An annual Shinto ritual sees the massive sacred rope (shimenawa) at Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks) in Futamigaura, Itoshima, replaced with a newly made one. Measuring around 30 meters in length and weighing about one ton, the rope is hoisted onto the offshore rocks through the coordinated effort of local parishioners.
On the day, the rope is crafted from the morning, with the replacement taking place in the afternoon when the tide recedes. The sight of participants wading through the sea to reach the rocks and carry out the ritual is unique to this occasion, offering a glimpse of a tradition where nature and faith are closely intertwined.
• May 3, 2026 (Sun., Hol)
• Preparation of the shimenawa 8:00~12:00, hanging of shimenawa 15:00〜16:30
• Free viewing
• Sakurai Futamigaura Meotoiwa
• Shima Sakurai, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
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