Bungo Futami-ga-ura 3
One of the symbols of Saiki City, Bungo Futami-ga-ura, is a popular spot for viewing the first sunrise of the New Year. The massive shimenawa (sacred rope) connecting the Meoto Iwa (Married Couple Rocks) measures approximately 65 meters in length, weighs around 2 tons, and has a maximum diameter of 75 centimeters. In 1994, it was listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The massive shimenawa is replaced every year on the second Sunday of December by local volunteers. The straw used to make the shimenawa is provided by a community revitalization group from Ogi Town (Taketa City), a former sister town of the old Kamiura Town. Each year, approximately 4 tons of straw are sent from Ogi Town in Taketa City during the shimenawa replacement period. This straw includes straw from glutinous rice planted in Ogi Town by elementary school students from Kamiura as part of their rice planting experience lessons.