About Futami Okitama Shrine
Futami Okitama Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Futami-cho, Ise City, Mie Prefecture. It has long been a place of worship as a site for “Hama-sangu,” a ritual of purification before visiting Ise Grand Shrine.
Within the shrine grounds, which offer a panoramic view of the sea, stand the symbolic “Meoto-iwa” (Married Couple Rocks), a place to worship the sacred stone of Sarutahiko-no-Okami, “Okitama-shinseki,” which lies submerged approximately 700 meters offshore.
Deities and History
The main deity is Sarutahiko-no-Okami. Known as the god of guidance who led the descent of the heavenly grandchild, he is revered as a god of traffic safety and good fortune.
In the auxiliary shrine, Ukanomitama-no-Okami is enshrined, and is believed to bring blessings of abundant harvests and business prosperity.
Highlights of Meoto-iwa (Married Couple Rocks)
What are Meoto-iwa?
The main attraction on the temple grounds is the Meoto-iwa (Married Couple Rocks). The sight of two rocks, one large and one small, bound together by a large sacred rope (O-shimenawa), is a beloved symbol of married couples and couples.
- Male Rock (Large Rock): Approximately 9 meters high
- Female Rock (Small Rock): Approximately 4 meters high
- Large Shimenawa: 35 meters long, 10 centimeters thick, weighing approximately 40 kilograms
The large sacred rope is replaced annually on May 5th, September 5th, and on a Saturday or Sunday in December, with a Shinto ritual taking place.
A Stunning Sunrise Spot
The sunrise rising between the Meoto-iwa is famous as a spectacular sight. Especially from May to July, the sight of the sun rising between the Meoto-iwa attracts many worshippers and photography enthusiasts.
Around the summer solstice, the sun rises from the direction of Mount Fuji, so if conditions are right, you can witness the mystical sight of Meoto-iwa (Husband and Wife Rocks), Mount Fuji, and the rising sun aligned in a straight line.
Lots of Frogs! Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
The Faith of Safe Return
The grounds of Futami Okitama Shrine are dotted with various frog statues and sculptures. This is because the frog is considered the messenger of Sarutahiko-no-Okami, the enshrined deity.
Due to wordplay with “frog” (kaeru), such as “safe return,” “money return,” and “rejuvenation,” it is believed to bring blessings for traffic safety, improved financial luck, and rejuvenation.
The Feast of Fulfillment
In front of the main hall is a frog statue called “The Feast of Fulfillment.” It is said that if you pour water on it and pray, your wish will come true. Many frog figurines brought by worshippers have also been dedicated, creating a unique landscape.
Points to Note When Visiting
Order of Worship
- Purify at the Water Basin: Purify your hands and mouth at the water basin where water flows from the mouth of a frog.
- Worship at the Main Shrine: Pray to Sarutahiko-no-Okami with two bows, two claps, and one bow.
- Pour Water on the Wish-Fulfilling Frog: Pour water on the frog while making a wish.
- View the Married Couple Rocks: View the Married Couple Rocks from the promenade along the coast.
- Worship the Okutama Sacred Stone: Pray towards the sacred stone located in the sea beyond the Married Couple Rocks.
Goshuin (Shrine Seal) and Amulets
Goshuin are available at the shrine office. Goshuin notebooks featuring the Married Couple Rocks are also popular.
Popular Amulets:
- Matchmaking Amulet: An amulet for matchmaking, inspired by the Meoto Iwa (Married Couple Rocks)
- Traffic Safety Amulet: The blessings of guidance from Sarutahiko Okami
- Safe Return Amulet: A traffic safety amulet with a frog motif
Blessings
Futami Okitama Shrine is said to offer the following blessings:
- Matchmaking & Marital Harmony: Benefits associated with the Meoto Iwa (Married Couple Rocks)
- Traffic Safety & Opening the Way: The guiding power of Sarutahiko Okami
- Good Fortune & Prosperity: Opening the path of life
- Exorcism & Purification: A place for purification before visiting Ise Grand Shrine
- Family Safety: Deepening family bonds
Access Information
Access by Train
Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Sangū Line “Futamiura Station”
- From Nagoya: Transfer to the Sangū Line at JR/Kintetsu “Ise-shi Station”
- From Osaka: Transfer to the JR Sangū Line at Kintetsu “Ujiyamada Station”
The path from the station to the shrine follows the coastline. Souvenir shops and restaurants line the way.
Access by Car
- Approximately 10 minutes from the Ise IC on the Ise Expressway
- Parking: Paid parking available around the shrine (approximately 300 yen per visit)
- Early morning visits are recommended due to crowds during peak seasons.
Access by Bus
Get off at the “Meotoiwa Higashiguchi” bus stop on the CAN bus (Ise City Community Bus).
Notes on Visiting
- Visiting Hours: Grounds are open freely (Shrine office is usually open from 8:30 to 17:00)
- Estimated Time Required: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour for a leisurely visit
- Attire: As it is located along the coast, it is advisable to bring a light jacket on windy days.
- Photography: Photography of Meotoiwa (Married Couple Rocks) is permitted, but photography may be prohibited inside the main shrine.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
- Futami Sea Paradise: Approximately 5 minutes on foot, an aquarium where you can interact with marine animals.
- Ise Grand Shrine (Naiku): Approximately 15 minutes by car
- Okage Yokocho: Approximately 20 minutes by car, a popular food spot in Ise
Futami Okitama Shrine is recommended to visit in conjunction with a visit to Ise Grand Shrine. The route of watching the sunrise in the early morning before heading to Ise Grand Shrine is considered the formal and traditional way of worship.
