⛩️ Futami Okitama Shrine

Futami Okitama Shrine is dedicated to "Sarutahiko Ōkami," and it is a shrine that prays for marital harmony and traffic safety. Along the approach to the shrine, there are two rocks that are said to be "夫婦岩" (Meoto Iwa), known as the Husband Rock, which is 9 meters tall, and the Wife Rock, which is 4 meters tall. The Meoto Iwa holds a ceremony for changing the sacred shimenawa (straw rope) three times a year, on May 5th, September 5th, and on weekends in December. Since ancient times, there has been a custom of "Hama Sangu," where people purify themselves in the seawater of Futamiura before visiting Ise Jingu. Traditionally, before visiting Ise Jingu, many worshippers would first purify their bodies and minds in the seawater of Futamiura. Nowadays, instead of soaking in the seawater, one can undergo the "Muku Shio Harai" purification ritual at the shrine, which serves as a substitute for the traditional cleansing. After worshipping at Futami Okitama Shrine, it is considered an ideal itinerary to head to the Jingu with a pure heart. Within the shrine grounds, you can see many messengers of Sarutahiko Ōkami, the Futami Frog. This frog symbolizes "safe return and borrowing and returning," and is believed to bring good fortune. The "Frog Goshuin," which is sold only on the 23rd of each month, has also become a topic of interest.

The main deity is Sarutahiko Ōkami, who can bless people with good relationships, marital harmony, and traffic safety. You can also see the couple rocks, which symbolize the completeness of marital relationships. Since ancient times, there has been a custom of purifying oneself at Futami Okitama Shrine before visiting Ise Jingu. The "frog goshuin" sold on the 23rd of each month carries auspicious meanings and has become a topic of conversation.