Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks)

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Facts & Figures

Meoto-iwa or the "Wedded Rocks" is the name for a pair of sacred rocks in Futami Bay near Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu) and the Futami-Okitama Shrine. The larger rock with the white torii located on the left is 9m high and represents the husband (deity Izanagi). The smaller rock to the right is 4m high and represents the wife (deity Izanami). Both are creator deities in the Japanese mythology. They are connected by 5 big sacred shimenawa ropes (made of rice straw), which gets replaced 3times a year (in May, September and December). Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Ise and Toba Ryokan.
 Find Your Perfect Ryokan Now > One rope is 35m long/10cm in diameter and together they have a weight of nearly a ton. To replace the shimenawa ropes more than 50 men are needed to hang it over these 2 rocks. The rope stands for the marriage bond for these two gods. Couples come here to pray for a successful marriage. It is said that Meoto-iwa serves as a gateway to worship the sacred Okimitama Shinseki, a large under rock water formation 700m offshore. Okimitama Shinseki stands for the Great God of the Sun. My tip: During low tide it is possible to walk close to the two rocks.

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History

According to the Shinto legend the islands in the Japanese archipelago were created by the deities Izanami and Izanagi.
The shimenawa ropes ceremony started as early as the 14th century.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Meoto-iwa view of sunrise - This location is famous for watching a sunrise between the rocks with Mt. Fuji in the background (200km away). You can enjoy this spectacle from April to August.

Futami-Okitama Shrine - It is a Shinto Shrine right next to Meoto-iwa. You will find there many frog sculptures, which were donated by worshippers. Japanese people think these animals bring luck for those who are leaving for a pilgrimage. The Japanese word for frog is kaeru, which means return.

Ryugu Shrine - The small shrine is dedicated to the Ryujin, the dragon god of the seas.

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

May

Oshimenawa Harikae Shinji (5th)
The Shimenawa Renewal Festival takes place 3times a year. The replacing of the ropes is one of the most important festivals for this shrine.

September

Oshimenawa Harikae Shinji (5th)
The 2nd replacing of the ropes is one of the most important festivals for this shrine.

December

Oshimenawa Harikae Shinji (second or third weekend)
The 3rd replacing of the ropes is one of the most important festivals for this shrine.