Hands-on Pearl Harvesting Workshop!

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Dozens of "Meotoroi" (Couple Rocks) exist throughout Japan, with the one in Mie Prefecture being the most famous. Two rocks, one large and one small, are connected by a thick straw rope in the sea, symbolizing a happy marriage and domestic safety. The two rocks are 660 meters from the shore; the male rock is 9 meters high, and the female rock is 4 meters high. The two rocks, resembling a married couple, are called "Meotoroi" (Couple Rocks). The straw rope connecting them is called a "shimenawa" (sacred rope), and it is replaced three times a year. From May to July, one can watch the sunrise from between the two rocks. Especially around the summer solstice, on a clear day, Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance, attracting many tourists for photos and pilgrimage. A shimenawa replacement ceremony is held annually on Saturdays and Sundays on May 5th, September 5th, and mid-December. Additionally, from November to January, one can also enjoy a full moon from between the two rocks.