Sakurai Jinja and Futamigaura

A leading scenic spot of the city of Itoshima in Fukuoka, Sakurai Futamigaura is a sanctuary of matchmaking known for the two rocks that glow in the sunset, called the wedded rocks. While the Futami coast of Ise is praised for sunrise, this place is cherished for sunset and has long been held sacred as the grounds of Sakurai Jinja.

The wedded rocks lie about 150 meters offshore, the male rock on the right around 11.8 meters tall and the female rock on the left around 11.2 meters tall. The great sacred rope joining them stretches about 30 meters and weighs about one ton. Each is revered as a divine rock where the creator deities Izanagi and Izanami reside, and their close pose is said to bless visitors with good matches and marital harmony.

Highlights

• The dreamlike scene of the wedded rocks tinted by the setting sun and the white gate standing by the shore
• Two rocks joined by a great sacred rope about 30 meters long, like a couple drawing close amid the waves
• The historic hall of Sakurai Jinja, designated an Important Cultural Property
• A popular spot crowded with visitors praying for love and harmony

Enjoying the Seasons

The renewal of the great sacred rope, held with the spring tide from late April to early May, is one of the highlights. Around the summer solstice the sun sets between the two rocks in a magical scene loved by photographers. Beautiful sunsets can be enjoyed all year round, though it helps to check the sunset time before you visit.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Shima Sakurai, Itoshima, Fukuoka
• Access: By bus from Chikuzen Maebaru Station or Kyudai Gakkentoshi Station on the JR Chikuhi Line to the Futamigaura Tsuki to Taiyo Itoshima Sabo mae bus stop, then about 4 minutes on foot
• Hours: Open all day; the evening scenery is recommended
• Admission: Free
• Parking: The Itoshima Futamigaura parking lot, paid, room for about 47 cars, among others

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: The best is around sunset; near the summer solstice in particular you can aim for the superb sight of the sun setting between the two rocks
• Avoiding crowds: Dusk and weekends crowd the parking lot. Arriving a little before sunset gives you room to park and find a good spot
• Time needed: About 30 minutes to an hour to view the wedded rocks and the white gate and take photos; about an hour and a half if you add Sakurai Jinja
• Nearby real spots: Head inland to Sakurai Jinja to pray at its Important Cultural Property hall; the coast of the Itoshima peninsula has many cafes, easy to fold into a drive
• Budget guide: The visit is free; parking is paid, around 300 yen an hour, so with a bite to eat figure a few hundred to the low thousands of yen

A Quick Tip

The best moment is undoubtedly at dusk. The sight of the sun setting by the wedded rocks is exceptional, so check the sunset time and arrive a little early. A prayer at Sakurai Jinja inland is also recommended.

📚 Sources

Information on Sakurai Shrine and Futamigaura can be confirmed through public sources from Itoshima City and its tourism association and on-site guidance, and public information is also helpful for the shrine hall of Sakurai Shrine, designated an Important Cultural Property. Worship hours, parking conditions, and the operations of seaside cafes may change, so please confirm with official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 30 minutes to an hour to view the wedded rocks and the white torii and take photos. Allow half a day if you add the inland Sakurai Shrine.
• What to bring: Sea-facing Futamigaura is sunny and windy, so a hat, sunscreen, and a layer add comfort. You walk while worshipping and taking photos, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Suggested route: Enjoy the sunset and scenery at the wedded rocks and white torii of Futamigaura, worship at the Important Cultural Property hall of the inland Sakurai Shrine, and combine seaside cafes on the Itoshima Peninsula for a classic drive.