Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks, Futami Okitama Shrine)

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History & Origins

The deities of Futami Okitama Shrine are Sarutahiko Okami (Okitama Okami) and Ukanomitama Okami. Before worshipping at Ise Jingu, many pilgrims had long visited Futamigaura as a place of 'misogi' (ritual purification), and purification on the beach became a custom. The sunrise on the summer solstice is said to rise between the Wedded Rocks.

Highlights

At the 'Oshimenawa Hari Shinji' (great sacred rope replacement ritual), held three times a year (May, September and December), you can watch the ceremony in which the rope is replaced with a new great sacred rope 35 m long. Around the summer solstice, you can see the sun rise between the Wedded Rocks.

Visitor Guide

About a 15-minute walk from Futamiura Station on the Kintetsu Toba Line and JR Sangu Line. A common route combines the visit with worship at the Outer Shrine (Geku) and Inner Shrine (Naiku) of Ise Jingu. Many votive frog statues line the grounds, and they are beloved for the wordplay on 'kaeru' (frog) and 'buji kaeru' (return safely).

Best Season

On early mornings around the summer solstice (around June 20), you can enjoy the special sight of the sun rising between the Wedded Rocks. The great sacred rope replacement ritual (May, September, December) is popular as a ritual highlight.

Blessings

Annual Events

• May

  Oshimenawa-hari Shinji (Great Sacred Rope Replacement Rite, May)

  A rite held on May 5 in which the great sacred rope (about 35 m long) joining the Wedded Rocks is replaced with a new one. It is a traditional event carried out with the cooperation of local people.

• June

  Geshisai (Summer Solstice Festival)

  A rite held early in the morning on the summer solstice. Worshippers pray to the sunrise appearing between the Wedded Rocks, and many visitors come.

• July

  Futami Taisai (Futami Grand Festival)

  The annual grand festival of Futami Okitama Shrine, held on July 15.

• September

  Oshimenawa-hari Shinji (Great Sacred Rope Replacement Rite, September)

  A rite held on September 5 in which the great sacred rope of the Wedded Rocks is replaced with a new one.

• December

  Oshimenawa-hari Shinji (Great Sacred Rope Replacement Rite, December)

  The last rite of the year, held in December, in which the great sacred rope of the Wedded Rocks is replaced with a new one.

Travel Plan

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