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Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks) (Ise, Mie)

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Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks) (Ise, Mie)

Two large rocks standing close together like a married couple.

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Supervised by :  Futami Okitama Shrine

Meoto Iwa is famous for its two rocks standing side by side on the coast of Futamiura: the 30-foot-tall Male Rock and the 13-foot-tall Female Rock. Considered a symbol of marital harmony, it is also a spiritual site visited by many women praying for a good match and by couples. The rocks are regarded as a torii gate for worshiping the sacred Okitama Shinseki stone, enshrined beneath the sea about 2,300 feet offshore, and the rising sun. They have attracted worshipers since ancient times. Meoto Iwa can be viewed from the approach to Futami Okitama Shrine.

From May through July, the sun can be seen rising between the two rocks. On clear days around the summer solstice, visitors may even see the sun rise from behind distant Mount Fuji, drawing many photographers hoping to capture the moment. From fall through winter, the full moon can also be seen between the rocks, creating a highly photogenic scene.

A ritual to replace the large shimenawa sacred rope is held each year on May 5, September 5, and a Saturday and Sunday in mid-December, attracting many visitors. Meoto Iwa is also well known as a place to view the first sunrise of the year on New Year’s Day.

Highlights

  • The 30-foot-tall Male Rock and 13-foot-tall Female Rock standing side by side symbolize marital harmony.
  • Visitors can see the sun rise between the rocks from May through July and the full moon appear between them from fall through winter.
  • A ritual to replace the large shimenawa sacred rope is held three times each year.

Photos

  • Since ancient times, Japanese people have worshiped the sun as it rises between Meoto Iwa.

    Since ancient times, Japanese people have worshiped the sun as it rises between Meoto Iwa.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A

No.

Q

Are restrooms available?
A

Yes. They are located next to the vending machines at Futami Okitama Shrine and near the indoor waiting room.

Reviews

1

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Holly
    See More

    What I most wanted to see was the sunrise between the Meoto Iwa. This view isn't visible year-round, only around May to July each year, with the best time being around the summer solstice. If you're lucky and the weather and visibility are good enough, you may even see the distant Mount Fuji overlapping with the rising sun.
    However, the biggest problem with seeing the sunrise is transportation. Sunrise is very early, and it's basically impossible to get there from central Ise by public transportation. The more practical option is to stay near Futamiura the night before, but accommodations in the area are limited. Since my trip was very last-minute, I couldn't find anywhere I liked, so I had to give up on the sunrise for now. Instead, I went to worship in the afternoon and also visited the nearby Hinjitsukan, which was originally a lodging for members of Japan's Imperial Family when they visited Ise Jingu. I have to say, a royal inn really does have a different presence.

Details

Name in Japanese
夫婦岩
Postal Code
519-0602
Address
Futami Okitama Shrine, 575 E, Futami-cho, Ise, Mie
Phone
0596-43-2020 (Futami Okitama Shrine)
Closed on
Open year-round
Hours
Open at all times
Admission
Free
Access
15-minute walk from Futaminoura Station on the JR Sangu Line
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa