In Shika Town stands the peculiar “Hatago Iwa” rock formation of Noto Kongo, a pair of spouse rocks associated with the deity of weaving. Named for their resemblance to weaving tools, these rocks – standing 16 and 12 meters tall – lean towards each other, bound by a sacred rope called Shimenawa that imbues the scene with an air of sanctity.
Known as “Noto Futami,” they mirror the famous Meoto Iwa of Ise, though here the larger rock represents the female. The sunset view here is truly spectacular, transforming the rocks and lending them an air of mystery that moves all who witness it.
Getting there: About 30 minutes from Noto Satoyama Kaido Nishiyama IC. Parking available.
Photographed: Late August 2019, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Temperature: 26°C (79°F)
Text/Kenji Sakamoto
Photo/Kenji Sakamoto
Translation/Yumiko Sushitani
Related Posts
2025-01-20
A Snow-Swept Morning in the Silent Winter of Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go (Shirakawa Village), a remote mountain village and UNESCO World…
2025-07-09
The Thirty-Three Lakes Embraced by a Beech Forest: “Juni-ko”
On the western edge of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site of the Shirakami…
2025-01-13
Mount Fuji’s Lenticular Clouds in a Dawn Sky Woven by Moon and Wind
At Yamanaka-ko (Lake Yamanaka), the largest and closest of the Fuji Five Lakes…