Meoto Iwa, Sacred rocks at Futami Okitama Shrine, Japan
Meoto Iwa consists of two rocky outcrops standing in the ocean waters near the Ise coastline, held together by thick braided ropes made from rice straw. The larger formation rises roughly 9 meters above the water while the smaller stands around 4 meters, each serving as a focal point for visitors seeking to understand this sacred site.
In Japanese mythology, the two rocks embody Izanagi and Izanami, the primordial divine pair credited with creating the islands of Japan. The practice of binding them with sacred ropes emerged as a way to maintain their spiritual connection and has been sustained through many centuries.
The pair of rocks joined by sacred ropes holds deep meaning in Japanese traditions about marriage and partnership. Visitors witness how spiritual beliefs are expressed through this simple yet powerful connection that has drawn people for centuries.
Visitors can reach the site from Futaminoura Station with a short walk, and viewing areas are available for watching the rocks throughout the day. Early morning or sunset hours provide the best lighting for photography and observation of the seascape.
The ropes binding the rocks are replaced three times yearly through community ceremonies, connecting residents to centuries of tradition. These replacements happen in spring, fall, and winter, making the site a living practice rather than simply a historical monument.
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