【Futami Okitama Shrine】Start your visit to Ise from Futami! The famous Meoto Iwa or the Wedded Rocks are also enshrined.

Be sure to stop by before visiting Ise Jingu Shrine!

Visiting Futamiura to purify oneself before going to Ise Jingu Shrine is called “hama-sangu,” and nowadays, instead of performing misogi (ritual purification), it is customary to visit Futami Okitama Shrine and receive “muku-shio-harai” (a purification ritual using salt). As a result, many people stop by before visiting Ise Jingu Shrine.

In addition, the main Meoto Iwa approach leading to the shrine is lined with rare, traditional Japanese inns and Hinjitsukan, a lodging facility built for the imperial family and important people, which retains the atmosphere of its original construction in 1887, adding to the charm of the area.

Receive blessings from the “Guiding God” before visiting Ise Jingu Shrine

In 1910, Okitama Shrine, which enshrines Sarutahiko Okami, and Sangu Shrine, which enshrines Uka-no-Mitama Okami, were combined, resulting in the current name, Futami Okitama Shrine. The history of the shrine began when the sacred shimenawa rope was attached to the Meoto Iwa rocks, and a place for distant worship of Okitama Shinseki was established. The shrine is known for blessings for family safety, traffic safety, and good fortune, as well as for thoroughly cleansing sins and impurities, making it a place to visit before worshipping at Ise Jingu Shrine. A ring-shaped shimenawa rope has been set up, and it is believed that rubbing your body against it will transfer impurities and negative aspects to the rope.

Sarutahiko Okami is also called the “God of Opening the Way” because he served as a guide between Takamagahara and Toyoashihara-no-Nakatsukuni when the grandson of the sun goddess descended to Earth. It seems that there is a blessing for showing the right path.

Of course, there are shrine stamps available, but many people may not know that there are currently two types. In fact, an old stamp design that was awarded in the early 1900s was discovered, and a reproduction of that design is being offered as a limited edition shrine stamp on the 23rd of each month (the day of Futami). If you’re collecting shrine stamps, don’t miss this opportunity! Please note that on the 23rd, the prepared shrine stamp paper will be given, so it might be a good idea to visit on a different day for that stamp.

Enjoy the special view of the lovingly nestled Meoto Iwa rocks

The Meoto Iwa rocks are so named because the two large and small rocks appear to be a couple snuggling together. The larger rock, which is nine meters tall, is called the male rock, and the smaller one, which is four meters tall, is called the female rock. They are connected by a thick and sturdy shimenawa rope that is 35 meters long. It’s easy to see why they have become a symbol of love, as they seem to represent the connection and bond between couples.

The rope is tightened three times a year during the Ooshimenawahari Shinji ceremony, accompanied by a powerful performance of traditional ceremonial songs by a large group of men. 

In the northeastern sea near the Meoto Iwa rocks, there is said to be a sacred stone associated with Sarutahiko Okami called Okitama Shinseki, which serves as a torii gate for worshipping the stone.

Another wonderful aspect of the Meoto Iwa is how they are in harmony with nature. In clear weather from spring to early summer (around May to July), you can see Mount Fuji between the rocks, and you can witness the spectacular view of the sunrise from Mount Fuji. From autumn to winter (November to January) on the day of the full moon, the moon floats between the rocks, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. Remember that the full moon day is the key point.

The Meoto Iwa rocks, which change their appearance depending on the season, caught the eye of Utagawa Hiroshige, a ukiyo-e artist, and it’s easy to understand why. Visiting the Meoto Iwa rocks is recommended not only for couples but also for families. However, since it is along the coast, the wind can be quite strong, so please be careful.

After worshipping, check out the legendary rock cave and return safely!

There is one more thing at Futami Okitama Shrine that you cannot miss. That is the many frogs found throughout the shrine’s grounds. These frogs are said to be the messengers of Sarutahiko Okami, and you can see them here and there if you look around.

At the temizuya (purification font), there is a Futami frog with water coming out of its mouth. Cleanse yourself before heading to the shrine. Green frogs can also be found in the water. The frog on the right is for men, and the one on the left, with many other frogs, is for women to splash water on as “a wish-granting frog.” As a frog is called kaeru that means “to return” in Japanese, it is said that the frogs were originally placed to ensure the safety of the travelers and sailors returning from Ise Shrine, but nowadays, various interpretations exist, such as “money returning” and “rejuvenation.” If you splash water on the frogs and make a wish, your wish may come true, so be sure to give it a try. This could be a sacred place for frog lovers.

There is also Ama no Iwaya, the rock cave where Amaterasu Omikami is said to have hidden. The truth is unknown as there are rock cave legends in various places, but if you look closely, you can see stairs inside, and the rock cave is visible in the back. Some people may feel a mysterious power here, so please check out this spiritual and legendary spot.

Don’t forget to visit Ryugu Shrine with its exterior that is reminiscent of the Dragon Palace as well. Because the area faces the sea and is prone to natural disasters like tsunamis, the sea god Watatsumi Okami is enshrined here for protection against maritime disasters. On the lunar calendar’s May 15th, a memorial service for tsunami victims and a ceremony for maritime safety are held in conjunction with the annual festival of Ryugu Shrine.