Since the Edo period (XNUMX-XNUMX), Futamiura has flourished as a place to purify oneself before visiting the Ise Shrine and as a place to stay for worshippers. This section introduces some spots in the Futami area where you can spend a relaxing time while enjoying the ocean.

"JR Futamiura Station"The station building (Futami no Ura) is shaped like Meoto Iwa.
IC cards cannot be used at JR Futamiura Station.We recommend buying a ticket at the boarding station and boarding the train.There are no coin lockers, so please use the luggage storage at the Futamiura Tourist Information Center.

Meotoiwa Omotesando (Ryokan Street), which leads from the station to Futami Okitama Shrine, is lined with three-story wooden inns, a rarity nowadays, in a pure Japanese style that invites a sense of travel.

Along the Meotoiwa Omotesando, you can also enjoy Futami specialty sweets such as Sakamoto Manju, Ofuku Mochi, Kuuya Chaya Mochi, Salted yokan, and more.

In a corner of the Ryokan (Japanese style inn) district, the nationally designated important cultural property “Hinjitsukan” still stands, looking out over the sea and pine forest, as it did when it was built in the Meiji era (XNUMX-XNUMX).Until XNUMX, it was an inn that served as lodging for members of the Imperial Family and other dignitaries, but it is now a museum.The buildings and gardens are a must-see for their classy and sophisticated designs of the time.

Strolling along the sandy beach and embankment of Futamiura Beach, listening to the sound of the ocean waves, you will arrive at Futami Okitama Shrine.Futamiokitama Shrine is famous for misogi (purification), michihiraki (good luck for the future), and enmusubi (marriage). If you want to purify yourself and feel refreshed, if you want to open your life path, or if you want to be blessed with good fortune, please visit this shrine.

After passing through the torii gate, you will see the “Meoto Iwa (Married Couple Rocks),” the most famous tourist attraction in Futamiura.Between the two rocks, one large and one small, you can see the glorious sunrise during the summer solstice and the beautiful moonrise during the winter solstice.

The Shinto ritual of stretching the shimenawa rope, which is performed three times a year with a heroic song, is also a wonderful event.There are many frogs, which are associated with safe returns, in the area so have a look for them.

Matsushitayashiro is a shrine with a tradition of people trying to avoid plague by attaching a wooden tag that reads “Somin Shorai Shison Kamon” (which means “this is the entrance to the home a descendant of Somin Shorai who helped the deity “Susano-o-no-mikoto.”)

The adjacent “Miwa-no-eki Somin” is popular for selling local products.In the “Futami Shobu Roman Forest,” which spreads out in the back, you can enjoy seasonal flowers such as irises, lotuses, and hydrangeas.

Taikoji Temple, famous as a pet temple, is another place to visit for its beautiful hydrangeas, wisteria, and seasonal flowers.

Ise Sea Paradise is an aquarium where you can interact with marine animals like never before, and you can also fully enjoy shopping and experiences at the adjacent Meoto Yokocho.You can also play catch with the dolphins for free!

At the Ise Ninja Kingdom, where you can enjoy athletic activities and become a ninja. And, you can relax in the hot springs at Azuchijouka-no-yu.There are also a variety of places for families to enjoy.

Otonashiyama is a mountain with beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.It takes less than half an hour to get to the observatory where you can see the ocean, so it’s perfect for light exercise.Enjoy a leisurely hike to the top.

The Makonde Art Museum in Futami is a collection of sculptures by the Makonde people, who are said to have lived on the Makonde Plateau in Tanzania. The owner of the museum personally purchases these works out of love for them.

The Mishiodono Shrine is under the jurisdiction of the Naiku Shrine of Ise, and is where the hard salt used in ceremonies is made.

TThe high-concentration salt water that is the source of the salt is made in the salt fields of Mishiohama in Futami. It is made into rough salt at the Mishiodono Shrine area for use in trigonal pottery, which is baked to harden at Mishiodono.