The undama and Kameishi for good luck
When it was originally constructed is unknown but there are records that state that Udo-jingu Shrine was restored in the year 782. It is a place of worship for matchmaking, conjugal bliss, pregnancy, safe childbirth and other reasons. Udo-jingu is also a unique shrine whose bright vermilion main building is located inside a cave at the end of a cliff atop Cape Udo which protrudes into the Pacific Ocean. Around the cape that is buffeted by rough waves, there is a series of distinctive rock formations so that the shrine is also notable for its beautiful panoramic view. Among these formations along the seashore, the Kameishi (Turtle Rock), so named for its turtle-like shape, has a depression at which unglazed ceramic balls known as undama (fortune balls) are thrown for good luck. Men throw the balls with their left hand while women throw them with their right hand. The kanji character for “fortune” is carved into each undama which can be purchased for a ceremonial fee.
The Ochichiiwa which is worshiped for safe childbirth
Known as a place for the legends of Japanese mythology, the cave where the main shrine building of Udo-jingu is located was the site where the goddess Toyotama-hime gave birth to the son of Yamasachihiko. He had been warned not to peek but due to worry Yamasachihiko took a peek and discovered that Toyotama-hime’s true form was a dragon. Toyotama-hime was deeply ashamed and saddened, and fled back to the sea. It is said that in her requests for her child to be loved and raised in good health, her own breasts were attached to the interior of the cave. Even now, in the cave behind the shrine building, two breast-shaped rocks known as Ochichiiwa remain which attract visitors who come to worship for safe childbirth. They are popular for the pure water that drips from them known as Ochichiame (Breast Rain), and when it is drunk by pregnant women, they can nurse their babies in a healthy manner. The site for the Ochichiame within the shrine is cooled in summer and heated in winter, and drinks are provided with the Ochichiame water mixed with ginger. The site has been worshiped since ancient times for a safe childbirth, nursing and good health.