Meoto Iwa

Meoto Iwa (夫婦岩), also known as the “Wedded Rocks,” is a sacred site located off the coast of Futami in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. The name Meoto Iwa literally means “husband and wife rocks” in Japanese, and the site is believed to represent the union between the Shinto deities Izanagi and Izanami, who are considered the creators of Japan and the first couple in Japanese mythology.

Meoto Iwa consists of two rocks, a larger male rock (O-Iwa) standing 10 meters tall, and a smaller female rock (Me-Iwa) standing 4 meters tall, which are connected by a thick shimenawa rope (made of rice straw). The shimenawa rope is replaced three times a year in elaborate ceremonies (January, May, and September) performed by Shinto priests from the nearby Futami Okitama Shrine. The rocks are considered sacred and are worshipped by visitors to the site, who pray for good luck, marriage, and fertility.

The site is particularly picturesque during sunrise, especially in the summer months, when the sun rises directly between the two rocks, creating a breathtaking sight. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful sunsets, with the rocks silhouetted against the colorful sky.

The area around Meoto Iwa is home to several shrines, the most notable being the Futami Okitama Shrine (二見興玉神社), which is dedicated to the worship of the rocks and other deities. The shrine also enshrines the Sakakibara-hime no Mikoto, a sea goddess. Visitors to Meoto Iwa can easily access the site by taking a short walk from Futami Okitama Shrine. There are also several observation points located nearby, offering stunning views of the rocks and the surrounding coastline.

Getting there

By Train

1. Take the Sangu Line from JR Ise-shi Station
2. Get off at Futaminoura Station (about 8 minutes)
3. Walk about 15 minutes from Futaminoura Station

By Bus

• Take the CAN Bus from Kintetsu Toba Station
• Get off at “Meotoiwa Higashiguchi” bus stop

By Car

• About 15 minutes from Ise City