Meotoiwa Rocks (Futami-cho, Ise City, Mie Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Meotoiwa (Married Couple Rocks) are two rocks located on Futamiura Beach in Futami-cho, Ise City, Mie Prefecture. They are a scenic spot and a place of worship, tied together in the middle with a thick shimenawa rope. They are often associated with faith in Mount Fuji and the creation myth of Japan (Izanagi and Izanami), and the pair of male and female rocks are considered symbols of "marriage," "marriage," and "safety within the home." The view of the sunrise rising between the rocks is particularly famous, attracting many worshippers and photography enthusiasts.

Highlights

• Meoto Iwa Rocks: A view of a large rock (male rock) and a small rock (female rock) tied together with a thick rope. The sunsets, sunrises, and the spray of the waves during stormy weather are also impressive.
• Sunrise (Sunrise at Meoto Iwa Rocks): The moment when the sun rises between the rocks is especially popular. The view changes depending on the season and the position of the sunrise.
• Futami Okitama Shrine: A nearby shrine that offers worship services and tourist information. Within the shrine grounds are stones and statues with a frog motif, which are considered symbols of safe return and matchmaking.
• Coastal Walking Path: You can walk along the sandy beach and breakwater, feeling the sea breeze as you stroll. You can also enjoy the distant view of the sea and the fishing boats.
• Seasonal events: You can experience local traditional events such as the changing of shimenawa ropes and shrine festivals (dates will be confirmed on a case-by-case basis).

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Train + Walk: The nearest station is Futamiura Station on the JR Sangu Line. It is about a 10-15 minute walk from the station to the beach and Meoto Iwa Rocks.
• From Ise City: From Ise City Station (JR/Kintetsu), take a bus or taxi towards Futaminoura for approximately 15 to 25 minutes. Please check the timetable for route and number of buses.
• By car: Accessible from the Ise area via national and prefectural roads. There are parking lots (both paid and free) nearby, but they tend to fill up during peak seasons, so it's recommended to arrive early.
• Tourist buses and tours: This is a spot that is often visited on day trips combined with Ise Shrine.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Short visit: 20-30 minutes (photographing the Meoto Iwa rocks and walking around the area)
• A leisurely stroll and visit: Approximately 1 hour (including a visit to Futami Okitama Shrine and a stroll around the area)
• Sunrise viewing: 1-2 hours before sunrise (allowing for extra time to photograph the sunrise and to allow for time for crowds)

Nearby spots

• Futami Okitama Shrine: An ancient shrine located right next to the Meoto Iwa Rocks. It is famous for its sea-related beliefs and frog statues.
• Ise Grand Shrine (Naiku and Geku): Accessible by car or public transport. The central spot for sightseeing in Ise.
• Toba (Aquarium and Port): Accessible by car from Ise. Enjoy Toba Aquarium and water sightseeing.
• Meotoiwa Omotesando/Souvenir Shops: This is a row of souvenir shops and restaurants selling local seafood and Ise specialties, such as dried fish, Ise udon noodles, and seaweed-related products.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• Crowds: It gets very crowded during peak tourist seasons (Golden Week, summer vacation, autumn foliage season, New Year's holidays, etc.) and at sunrise and sunset times. If you're aiming to see the sunrise, be sure to arrive early and dress warmly.
• Manners: Please refrain from eating, drinking, shouting, or leaving trash behind within the shrine grounds. Please observe proper worship etiquette. Approaching or landing on the rocks themselves is prohibited, so please follow any no-trespassing signs.
• Safety: The coast can be slippery in places and the waves can be high on some days. Be careful when shooting on wet rocks or breakwaters as there is a risk of falling or being swept away.
• Clothing and Preparation: If you are waiting for the sunrise, it can be chilly in the early morning, so bring warm clothes. In summer, the sun can be strong and the sea breeze can be intense, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
• Events such as changing the shimenawa: The shimenawa are changed periodically, and the work area may be restricted during these times. Please check the shrine's information desk for event dates.
• Drones, etc.: Drones are often prohibited within shrine grounds and during crowded times, so please check in advance and follow the rules.

The Meoto Iwa Rocks are a must-see spot for tourists visiting Ise, where natural scenery and faith come together in harmony. The rocks' appearance changes dramatically depending on the season and time of day, so they are even more captivating if you visit on a clear day in the morning or evening, or on a day when religious ceremonies are held.