Did you know that Dannoura in Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is the site of the final decisive battle of the Genpei War and the bombardment of Shimonoseki by the Shikoku Fleet that led to the Shimonoseki War, which triggered the Choshu clan’s campaign to overthrow the shogunate?
Let us introduce you to the fascinating old battlefield ruins of Dannoura, which are involved in various turning points of the ages!
Why not take this opportunity to visit Dannoura, the westernmost point of Yamaguchi?
What is the site of the ancient battlefield of Dannoura?
The ruins of the old battlefield at Dannoura in Shimonoseki City are the site of the final decisive battle between the Genji and Heike clans, and the Shimonoseki Battery, where the Choshu clan fired on four foreign ships as part of their exclusionist policy!
Site of Genpei Battle
This is the site of the final battle of the Genpei War, which took place at the end of the Heian Period (1180-1185) after the imperial order from King Yonin to Minamoto no Yoritomo and Kiso no Yoshinaka to overthrow the Heike clan.
At this location there are statues of Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Taira no Chimori, as well as handprints of Takizawa Hideaki and Matsudaira Ken, who appeared in the historical drama.
In addition, there is a statue of the place where the emperor Antoku entered the water and a statue of a handprint that appeared in the historical drama “Yoshitsune”.
Replica of a Choshu gun (cannon) managed by the Choshu clan
There is a replica of the Choshu gun emplacement (cannon) installed at the Dannoura Battery, where 17 ships of the Shikoku Fleet of the United States, Britain, France, and the Netherlands retaliated by bombarding foreign ships five times as part of the expulsion movement.
There is also a replica that emits sound and smoke when 100 yen is inserted.
About the Kanmon Tunnel connecting Kyushu and Honshu (fees and means of crossing)
Dannoura has other attractions as well, such as the Kanmon Tunnel that connects it to Kyushu.
There is a human path that allows visitors to cross the Kanmon Straits on foot! And it is free!
| How to cross (by use) | Fee | Remarks |
| tunnel made of human remains | Free | 20 yen for bicycles and mopeds |
| Expressway (Kanmon Kaikyo Bridge) | 370yen | Normal price listed |
| Kanmon National Highway Tunnel | 160yen | Normal price listed |
Parking and access information near Dannoura ancient battlefield
To visit the ancient battlefield of Dannoura in Shimonoseki City, you will mainly need to take a bus or drive. The nearest train or railroad station is Kitakyushu, which is about a 20-minute walk.
When coming by car ①Parking information
Parking is available across the road at a spot called the Mimosusogawa Park Parking Lot.
When coming by car ② Nearest IC
Also, the Shimonoseki IC is the nearest IC!
Coming by bus
Located about a 1 minute walk from the Misogawa bus stop!
Finally!
his time, we introduced you to the Dannoura ancient battlefield in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture!
There are two things about the attractions at Dannoura Ancient Battlefield as follows.
・Statue associated with the final battle site of the Genpei Battle
・Choshu cannon (cannonballs) controlled by the Choshu clan
Both of these two points are important events in Japanese history and as a turning point in time!
Such is Dannoura, but just beyond it, Kyushu is just a stone’s throw away, and moreover, you can cross the Kanmon Straits on foot!
Why not visit Dannoura, which is full of attractions?
