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Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks)
Meoto Iwa Rock of Ise, Japan at dusk
Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks)
Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks)
Ise

Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks)

4.4 (1738)Scenic SpotTourist AttractionPoint Of InterestEstablishment
Last updated Apr 17, 2026

Meoto Iwa, or the Wedded Rocks, are two sacred rocks located off the coast of Futami in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. The larger rock stands 9 meters tall, while the smaller measures 4 meters in height. These rocks are bound together by a heavy shimenawa (sacred rope) made of rice straw, weighing approximately 1 ton and measuring 35 meters in length.

The rocks hold profound significance in Shinto tradition and Japanese mythology. They represent the union of the creator deities Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, who according to ancient belief gave birth to the Japanese archipelago. The larger rock is considered male while the smaller is female, symbolizing matrimony and marital harmony. The site has been a place of worship for over 1,000 years and is closely associated with nearby Futami Okitama Shrine, which sits adjacent to the viewing area. On clear mornings, particularly between May and July, visitors can witness the sun rising between the two rocks with Mount Fuji visible in the distance, creating one of Japan's most iconic views.

Visitors can observe the rocks from the shore at Futami Okitama Shrine, where stone steps and viewing platforms provide excellent vantage points. The shrine grounds also house numerous frog statues, as frogs are considered messengers of the gods in this location. Small torii gates mark the sacred nature of the area, and visitors often come to pray for safe travels, marital happiness, and good fortune. The beach area allows for photography and quiet contemplation, with the sound of waves adding to the spiritual atmosphere. The site is particularly popular among couples and those seeking blessings for relationships.

Access to Meoto Iwa is straightforward from major cities. From Nagoya, take the JR or Kintetsu Line to Ise-shi Station or Futaminoura Station, with journey times of approximately 90 minutes. The rocks are located about 15 minutes by bus or 30 minutes on foot from Futaminoura Station. From Kyoto or Osaka, the journey takes roughly 2-3 hours via limited express trains. Many visitors combine this site with a trip to the nearby Ise Grand Shrine, one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines located just 15 minutes away by train.


Phone
+81 596-43-2020
Website
futamiokitamajinja.or.jp


The area

Address
575 Futamichōe, Ise, Mie 519-0602, Japan

Phone

+81 596-43-2020

Website

futamiokitamajinja.or.jp

What other travelers are saying about Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks)

Wedded rock is really a place for couple to make a wish together. Near shrine provides amulet options. The rare one is cleansing sand and sacred herb. These amulets purified your house and your mind. With inner peace, you can accomplish many things and live happily together. The glass loop here is for purify your body and cleanse out illness. You can let it touch your ill body part and pray. Then, leave it at the shrine or in front of the rock area. Frog here seems to be money related wish.

Nearby attractions to see

Oharaimachi

Oharaimachi

Ise Grand Shrine Geku

Geku (The Outer Shrine of Ise Jingu)

Sakuya Konohana Kan

Sakuya Konohana Kan

Ise Meirin Shopping Street

Ise Meirin Shopping Street, Mie

Nearby attractions to see

Oharaimachi

Oharaimachi

Ise Grand Shrine Geku

Geku (The Outer Shrine of Ise Jingu)

Sakuya Konohana Kan

Sakuya Konohana Kan

Ise Meirin Shopping Street

Ise Meirin Shopping Street, Mie


Day guides that include Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks)

Frequently Asked Questions

Meoto Iwa, also known as the Wedded Rocks, are two sacred rocks in the sea off the coast of Futami, Mie Prefecture, Japan. They are connected by a shimenawa (a sacred Shinto rope) and represent the union of the creator kami, Izanagi and Izanami.

The Meoto Iwa rocks hold cultural and spiritual significance in Shinto belief as they symbolize marital harmony and conjugal happiness. They are often visited by couples praying for a happy marriage.

Many visitors prefer to visit during summer solstice when the sun rises directly between the two rocks, creating a picturesque view. Additionally, at high tide, the rocks appear to 'float' on the water, enhancing their mystic allure.

The shimenawa connecting Meoto Iwa is replaced three times a year in a special ceremony. This ritual maintains its sanctity and involves local priests and community members who ensure that tradition is upheld.

Direct access to Meoto Iwa is not permitted as they are considered sacred. Visitors can view them from designated areas along the shore or from nearby observation points.
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Yù Fēng Jīn (KaiKai)
Oct 22, 2025
A very scenic spot away from lots of tourist. Came here on a cloudy morning so it was really nice to walk around. Besides the wedded rocks, there are also other attractions such as temples, shrines and also shops to buy some local products. The only downside here is there is not many taxis around. To go around this area, you will need to rely on busses or train.
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Walter Aaron
May 25, 2025
Meoto Iwa is located 15 min walk from Futamiura Station It is two rock outcrop linked with a rope (Shimenawa). The larger rock is husband and the smaller rock represent the wife. The rock behind the husband and wife is the frog. The two rock symbolize happy marriage and fertility. This is a popular location for sunrise. There are many frog status around the temple. It will bring good fortune. Not many public transport around this area. It will be better to drive. The waves might be strong and may splash onto the walkway. This is a good location for sunrise.
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Kam Hoe Chaw (Super Good)
Mar 23, 2025
Very breathtaking. Good place to watch sunrise.
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Leslie Tang
Feb 25, 2026
In the winter, it's very cold and windy, but worthy. Not crowded on Friday afternoon. We took CAN bus from Naiku-mae to Ise Sea Paradise -mae, approx. 26 minutes, then passed through a carpark, and Futamiura Jinja Shrine. The Wedded Rocks were in the sea off Futami Okitama Jinja Shrine. The 9-meter husband rock and the 4-meter wife rock are joined by a Shimenawa (thick rice straw) rope. It the past, Japanese thought theres rocks were a gate separating the divine world from the human world. Now, they represent happy marriage. The rope will be renewed every May, September, and December. From May to July: The sun rises exactly between 2 rocks. From November to January: The full moon appears between 2 rocks Transport: 1) Mie Kotsu Bus CAN bus (or Bus 41 from Iseshi station To Toba), get off at Ise Sea Paradise-mae, 2)15 minutes walks from JR Futaminoura station, 3) by car, free carparks available.
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Sze Mei NG
Dec 28, 2024
Meoto Iwa Rock of Ise, Japan at dusk
How to Spend a Day on a Day Trip to Ise from Kyoto
Ise is a peaceful and spiritual town in Mie Prefecture, best known for Ise Jingu, Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine. It’s a perfect day trip from Kyoto if you want to experience traditional culture, beautiful forests, and local food in a calm, less c…