Futami Okitama Shrine

The Futami Okitama shrine (二見興玉神社, Futami Okitama-jinja) is a Shinto shrine in the town of Futami-ura, part of the city of Ise, in Mie Prefecture, Japan.

[1] It is known for its proximity to the Meoto Iwa rocks, which serve as torii gates for believers offering prayers to the sun.

[2] The shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity Sarutahiko Ōkami and worships the Meoto Iwa rocks, which represent the gods Izanagi and Izanami.

Because of its proximity, 700 m from the coast, it is common for couples to go to the shrine to pray for their marriage.

[3] The temple is a typical purification stop before visiting the Ise Grand Shrine,[4] through the ceremony of harae,[5] pilgrims used to bathe in the waters of Futami and then go to the neighboring shrine..[6] The grounds of the enclosure are decorated with numerous statues of frogs.

Statue of a frog in front of the Meoto Iwa sacred stones.