Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks)
Meoto Iwa (夫婦岩, the Wedded Rocks) are two sacred rocks in the ocean near Futami, a small town in Ise City. The larger of the two rocks represents the husband and the smaller one represents the wife. Both rocks are connected by a shimenawa rope which acts as the division between the spiritual and earthly realms. In a ceremony, the shimenawa rope is replaced three times a year.
Visitors are advised to visit the Meoto Iwa during high tide when the rocks are actually separated by water. More difficult to catch is the famous view of the sun rising between the two rocks on a fine summer morning. If you are in favor with the gods, you get both the sun rising between the rocks at high tide plus the silhouette of Mt.Fuji in the distance. Visibility needs to be extraordinarily good in order for the iconic mountain to be visible.
Not far from the Meoto Iwa is the Futami-Okitama Shrine, where a number of shinto deities (kami) are enshrined. Many frog sculptures can be seen in the vicinity of the shrine as they are believed to be a type of charm for bringing people or things back. The term for frog in Japanese (kaeru) uses the same phonetic term for the verb "return". There is a small shop not far from the shrine that sells amulets and fortune telling paper slips (omikuji)
The path that leads to the rocks carries on eastwards, passing another small shrine, the Ryugu Shrine which is dedicated to the dragon god of the seas. The pathway ends at Futami Plaza, a souvenir and restaurant complex that also features a small, aging aquarium. A stone's throw from Meoto Iwa on the opposite side is the Hinjitsukan, a former accomodation for important guests visiting the Ise shrines, which is now opened to the public as a museum.
Getting there and around
The rocks are a 15 minute walk from JR Futaminoura Station, which can be reached by JR trains in less than 10 minutes from Iseshi Station (210 yen one way, hourly departures). Alternatively, the rocks can be accessed by the CAN buses.
How to get to and around the Shima Peninsula
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Ise Shima
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Kamenoi Hotel TobaA luxury hotel with 13 types of guestrooms and lavish dining options featuring fresh seafood, Japanese spiny lobster, and Matsuzaka beef. Located near popular sites in Ise-Shima, including Ise Shrine.View siteSponsored
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Guesthouse Ise FutamiGuesthouse Ise Futami, a property with a shared lounge, is located in Ise, 8.6 km from Ise Grand Shrine, 8.2 km from Oharai-machi, as well as 1.9 km from Futamiokitama Shrine. This guest house provides free private parking, a shared kitchen and free WiFi. The accommodation offers luggage storage space, a housekeeping service and organising tours for guests. Some units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, washing machine and a kettle, as well as a fully equipped kitchen. In some units there is a dressing room for guests to change in. The area is popular for cycling and fishing, and bike hire is available at this 1-star guest house. Sun Arena is 2.5 km from the guest house, while Ise Azuchi-Momoyama Culture Village is 2.7 km away. The nearest airport is Nagoya Airport, 149 km from Guesthouse Ise Futami.View on Booking.com -
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HoshidekanLocated 500 metres from Kintetsu Iseshi Train Station, Hoshidekan Ryokan (a member of the Japanese Inn Group) is a wooden building that was built in the 1920's and provides Japanese-style rooms with free WiFi, an LCD TV and traditional futon bedding. It has shared bath and a courtyard garden. Rooms at Hoshidekan have paper screens, a tatami (woven-straw) floor and a low wooden table. An air conditioner, slippers and green tea are provided. Bathrooms, toilets and washroom are shared. The Geku Ise Shrine is a 18-minute walk from the hotel. On-site parking is free and requires a reservation. The hotel has baths that can be reserved for private use, and a free-use internet station is provided at the lobby. A coin launderette is available. Guests staying with a meal plan will be served Japanese breakfast in the dining room.View on Booking.com -
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Ise Guest House Sora5.2 km from Ise Grand Shrine, Ise Guest House Sora is a recently renovated property set in Ise and offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking. It is located 4.2 km from Oharai-machi and features luggage storage space. Parking on-site is available and the guest house also provides free use of bicycles for guests who want to explore the surrounding area. All units at the guest house come with a seating area. The units are equipped with a safety deposit box and certain rooms here will provide you with river views. The units feature a shared bathroom, slippers and bed linen. There is a coffee shop on-site. Ise Shrine Geku is 1.5 km from the guest house, while Matsuo Kannonji Temple is 2.1 km away. The nearest airport is Nagoya Airport, 143 km from Ise Guest House Sora.View on Booking.com -
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Hinode RyokanConveniently located just a 2-minute walk from Iseshi Train Station, Hinode Ryokan is Japanese-style accommodation with a historic charm. Ise-jingu Shrine’s Geku (outer shrine) is a 5-minute walk away. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Ise-jingu Shrine’s Naiku (inner shrine) is a 20-minute bus ride away. Futami Sea Paradise Aquarium can be reached within a 25-minute walk. Fitted with tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding, each room comes with facilities like a flat-screen TV, a fridge and an electric kettle. Guests can unwind at a seating area with a low table and cushions. Bathroom and toilets are shared with other guests. Ryokan Hinode offers bicycle rental services on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests can enjoy playing table tennis on site, and drinks vending machines are available. Traditional Japanese set meal can be served for breakfast in the privacy of the guestroom. There are many restaurants around the property, as well.View on Booking.com -
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Ise Guest House KazamiIse Guest House Kazami is set in Ise, within 5.8 km of Ise Grand Shrine and 3.5 km of Oharai-machi. Featuring a bar, the 2-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. Private parking is available on site. The units feature bed linen. Ise Shrine Geku is less than 1 km from the hostel, while Matsuo Kannonji Temple is 2.8 km away. Nagoya Airport is 143 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Weekly Mansion Ise No.6Located within 5.8 km of Ise Grand Shrine and 3.6 km of Oharai-machi, Weekly Mansion Ise No.6 provides rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Ise. It is situated 1 km from Ise Shrine Geku and features luggage storage space. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The accommodation comes with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bath, shower and slippers, while the kitchenette features a microwave, a toaster and a fridge. There is also a stovetop, kitchenware and a kettle. At the aparthotel, every unit includes bed linen and towels. Matsuo Kannonji Temple is 2.7 km from the aparthotel, while Sarutahiko Shrine is 3.1 km away. Nagoya Airport is 143 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Comfort Hotel IseSet within 5.9 km of Ise Grand Shrine and 3.6 km of Oharai-machi, Comfort Hotel Ise offers rooms in Ise. With free bikes, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Private parking is available on site. At the hotel, each room is fitted with a desk and a flat-screen TV. At Comfort Hotel Ise all rooms have bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at the accommodation. Speaking English and Japanese, staff at the 24-hour front desk can help you plan your stay. Ise Shrine Geku is less than 1 km from Comfort Hotel Ise, while Matsuo Kannonji Temple is 2.8 km from the property. Nagoya Airport is 143 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Toyoko Inn Iseshi EkiToyoko Inn Iseshi Eki is situated in Ise, 7.1 km from Ise Grand Shrine and 4.8 km from Oharai-machi. With a shared lounge, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Free private parking is available and the hotel also features a shuttle service for guests who want to explore the surrounding area. At the hotel, rooms include a desk and a flat-screen TV. At Toyoko Inn Iseshi Eki rooms have bed linen and towels. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at the accommodation. Staff at Toyoko Inn Iseshi Eki are always available to provide advice at the reception. Ise Shrine Geku is 1.3 km from the hotel, while Matsuo Kannonji Temple is 4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Nagoya Airport, 129 km from Toyoko Inn Iseshi Eki.View on Booking.com -
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Tabist Asanokan Annex Iroha IseFeaturing 3-star accommodation, Tabist Asanokan Annex Iroha Ise is located in Ise, 10 km from Ise Grand Shrine and 9.3 km from Oharai-machi. The property is set 700 metres from Futamiokitama Shrine, 2 km from Matsushita Shrine and 2.1 km from Ise Azuchi-Momoyama Culture Village. Matsuo Kannonji Temple is 6.2 km from the hotel and Dolphin Island is 10 km away. At the hotel each room has air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. Sun Arena is 3.4 km from Tabist Asanokan Annex Iroha Ise, while Makonde Art Museum is 4.2 km away. The nearest airport is Nagoya Airport, 150 km from the accommodation.View on Booking.com -
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Sanco Inn Iseshi-Ekimae ShikinoyuSanco Inn Iseshi-Ekimae Shikinoyu is located in Ise, 6.4 km from Ise Grand Shrine and 4.1 km from Oharai-machi. Among the facilities at this property are a shared lounge and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Sarutahiko Shrine is 3.6 km away and Ise-Shima Nat'l Park is 6.4 km from the hotel. Ise Shrine Geku is 800 metres from the hotel, while Matsuo Kannonji Temple is 3.3 km away. Nagoya Airport is 143 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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