. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please confirm with official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: To tour the main spots once through, allow a full day (about six to eight hours) for a comfortable pace.
• What to bring: You walk the shrine approaches such as Udo Jingu, so wear comfortable shoes; the sea wind can be strong, so bring a layer, and as gas stations are sparse toward Nichinan, build early refueling and rest at roadside stations into your plan.
• Suggested route: Head south from Miyazaki City on Route 220, linking Aoshima (about 30 minutes), Horikiri Pass and Roadside Station Phoenix, Udo Jingu (about an hour), Sun Messe Nichinan, and Obi castle town, which is the standard course.