Futamigaura

Futamiura refers to the coastal area in Futami-cho, Ise City, stretching from Imaisshiki to Tateishizaki. It is also conveniently located within easy walking distance of Futaminoura Station on JR Central’s Sangu Line. Along the Futamiura coastline right in front of you, you can view the two rocks known as the Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks). Symbolic of Futamiura, these rocks resemble a couple standing closely together in harmony. From May to July, you can watch the sunrise framed perfectly between the two rocks. The coastal area on the west side of the Isuzu River mouth has long been known as a salt-making region, and salt produced here has also been offered to Ise Jingu. The Mishioden Shrine, located about a 15-minute walk from Futaminoura Station, is a rare shrine in Japan that has salt-making facilities. Futamiura is also home to Futami Okitama Shrine, which has deep ties to Sarutahiko Okami and is believed to bring blessings for good relationships and marital harmony. Because the correct way to visit Ise is said to be to purify yourself at Tateishi Beach, a traditional misogi purification site, before heading to Ise Jingu, many people visit Futami Okitama Shrine, which is also close to Tateishi Beach, as part of their pilgrimage route.