Meoto Iwa
About This Destination
Meoto Iwa, the Wedded Rocks, are a pair of sacred sea stacks located off the coast of Futami in Ise City, connected by a heavy shimenawa rope that symbolizes the sacred bond between husband and wife. The larger rock, representing the husband, stands nine meters tall while the smaller wife rock reaches four meters. The rocks are part of the grounds of Futami Okitama Shrine, which sits along the shore and is dedicated to the deity Sarutahiko. Between May and July, the rising sun can be seen framed perfectly between the two rocks, creating one of Japan's best-known sunrise views. Traditionally, visitors to Ise Grand Shrine would purify themselves in the sea at Futami before making their pilgrimage, making this site an important spiritual waypoint for centuries.
Location
Prefecture: Mie
Address: Ise, Mie, Japan
Nearest Station: Futaminoura Station
Best time to visit: May to July for sunrise between the Wedded Rocks; the sacred rope is changed three times a year
Visitor Information
Credit Cards: Unknown
Food Options: The nearby Futami shopping street offers traditional Japanese sweets and Ise udon noodles.
Access
Mie, Japan
Get DirectionsFrequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Meoto Iwa?
From Ise take the JR Sangu Line to Futaminoura Station, then about a 15-minute walk to the seafront.
What are the Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks)?
Two sacred rocks off the Futami coast joined by a heavy shimenawa rope, representing the union of the creator deities Izanagi and Izanami; the rope is ceremonially replaced a few times a year.
When is the best time to see Meoto Iwa?
Around summer the sun rises between the rocks; many visitors pair it with a pilgrimage to the nearby Ise Grand Shrine, of which Futami is a traditional purification stop.
Nearby Destinations
🗼 Other Landmark in Mie
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