Meoto Iwa

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Meoto Iwa, the wedded rocks

Meoto Iwa. At low tide the sea recedes from around the rocks.

Meoto Iwa (夫婦岩, Meoto Iwa^?) or the Husband-and-Wife Rocks are a couple of small rocky stacks in the sea off Futami, Mie. They are joined by a shimenawa (a heavy rope of rice straw) and are considered sacred by worshippers at the neighbouring Okitama-jinja. In Shinto belief, the rocks represent the union of creator gods Izanagi and Izanami. The rocks therefore celebrate the union in marriage of man and woman. The rope, which weighs over a ton, must be replaced several times a year in a special ceremony. The larger rock, said to be male, has a small torii at its peak.

The best time to see the rocks is at dawn during the summer, when the sun appears to rise between them. Mount Fuji is distantly visible. At low tide the rocks are not separated by water.

Okitama Shrine is dedicated to a food goddess Miketsu. There are numerous statues of frogs around the shrine. The shrine and rocks are near the Grand Shrine of Ise, the most important Shinto location.