Futami Area in Ise City

The Futami area, located around Futami-cho in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, has flourished since ancient times as a sacred site for performing “Misogi” (ritual purification) before visiting the Ise Jingu (Naiku) and as a major lodging hub for pilgrims. It is an area where nature and faith, represented by the sea, mountains, and shrines, merge with the nostalgic atmosphere of historic inns and approach ways.

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Futami Okitama Jinja Shrine

Site for Misogi (Ritual Purification) Before Visiting Ise Jingu

The primary deity enshrined at Futami Okitama Jinja is Sarutahiko-no-Okami. This shrine serves as a sacred site where visitors perform “Misogi” (ritual purification) before proceeding to worship at Ise Jingu.

Amano-Iwaya (The Heavenly Rock Cave)

The Place Where Amaterasu Omikami Concealed Herself

This is the “Amano-Iwaya” located within the precincts of Futami Okitama Jinja. Legend has it that this is one of the sites where Amaterasu Omikami hid herself, a story that appears in various regions across Japan. The circular ropes stacked near the Torii gate are called “Wa-shimenawa” (Sacred Loop Ropes). By rubbing specific areas of your body where you feel pain or discomfort, or by stroking your entire body, you can transfer physical ailments and spiritual impurities to the Wa-shimenawa before offering them to the shrine.

In Japanese mythology, there is a story about a deity named “Tajikarao-no-Mikoto,” who moved a massive rock to draw out Amaterasu Omikami after she had concealed herself. Kagura (sacred music and dance) performances based on this myth have been passed down as traditional performing arts in various regions across Japan. The mask introduced in the next section represents this very deity, Tajikarao-no-Mikoto.

Kagura mask of Tajikarao no Mikoto (手力男命) Wooden/Hand-carved/for kagura dance >

 

Meoto Iwa (The Wedded Rocks)

The Meoto Iwa rocks serve as a natural “Torii” gate for worshiping the sacred Okitama Shinseki from afar.

The “Meoto Iwa” (Wedded Rocks) located within the precincts are world-famous. To the northeast, submerged in the sea, lies the “Okitama Shinseki,” a sacred rock associated with the deity Sarutahiko-no-Okami. This sacred stone is said to be the spot where Sarutahiko-no-Okami welcomed the goddess Yamatohime-no-Mikoto when she entered Futamiura while escorting Amaterasu-Omikami. The Meoto Iwa rocks serve as a natural “Torii” gate for worshiping that sacred Okitama Shinseki from afar.

The Frogs of Futami (Futami-no-Kaeru)

Frogs are the Divine Messengers of Sarutahiko-no-Okami

There are many frog statues placed throughout the precincts of Futami Okitama Jinja. Since frogs are considered the divine messengers of Sarutahiko-no-Okami, these statues have been donated by worshippers who received blessings or experienced divine favor through their visits. Furthermore, because the Japanese word for frog, “Kaeru,” is a homonym for “to return,” they are believed to bring good fortune, such as safely returning home (Buji-kaeru), money returning (Okane-kaeru), or things returning to their rightful state.

Hinjitsukan: National Important Cultural Property

A Rest Facility Built for Distinguished Guests and Pilgrims

Hinjitsukan was originally established as a resting facility for distinguished guests visiting the Ise Jingu Shrine. This historical building is designated as a National Important Cultural Property, celebrated for its exquisite and delicate architectural beauty.

Akafuku: Futami Branch

A Convenient Spot to Stop by After Your Visit

This is a branch of Akafuku, a famous Ise specialty shop, conveniently located for a tea break or souvenir shopping after your pilgrimage. They sell a variety of Japanese sweets, including the signature Akafuku-mochi, which consists of soft rice cakes wrapped in smooth red bean paste.

During the summer season, “Akafuku-gori” (shaved ice) is highly popular. It features shaved ice piled on top of mochi and red bean paste, all drizzled with a rich matcha-flavored syrup.