🗺️ Bungo Futamigaura豊後二見ヶ浦

Located along the coast of Saiki City in southeastern Oita Prefecture, this area is the most representative tourist attraction of the region. It is a well-known spot for watching the New Year's sunrise, famous for the Meoto Iwa (夫婦岩), two large rocks tied together with a massive shimenawa (注連縄). The shimenawa, which also serves as a torii (鳥居), measures approximately 65 meters in length, weighs 2 tons, and has a maximum diameter of about 75 centimeters. This shimenawa was recognized by the Guinness World Records in 1994 for its size, and first-time visitors are always amazed by it. Every year, on the second Sunday of December, local volunteers replace the enormous shimenawa by hand. The 4-ton straw is transported from Oita Prefecture's Takeda City, which is a sister city of the former Kamiura Town, and over 400 people work together to prepare for the New Year's Day celebration. In addition to the New Year's sunrise, the site is also a popular location for capturing sunrises throughout the year. From the Asahi Bridge, visitors have the chance to see the sunrise rising between the Meoto Iwa around March 3rd (approximately 6:40 AM) or around October 10th (approximately 6:14 AM). The period around March 3rd, when the shimenawa is still in pristine condition, is particularly favored. Aside from the sunrise, the nighttime illumination held from December 24th to January 4th the following year is also impressive. During winter, the view of the Meoto Iwa from evening to morning is a sight not to be missed.

Located along the coast of Saiki City in Oita Prefecture, it is a representative tourist attraction of the area. It is a popular spot for watching the New Year's sunrise on New Year's Day. The giant shimekazari, which was included in the Guinness World Records in 1994, is famous far and wide. The best times to photograph the sunrise are early March or mid-October. From December 24 to January 4 of the following year, a nighttime illumination event is held. The trail leading to Onna Iwa (the Female Rock) has been completed, allowing close-up views of the rock (the trail is decorated with lights from December 24 to January 4). Fireworks will be launched before sunrise on January 1 (free coffee and hot cocoa will be provided on-site).