Ohmi Shrine

Omi Shrine (Ōmijinja), also called the “Ise of Hyuga,” is an old shrine dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami. Its location is unusual and rare in Japan: it stands behind the “Chūjō-iwa” rock formation, with its back to the vast Pacific Ocean. Within the shrine grounds is a large cluster of “sazare-ishi” stones associated with Japan’s national anthem “Kimigayo,” said to be among the largest in the country. In the eastern inner area of the grounds is Ryūgū (Udo Shrine), which has a cave; looking outward from deep inside the cave, the cave entrance is said to resemble a “rising dragon,” considered a trace of dragon-deity worship. Ryūgū (Udo Shrine) is about 100 meters from Omi Shrine, so you can visit both in one outing. Access: by public transportation, from JR Nippo Main Line “Hyuga-shi Station,” it’s about 3.5 km (about 45 minutes on foot, about 10 minutes by taxi). From the Hyuga-shi Station East Exit bus stop, take a Miyazaki Kotsu bus (Kami-Shiiba–Aeon Town Hyuga via Saigo Onsen / Aeon Town Hyuga) and get off at “Ena 4-chome,” then walk about 16 minutes. By car, it’s about 6 minutes (about 4 km) from the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway “Hyuga IC.”