The story of Akama Shrine, which sits just a few hundred meters from the Kanmon Straits in Shimonoseki, is a rather sad one. The shrine is dedicated to Antoku, the six-year-old child emperor who perished in the sea during the battle of Dan-no-ura just offshore in 1185. When it became clear that the Minamoto clan (also known as the Genji) would triumph over the Taira clan (also called the Heike), Taira matriarch Tokuko (the Emperor’s grandmother) plunged into the sea with the young Emperor in her arms. Both perished, along with most of the Taira warriors.
- 1 min read
Akama Shrine
A somber shrine dedicated to a young emperor

By Mandy Bartok
Community writer

Akama Shrine, sitting on a hill along the water in Shimonoseki

The steps up to the shrine's main hall

A glimpse into the inner courtyard

Unlike other shrines, a large pool separates the worship area for visitors and the inner shrine

A view back out the gate of the Kanmon Straits

A prayer plaque (ema, in Japanese) at Akama Shrine, featuring the young Emperor Antoku
Join the discussion
Shoko Seina Shiraishi
2 years ago
Hi, I am not very good at English.
" Taira matriarch Tokuko (the Emperor’s grandmother)"
I think this part will be TOKIKO instead of TOKUKO. Tokuko is the mother of the young emperor ANTOKU. Tokiko is NII NO AMA, a grandmother who dived into the sea carrying emperor Antoku.
" Taira matriarch Tokuko (the Emperor’s grandmother)"
I think this part will be TOKIKO instead of TOKUKO. Tokuko is the mother of the young emperor ANTOKU. Tokiko is NII NO AMA, a grandmother who dived into the sea carrying emperor Antoku.
Elena Lisina
6 years ago
It was long ago, but still remebered - I'm fascinated with that!
2 comments in total
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" Taira matriarch Tokuko (the Emperor’s grandmother)"
I think this part will be TOKIKO instead of TOKUKO. Tokuko is the mother of the young emperor ANTOKU. Tokiko is NII NO AMA, a grandmother who dived into the sea carrying emperor Antoku.