Ochichi Ame is a traditional candy and a well-known specialty of Udo Shrine in Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture. The shrine is revered for blessings related to matchmaking, marital harmony, and safe childbirth. This candy is associated with the legend of Princess Toyotama, a central figure in the Japanese myth of the Sea God and the Mountain God.
According to local tradition, Ochichi Ame is believed to bring blessings related to breastfeeding and the supply of breast milk. For this reason, it has long been regarded as a meaningful treat for expectant and new mothers. This is a traditional belief associated with the shrine’s legend rather than a medically established effect.
The candy is made with cornstarch and sugar, combined with sacred water known as “Ochichi-mizu,” which is carefully brought from Udo Shrine. The water comes from a sacred rock called “Ochichi-iwa,” located deep inside the cave where the shrine’s main sanctuary stands.
Ochichi-iwa has rounded protrusions resembling a woman’s breasts, and clear water drips from the rock. According to legend, when Princess Toyotama left her child behind and returned to the sea, she left this water as a substitute for her breast milk so that the child could be nourished.
The sacred water and the story of Princess Toyotama give Ochichi Ame a special connection to the mythology of Udo Shrine. Made from simple ingredients, the candy has a gentle, nostalgic sweetness.
Visitors to Udo Shrine can discover this traditional confection while learning about the legends associated with the shrine and its sacred cave. It is a distinctive local souvenir that connects Miyazaki’s food culture with stories passed down through generations.