Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks) — Sacred Sunrise Torii

Meoto Iwa (夫婦岩, 'Wedded Rocks') are two sacred rocks in the ocean connected by a thick shimenawa (sacred rope) made of rice straw, symbolizing the union of Izanagi and Izanami — the creation deities in Shinto mythology. The larger rock (9m tall) represents the husband; the smaller rock (4m) represents the wife. The rope weighs over 1 ton and is replaced three times annually in traditional Shinto ceremonies.

A small torii gate crowns the larger rock, marking it as a sacred site. The rocks frame Mt. Fuji on the horizon — visible on clear days at sunrise (May–July). The site is part of Futami Okitama Shrine, which venerates the rocks as iwakura (sacred rock formations where kami deities dwell). During summer solstice, sunrise aligns perfectly between the two rocks, attracting photographers and spiritual pilgrims who perform ocean purification rituals in the pre-dawn darkness.