Suitengu (Kurume)
水天宮
Fukuoka · Kurume
Suitengu Safe Childbirth
Kanpei Chūsha
Akama Shrine
赤間神宮
/ Akama Jingū
Admission
Free
Goshuin
¥300
Access
See details
Hours
9:00–17:00
Overview
This striking vermilion shrine faces the Kanmon Straits where the child Emperor Antoku drowned at the climactic Battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185, ending the Genpei War. Its Dragon Palace-inspired architecture reflects the tale that the young emperor descended to the sea palace. The adjacent cemetery of the Taira warriors and the statue of Hoichi the Earless connect to the famous Heike Monogatari and Lafcadio Hearn's ghost stories.
History
Founding
📜According to tradition
1191 [建久2年]
Founded as a memorial to the child Emperor Antoku, who drowned at the Battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185.
📄
Documented
1191 1185📄Documented
Emperor Antoku drowned at the Battle of Dan-no-ura, the decisive final battle of the Genpei War.
Enshrined Deities
⛩
primary Deity
The 81st emperor of Japan (1178–1185), drowned at the Battle of Dan-no-ura; enshrined as a tragic spirit
Blessings
Did You Know?
💡
The shrine's 'Dragon Palace Gate' (Suitenmon) is inspired by the legend that Emperor Antoku descended to the undersea Dragon Palace.
Source: tradition
💡
Lafcadio Hearn's famous ghost story 'Hoichi the Earless' is set at this shrine.
Source: documented
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
33.9578, 130.9456
Physical Address
4-1 Amidaiji-cho, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi 750-0003
〒750-0003 山口県下関市阿弥陀寺町4-1
Historical Province
Suo / Nagato
Access
Shimonoseki Station (JR San'yo Line)
Hours
9:00–17:00
Bus
Bus from Shimonoseki Station, ~10 min
Best Times to Visit
May (Sentei-sai festival)
Foreign Language Support
English signage
Official Website
http://www.tiki.ne.jp/~akama-jingu/
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.
Why This Shrine
Memorial to the tragic child emperor, with Dragon Palace architecture overlooking the site of Japan's most legendary naval battle.
Related Shrines
Learn More About Shinto Shrines
Background reading for visitors and pilgrims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Akama Shrine?
This striking vermilion shrine faces the Kanmon Straits where the child Emperor Antoku drowned at the climactic Battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185, ending the Genpei War. Its Dragon Palace-inspired architecture reflects the tale that the young emperor descended to the sea palace. The adjacent cemetery of the Taira warriors and the statue of Hoichi the Earless connect to the famous Heike Monogatari and Lafcadio Hearn's ghost stories.
Where is Akama Shrine located?
Akama Shrine is located in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi. The full address is: 4-1 Amidaiji-cho, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi 750-0003.
What deities are enshrined at Akama Shrine?
The enshrined deities are: Emperor Antoku.