Have you ever heard of Akama Jingu Shrine in Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture? In fact, it is said that the shrine is dedicated to Emperor Antoku, who drowned at an early age in the Battle of Dannoura and had no choice but to end his life! Because of its location and the fact that Emperor Antoku entered the water, the shrine is full of blessings related to “water” and “children”!
Furthermore, Akama Jingu Shrine is close to Karato Market and Dannoura Ancient Battlefield, which can be reached in about 4 minutes by foot and 2 minutes by car, respectively!
In this issue, we will introduce how to access Akama Jingu Shrine, which is full of attractions and places to explore!
Why not take this opportunity to visit Akama Jingu Shrine and take a walk in its precincts?
What is Akama Jingu Shrine?
Akama Jingu Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Antoku, grandson of Taira no Kiyomori, who was killed in the battle of Dannoura when the Heike clan was defeated and destroyed. In addition, there is a statue of Hoichi Miminashi, a biwa master who excelled at “The Tale of the Heike” because it is said to be the setting of a ghost story by Hoichi Miminashi!
And the building of Akama Jingu Shrine is reminiscent of the Dragon’s Palace. However, it seems that it was not built in the beginning, but when it was rebuilt after the war, it was designed to resemble the Ryugujo (Dragon’s Palace). The red, white, and green hues of the building and its construction give it an exquisite Ryugu-gujo feeling!
Akama Jingu Attraction Spot
The area of Akama Jingu Shrine is large, and it takes about 30 minutes to visit all the other shrines, including the neighboring “Dairen Shrine” and “Benishi Inari Shrine.
In this issue, we will introduce six of the most attractive spots in Akama Jingu Shrine!
Akama Jingu Daian-den Hall
Emperor Antoku is enshrined here. Akama Jingu Shrine is also said to be blessed with good luck for childbirth and family safety, as Emperor Antoku entered the water when he was very young, as well as for protection against water hazards and fishing because of its location facing the sea!
There is also an outer worship hall and an inner worship hall with water! Like the Suitenmon Gate, it expresses a sense of Ryugujo (Dragon’s Palace)!
In terms of the connection between the Heike and the temple on the water, the specifications are also reminiscent of Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture.
Nihon Nishikado guards the Hachimangu Shrine.
This shrine is located right next to Akama Jingu Shrine.
It seems to have been founded in 859 as a guardian deity of the western gate of Japan.
During the Edo period, it seems to have been revered by many warring feudal lords such as the Ouchi and Mori clans!
(shrine) sanctuary
Exhibits and materials related to the Genpei wars are kept here.
Admission is 100 yen. (*As of August 2023)
Tomb of Heike Ichimon (Nanamori Tomb)
This is the tomb of the Heike clan that perished in the Battle of Dannoura.
The names of 14 members of the Heike clan are inscribed on the tomb.
Emperor Antoku’s Amidadera mausoleum
This is the mausoleum of Emperor Antoku.
It is located next to Akama Shrine!
It is the only mausoleum in western Japan.
The “mausoleum” in Goryo refers to the tomb of the emperor or empress.
Hall of Fame
Akama Jingu Shrine is also the setting of “Hoichi the Earless”. The story is said to have a connection with the Heike family, as Hoichi was a skilled storyteller of “The Tale of the Heike.
Even today, the “Hoichi the Earless Festival” is held on July 15 every year.
For access and more information about Akama Jingu Shrine
Information on access to Akama Jingu Shrine!
By car
The parking lot is located on the ocean side across the road in front of Akama Jingu Shrine. There are three parking lots side by side, and 40~60 cars can be parked! And it is free of charge. Only visitors to the shrine are allowed to park in the parking lots.
If you are coming by public transportation
By bus (from Shimonoseki Station)
①[17Y] Kozuki Sales Office via Yume Town Chofu
②[20] Onoda Sun Park
It takes about 1 minute on foot from “Akama Jingu-mae” to Akama Jingu Shrine.
More information about Akama Jingu Shrine!
| Name | Akama Shrine |
|---|---|
| Location | Koganeyama-cho, Minami-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima 734-0041, Japan |
| Regular holidays | No Midyear Break |
| Opening Hours | Treasure House only 9:00~16:30, red seals until 17:00. |
| Phone number | 083-231-4138 |
Finally! About Akama Jingu Shrine!
We have introduced Akama Jingu Shrine in Shimonoseki City.
The following six points are about the attraction.
・Akama Shrine Daianden
・Hachimangu Shrine, Nihon Nishikado Shoujo
・Hall of Treasures
・Tomb of Heike Ichimon (Nanamori Tomb)
・Imperial Tomb of Amidaji Temple of Emperor Antoku
・Hoichido
We have also compiled a list of other benefits and access information to Akama Jingu Shrine.
Akama Jingu Shrine is also home to a statue of Hoichi Miminashira and the Amidaji mausoleum of Emperor Antoku, making it a worthwhile place to stroll around!
For those who want to enjoy Akama Jingu even more, it is possible to have a wedding ceremony! It will make you feel as if you are having a ceremony in the Dragon’s Palace!
Karato Market and Dannoura Battlefield are also nearby, so it would be a good idea to go sightseeing there as well!
Why not take this opportunity to visit Akama Jingu Shrine and explore its grounds?
