Akama-jingu (Akama Grand Shrine)

Overview

The enshrined deity is Emperor Antoku. The shrine enshrines the spirit of Emperor Antoku, who entered the water at the age of eight while being held by his grandmother, the Nun of Ni, during the Battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185 CE (Juen 4). Following an imperial decree in 1191 CE (Kenkyu 2), the Amida-ji Gokedo was constructed. It became a shrine during the separation of Shinto and Buddhism in the Meiji era and was renamed Akama-jingu in 1940. Highlights include the vermilion-painted Suitenmon (Water Heaven Gate), modeled after the Dragon Palace (Ryugu-jo) and registered as a Tangible Cultural Property, the Nanamori-zuka (a memorial tower for 14 members of the Taira clan who were defeated at Dan-no-ura), and the Hoichi-do associated with the ghost story 'Mimi-nashi Hoichi' (Hoichi the Earless).

Highlights

• ・Suitenmon (Water Heaven Gate) modeled after the Dragon Palace
• ・Nanamori-zuka (Memorial tower for the Taira clan)
• ・Hoichi-do associated with Mimi-nashi Hoichi
• ・Stunning views of the Kanmon Straits