Meoto Iwa

Meoto Iwa (夫婦岩), or the Wedded Rocks, are a pair of sacred stones rising from the sea off the coast of Futami in Ise. The larger rock symbolizes the husband, the smaller the wife—together bound by a thick shimenawa rope that represents both the union of man and woman and the connection between the human and divine. This sacred rope is ceremonially replaced three times a year. The best time to view Meoto Iwa is at high tide, when the sea visually separates the rocks, heightening their symbolism. On rare, clear mornings in summer, the sun rises directly between the rocks, and if you're lucky, you may even glimpse Mount Fuji in the distance—making it a powerful and photogenic moment for early visitors.

Just steps from the coast stands Futami-Okitama Shrine, a revered Shinto site dedicated to various deities and known for its many frog statues. In Japanese, the word kaeru means both “frog” and “return,” making the frogs symbols of safe return—whether for travelers, lost items, or good fortune. Visitors can purchase frog-themed charms and traditional omikuji fortunes. A scenic walking path from the shrine leads eastward to Ryugu Shrine and eventually to Futami Plaza, where you’ll find shops, seaside cafés, and a small aquarium. Directly across from Meoto Iwa is the Hinjitsukan, a beautifully preserved former imperial guesthouse that now serves as a museum showcasing the region’s history of hospitality.