Frequently Asked Questions
English answers are machine-translated from the property's Japanese information. Please confirm important details with the property directly.
Or browse the answers we’ve already prepared below.
These answers were written by AI from the property's official website. The property has not checked them. Collected on September 28, 2026. Prices and times may be out of date, so please confirm anything important with the property.
Access (2)
What is the Yayoi Bridge? Can I drive across it?
The Yayoi Bridge crosses from Aoshima Beach to the island itself. It is a pedestrian-priority road, so cars cannot be taken onto the island; you walk across to reach the shrine. The bridge itself gives a fine view of the Devil's Washboard.
How do I get there by train or bus?
Get off at Aoshima Station on the JR Nichinan Line and walk about 10 minutes (about 800 m) to the Yayoi Bridge. From Miyazaki Station the journey takes about 25 minutes. By bus, take a service towards Aoshima from central Miyazaki.
ご利益 (1)
What blessings is Aoshima Shrine known for?
It is said to bring good matches and marriage, safe childbirth and safety at sea. It is the setting of the myth of Umisachihiko and Yamasachihiko, and as the place where Yamasachihiko (Hikohohodemi-no-Mikoto) and Toyotamahime were united it is known as a sacred site for matchmaking.
Time needed (1)
How long should I allow?
About 7-10 minutes from the Yayoi Bridge to the main shrine building. Allowing for a walk round the grounds, prayers and the matchmaking customs, about 60-90 minutes in all. Going on to the Motomiya takes longer.
Photography (1)
Can I take photographs freely?
Photography in the grounds is generally free. There are many photogenic spots, including the Devil's Washboard, the Yayoi Bridge and the heart motifs in the grounds, and the shrine is popular on Instagram.
Prices (1)
Is there an admission or worship fee for Aoshima Shrine?
Worship is free, and crossing the Yayoi Bridge onto the island is also free. Amulets and goshuin stamps are bought individually.
Highlights (3)
What is the Devil's Washboard?
It is the popular name for the strange rock formations around Aoshima. Officially the raised seabed and eroded rock formations of Aoshima, they are a national natural monument. Strata formed under the sea were uplifted at an angle and eroded by wind and waves into a jagged, washboard-like surface.
I heard the whole island is a special natural monument. What does that mean?
The whole of Aoshima is designated a national special natural monument as a habitat of tropical and subtropical plants. More than 200 plant species have been recorded on the island, which is known as the northernmost stand of palm family plants in the northern hemisphere.
Are there recommended matchmaking spots or ways to pray?
There are plenty of matchmaking customs: the tunnel of votive tablets known as the Inori-no-Komichi, tying a paper cord with your wish written on it to the paired biro palms, throwing earthenware discs at the sacred rock enclosure (a wish comes true if one lands inside), and love fortunes. Hunting for the heart-shaped inome motifs in the grounds is also popular.
Parking (1)
Is there parking?
Cars cannot be driven onto the island. There are several free and paid car parks around Aoshima Beach. It is only about 10 minutes' walk from JR Aoshima Station, so coming by train is convenient.
Other (6)
How do I get there?
About 10 minutes' walk from Aoshima Station on the JR Nichinan Line (about 800 m to Aoshima Beach). By car, about 15 minutes from Miyazaki IC via National Route 220, or about 15 minutes from Miyazaki Airport.
What are the opening hours?
Worship: 6:00 until sunset. Amulets and goshuin stamps: 8:00-17:00 (except over the New Year period).
When is it closed?
Never.
Is there parking?
Parking is not available.
What is the address?
2-13-1 Aoshima, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture
How much is admission?
Free.