History
Akama-jingu Shrine 赤間神宮
A shrine to a boy emperor near the huge fish emporium, Karato Market
The most noticeable feature of Akama Jingu is the large white base that supports one of its many red roofs. This shrine was built to commemorate the spirit of the six-year-old Emperor Antoku, who died here during the decisive Battle of Dan-no-Ura between the Minamoto and Taira clans in 1185.
Don't Miss
- The sightseeing spot for the Kanmon Straits
- Hoichi Hall and the statue of Hoichi the Earless
- Seven mounds representing dead Taira warriors
- The large fish market, Karato Ichiba, nearby
How to Get There
Take a bus from either of the main stations.
Take the JR Sanyo Line to Shimonoseki Station. Akama Jingu is a 10-minute bus ride from there. Alternatively, take the Sanyo Shinkansen to Shin-Shimonoseki Station. The shrine is a 20-minute bus ride from there.
An unusual shrine with lots to see
Inside the shrine are seven mounds representing the Taira Clan warriors lost in the battle. You can also see a statue of Hoichi the Earless, a character from a traditional ghost story popularized abroad by the writer Lafcadio Hearn in 1904.
The entrance gate is a striking feature of this shrine
Statues guard the steps up to Akama Jingu
* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.
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