Bungo Futamigaura

Located along the coast of Saiki City at the southeastern tip of Oita Prefecture, this symbolic sightseeing spot draws many visitors year-round.

It's especially popular on January 1st as a place to view the first sunrise of the year (hatsuhinode). The two rocks, one large and one small, are connected by a sacred shimenawa that functions as a torii gate. The rope measures approximately 65 meters in length, weighs about 2 tons, and has a maximum diameter of around 75 centimeters. In 1994, its massive scale earned it a place in the Guinness Book of Records: first-time visitors are invariably astonished by its grandeur.

The sacred rope is replaced annually on the second Sunday of December by local volunteers. About 4 tons of straw are sent from Ogi Town in Taketa City; Saiki's sister town from the former Kamiyamaura era, and over 400 people join the effort to prepare for the New Year.

Besides the New Year sunrise, the site is a popular photography spot for sunrise views. The best chances to capture the sun rising directly between the rocks are around March 3 (around 6:40 a.m.) or October 10 (around 6:14 a.m.), with March being particularly popular due to the newly replaced rope.

In addition to the sunrise, the nighttime illumination is another highlight. Every year from December 24 to January 4, the rocks are beautifully lit up. During winter, the illuminated Meoto Iwa against the early morning or night sky is a sight worth remembering.