Meoto Iwa, the ‘Wedded Rocks’, are two sea stones off the coast of Futami near Ise, joined by a great shimenawa rope of rice straw and revered as a symbol of the sacred union of the creator deities Izanagi and Izanami — and of marriage and harmony ever since. The larger ‘husband’ rock wears a small torii on its crown, and the pair belong to nearby Futami Okitama Shrine, a traditional place of purification before visiting Ise Jingu. The rope is ceremonially replaced three times a year, and in early summer the sun rises dramatically between the two rocks, drawing photographers at dawn.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Futami, Ise, Mie |
| Hours | Always visible; shrine grounds daytime |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | 30–60 minutes |
| Best time | May–July sunrise; year-round |
What to See
- The Wedded Rocks joined by their great sacred rope.
- The small torii crowning the larger ‘husband’ rock.
- Summer sunrise rising between the two stones.
- Futami Okitama Shrine and its frog messengers.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Ise Jingu , traditionally after purifying here.
- Pair with Toba Aquarium further along the coast.
- Read our Mie overview .
Getting There
- By train: JR to Futaminoura Station, then a ~15-minute walk to the shore.
- By car: parking near Futami Okitama Shrine.
Tips
For the iconic shot of the sun rising between the rocks, come at dawn between roughly May and July, when the alignment works and Mount Fuji can even appear on the clearest mornings; the rest of the year the rope and torii still make a fine visit. Traditionally pilgrims purified here before Ise, so it pairs naturally as a first stop on an Ise itinerary.
