Futami Okitama Shrine

Perched on the rocky shoreline near Ise, this Shinto shrine is best known for the Meoto Iwa, a pair of sacred "wedded rocks" connected by a shimenawa rope, symbolizing the union of the creator gods Izanagi and Izanami. At sunrise during summer months, the sun rises directly between the rocks, and on very clear winter mornings Mt. Fuji is visible in the gap. The shrine grounds are peppered with charming frog statues, believed to ensure safe returns. It is a short detour from the Grand Shrines and works well as a coastal sunrise stop or an afternoon walk.