It has long been a tradition to be purified at Futamigaura before heading on a pilgrimage to Ise. There is a long established inn at Futamigaura where the beaches have been ranked in the top 100 beaches of Japan. That inn is Hamachiyokan.
Only 7~8 minutes from the inn is also the Futami Okitama Shrine, and an exploration of Meotoiwa famous for its mystical views of the sun peeking over the horizon. From a modern Japanese room with Futamigaura Beach right in front, you can dine on famous Ise-Shima spiny lobster and abalone and enjoy the slow life before heading to a pilgrimage at Ise Shrine.
The official way to make the pilgrimage to Ise starts at Futamigaura! Go see the famous sunrise at Meotoiwa
Futamigaura has long been considered the place to go to before making the pilgrimage to Ise Shrine and be ceremonially cleansed in the clean waters at its shores. Futamigaura’s Meotoiwa is said to be the shrine gate to the sunken Okitamashinseki spiritual boulders and is the place where the sun in the summer solstice peeks out from between the boulders.
Normally the to make the pilgrimage to Ise Shrine you are supposed to visit the outer shrine then the inner shrine, but if you want to follow the ancient tradition you would start by cleansing yourself at Futami Okitama Shrine then head to the outer then inner shrines.
Worshiping the shrine while being bathed in the light of the sunrise feels like you are receiving the mystical powers of Futamigaura. Hamachiyokan is located perfectly by being so close. The ceremonial rope between the male and female boulder at Meotoiwa is changed by Shrine parishioners 3 times a year on the third Sunday of May, September and December.
See the beauty of Futamigaura up close! Relax to the sounds of the waves at Koikatarinoma
Outside the window is Ise Bay and its beach. The beach at Futamigaura has been ranked in the top 100 beaches of Japan for its beauty. The room that allows you to fully enjoy this location has recently been remodeled as the Koikatarinoma in a modern Wa style.
Pictured here is the Akebono room. The large window faces out to the beach and there is a table and chair in front of it. The view with the sounds of the waves are simply breathtaking.
A walk during sunset is highly recommended!
The sounds of the waves seem to draw you out to see more of the scenic beauty. Walk along the beach if that is the case. The sunrise at Futamigaura is famous but the sunset is equally if not more spectacular! The path to Futami Okitama Shrine with the beautiful atmosphere created by the pine trees lining it are perfect for a stroll. If Ise Shrine is the shrine in the forest this Futami Okitama Shrine is the shrine of the sea. It is very open and free and feels very different from Ise Shrine.
Near the inn is the Hinjitsukan which was built in the Meiji Period and was stayed in by the imperial family as well as dignitaries from near and far but is currently open to the public. I recommend taking a look at this historic building that is even recognized as a national treasure.
Taste the seasonal bounty of Ise-Shima
Meals at Hamachiyokan consist of locally caught select produce from Ise-Shima. An opulent spiny lobster sashimi, Uni grilled on a clay plate, and turban shell, all of which line the tables with so much volume it seems you can’t eat all of it.
The spiny lobster is pure freshness. The crunchy texture with the sweetness that you can taste with every bite will leave you speechless.
Grilled live abalone will have you dazzled as they dance above the flames
The abalones that grow here in Ise Bay are thick and juicy! Aside from sashimi they serve it here as live grill and butter sautéed. Each dish allows you to really savor the natural flavors.
The relation between abalone and Ise Shrine is very deep with it being enshrined by Amaterasu Omikami it has always been an offering at Ise Shrine. It has long been said that if a pregnant woman eats a pair of abalone then a baby with beautiful eyes will be born.
Abalones have always been the first in offerings before festivals as a Noshi. Noshi have traditionally been abalones which were stretched and dried.
Feel the historic value while you eat abalone in Ise.
Make the pilgrimage to Ise Shrine after relaxing in the large bath house or the private bath
At Hamachiyokan aside from the bath attached to the room there is a large bath house that has black silica in it along with an private outdoor bath where you can remove the fatigue of travel.
With easy access to Meotoiwa, Futami Sea Paradise, and Ise Shrine it is perfect as a base for sightseeing in Ise.
The real way to make the pilgrimage to Ise Shrine starts with a cleansing at Futamigaura!
Experience the allure of Ise at Hamachiyokan with a taste of Ise, the beautiful beach, and Meotoiwa before heading to Ise Shrine.
History
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