National Park Ise Shima, near the main Shinto shrine of Ise-Jingu, located Meoto Iwa rocks. From sea water are the two stones of unusual shape: a large willow-called Otoko ("husband"), small - Onne-willow ("wife"). Associates stones strong rope of rice straw, weighing about a ton.

According to legend, the appearance of rocks symbolizing the descent to the ground the first couple - couple of gods Izanagi and Izanami. They came down to earth and created all things, including the islands of the Japanese archipelago. Drops of water fell from the spear of Izanagi and became islands, rocks and cliffs. In addition, the rocks are a symbol of marital union between man and woman, and the rope between them stands for the sanctity and strength of family ties.

The Japanese began to check out the rock-wife in the XIV century. Three times a year the monks adjacent Shrine Jinja-Okitama spend ritual ceremony and replaced the rope that comes into disrepair under the influence of salt water. The large stone built small ritual-Torii gate.

Okitama Temple, which is located opposite the gates of these cliffs, open to the public. In it you can see the Shinto rituals, and even become their members.

The plot of land where the rocks are called Futamigaura (or "double-Look"). In ancient times, these places are very pleased held goddess Yamatohime-no Mikoto, a few times and she turned around to look at them again.

Near the rocks on the beach, there are several statues of frogs, which in Japan are considered symbols of prosperity, and every visitor of these places tends to touch the statue and rub her palm. In some places the stone frog hands jammed tourists to shine.

The best time of day for contemplation rocks Meoto Iwa few hours before dawn. In cloudless weather, you can see the outlines of Mount Fuji.