Meoto Iwa

Sacred pair of offshore rocks tied together by a heavy Shinto rope.

Meoto Iwa, the Wedded Rocks, are two rocks just off the Futami coast tied together by a thick shimenawa rope. The larger rock carries a small torii gate, and the pair is linked in Shinto myth with the creator deities Izanagi and Izanami.

The rocks are smaller than many photos make them look, but the seaside setting is memorable. Come early if you want a quieter visit, or time it for sunrise when the weather is clear.

things to do sight coast