What other travelers are saying about Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks)
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.
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.
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.
It's quite a romantic place to visit, two rocks married to each other, destined to oversee such a beautiful coastline together for eternity.
Come here during sunset, if you're lucky you'll get an epic photo. We caught clouds, but it was still very neat to see the famed rocks for ourselves.
Calm location facing the sea. The wedded rocks stood connected by large ropes. This was not a good location to observe the sunset. Not busy during winter day.
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.
