What other travelers are saying about Akama Shrine - Shimonoseki
Came to this jinja after a short ferry ride from the Kyushu/Mojikou Port side to the Honshu/Yamaguchi side of the beautiful Kanmon Straits. It's about a 10-15 minute walk from the Karato ferry landing dock. Beautiful red and white structures and s pretty cute of the Kanmonkyo Bridge as you head back towards the street. No fee to enter our to look around, but a gift shop awaits to separate you and your funds. We went on a weekday during the late morning/early afternoon. A nice stop if you are in the area. Recommended!
I visited the jingu at around 1pm, 8 May 2025. There were only a few visitors in the jingu, but there were some construction projects ongoing at that time. The complex is free to enter, and the buildings are brightly coloured in a traditional red hue. There is information about the history of the jingu, its relationship with Antoku Tenno and Hoichi the Earless.
Not many people seem to know the true charm of Akama at night.
It may not shine as brightly as shrines in bigger cities,
but here in Shimonoseki, there's a quiet, subtle beauty that lingers like a faint scent on the breeze.
Under the dark sky, it glows with a deep red hue—soft, yet captivating.
There’s no need for noise or lights. Just the sound of the sea breeze brushing past,
and the stillness that gently wraps around you.
As I strolled through the night,
passing by this small yet majestic shrine,
I found myself completely at peace—
a rare moment to quietly walk, breathe, and simply think.
I hope you, too, get to experience that kind of night.
A red-white shrine located close to the sea.
The architecture is quite unique.
The red & white contrasting color makes a pale pink sakura flower more beautiful.
The sea view from the shrine is also stunning.
Akama Jingu is a beautiful shrine is located on the stunning Kanmon Straits. The shrine is dedicated to the child emperor Antoku and other warriors who fell during the battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185. The location also provides many other historical locations to explore near by and offers beautiful water front views, and restaurants.
Akama Shrine is open 24 hours daily with free admission to the shrine grounds. The treasure hall museum operates from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM with an entrance fee of 300 yen for adults. The shrine is located in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and is easily accessible by public transportation.
From Shimonoseki Station, take the Sanden Kotsu bus bound for Karato and get off at Akama Jingu-mae bus stop (約10分). Alternatively, it's a 15-minute taxi ride or 30-minute walk. The shrine is located near the Kanmon Strait with clear signage directing visitors to this famous Shimonoseki landmark.
Akama Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Antoku, who died at age 8 during the Battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185, marking the end of the Heian period. The shrine was built to honor the child emperor and the Taira clan warriors who perished in this pivotal naval battle. It's considered one of Japan's most historically significant shrines related to the Genpei War.
Akama Shrine hosts the famous Sennin Gyoretsu festival in May, featuring over 1,000 participants in Heian period costumes. The Shimonoseki Kaikyo Festival in May celebrates the Dan-no-ura battle with parades and traditional performances. Other events include New Year celebrations, cherry blossom viewing in spring, and regular Shinto ceremonies throughout the year.
Key attractions at Akama Shrine include the distinctive vermillion main hall with its unique architectural style, Emperor Antoku's memorial, the treasure hall displaying historical artifacts, and beautiful gardens overlooking the Kanmon Strait. Visitors can also see the nearby Kanmon Bridge, enjoy local Shimonoseki fugu cuisine, and explore the historic waterfront area where the famous naval battle occurred.
