The Mystery of Akadono-chu: Inside Japan’s Mythical Red Palace
Japan’s landscape is dotted with locations where history and mythology bleed into one another. Among the myriad of legends recorded in the nation’s oldest chronicles, few are as poignant and visually striking as the story of the Akadono (Red Palace) and the dramatic events that transpired within it. Often referred to in cultural contexts regarding the interior mystery as Akadono-chu (Inside the Red Palace), this tale combines romance, tragedy, and the divine lineage of the Imperial family.
For the cultural traveler, understanding the legend of the Akadono is the key to unlocking the spiritual depth of the Nichinan Coast in Miyazaki Prefecture. In this article, we journey into the heart of this ancient myth and explore how it manifests in modern Japan.
Origins: What is the Akadono?
The term Akadono (赤殿) literally translates to “Red Palace” or “Red Hall.” In the context of Japanese folklore, it specifically refers to a parturition hut (a place built for childbirth) that appears in the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan).
According to the etymology, the “Red” does not necessarily refer to paint, but rather to the cormorant feathers used to thatch the roof. The ancient texts describe the hut as being only partially finished before the dramatic events of the legend took place. The suffix -chu (中) simply denotes “inside” or “the midst of,” pointing to the secretive and taboo nature of what happened inside this sacred space.
This location is not merely a fairy tale; it is geographically linked to Udo Jingu, a stunning shrine located in a sea cave south of Miyazaki City, overlooking the Hyuga Sea.
The Legend of Toyotama-hime
The story of the Akadono is central to the “Umisachi-Yamasachi” myth cycle. It begins when Hoori (also known as Yamasachi-hiko), a hunter and son of the deity Ninigi-no-Mikoto, travels to the undersea palace of the Dragon God (Ryūjin).
The Forbidden Gaze
There, Hoori marries the sea princess, Toyotama-hime. After living under the sea for several years, Hoori returns to the surface, and a pregnant Toyotama-hime soon follows, declaring she cannot bear the child of a heavenly deity in the ocean. She begins to build the Akadono on the shore, using cormorant feathers for the roof.
However, she goes into labor before the roof is finished. Before entering the Akadono-chu (the interior of the hut), she issues a stern warning to her husband:
“When a person of another land is about to give birth, they take the shape of their original land. Therefore, I will now take my original shape. Please, do not look at me.”
The Revelation
Overcome by curiosity and worry, Hoori breaks the taboo. He peeks inside the Red Palace. Instead of his beautiful wife, he sees a massive Wani (a creature often debated as being a shark or a crocodile) writhing in labor.
Shamed that her true form was seen, Toyotama-hime abandons the child—who would become the father of Japan’s first Emperor, Jimmu—and returns to the sea, sealing the boundary between the ocean and the land forever. The Akadono remains a symbol of this divine separation and the sanctity of childbirth.
Modern Culture and Udo Jingu
Today, the legend lives on at Udo Jingu. Unlike most shrines that look up toward the sky, Udo Jingu requires visitors to descend stone steps into a cavern on the edge of a cliff, symbolizing the descent into the womb or the undersea world.
A Shrine for Safe Childbirth
Because of the legend, the Akadono is inextricably linked to prayers for safe childbirth (Anzan), matchmaking, and parenting. Despite the tragic ending of the couple, Toyotama-hime is revered for leaving behind her “Ochichiiwa” (Breast Rocks)—two breast-shaped stalactites in the cave that are said to drip water to nourish her abandoned son.
Local culture in Miyazaki deeply respects this site. It is common to see young couples and expectant mothers visiting the shrine to pray for the health of their future children, keeping the spirit of the Red Palace alive.
Traveler’s Tips: Visiting the Red Palace
If you plan to visit the site of the Akadono legend, here is how to make the most of your trip to the Nichinan Coast.
1. The “Undama” Luck Test
Outside the main cave shrine, looking out over the crashing waves, you will see a target marked by a rope on a turtle-shaped rock (Kame-iwa) below. Visitors can purchase Undama (lucky clay balls).
- Men throw with their left hand.
- Women throw with their right hand. If your ball lands inside the rope target, your wish is said to come true.
2. Best Time to Visit
The contrast of the vermilion (red) shrine gates against the blue ocean and dark cave rock is most spectacular on sunny days. However, the atmosphere is most mystical during the early morning when the mist from the waves hangs in the air.
3. Access
Udo Jingu is located about 40km south of Miyazaki City.
- By Car: The most convenient method (approx. 60 mins from Miyazaki).
- By Bus: Take the local bus bound for Obi or Nichinan from Miyazaki Station.
Sources & Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of the Akadono legend and the lineage of the Japanese Imperial family, the following historical texts are essential:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): The oldest extant chronicle in Japan, detailing the age of the gods and the story of Hoori and Toyotama-hime.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Provides a slightly different variation of the myth, offering broader context on ancient Japanese statehood.
- Udo Jingu Official Records: Local shrine pamphlets often contain specific variations of the folklore unique to the Miyazaki region.