Futami Okitama Shrine — Frog Statues & Purification Ritual

Futami Okitama Shrine (二見興玉神社) is a coastal Shinto shrine famous for its hundreds of frog statues (蛙, kaeru) and pre-pilgrimage purification rituals. According to Shinto tradition, pilgrims traveling to Ise Jingu should first purify themselves at Futami by bathing in the ocean or performing water ablutions at the shrine. The shrine is located on the coast near the Wedded Rocks (Meoto Iwa), making it easy to visit both sites together.

The frog statues scattered throughout the shrine grounds number in the hundreds — offerings from visitors seeking good luck, safe travels, and wish fulfillment. The frog connection stems from the Japanese wordplay: 'kaeru' (蛙) means frog, but 'kaeru' (帰る) means 'to return' — thus frogs symbolize safe return from journeys, return of lost items, and return to health. Visitors pour water over the frog statues while making wishes, creating a playful, interactive shrine experience.