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
Explore nearby
-
Karato Market
By Kim
Join the discussion
Shoko Seina Shiraishi
a year 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
4 years ago
It was long ago, but still remebered - I'm fascinated with that!
2 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Find and book quality accommodations for your next trip to Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Discovering Cinnamoroll in Shinagawa City
Tokyo - Sponsored -
2
Tokyo DisneySea "Fantasy Springs"
Chiba -
3
Hokuriku Shinkansen Extends to Tsuruga, Fukui
Fukui -
4
Four Seasons Steak House
Okinawa -
5
Rubber Necking At Tachikue Gorge
Shimane -
6
Nobeoka: A Treasure Trove of Delights
Miyazaki -
7
Two More Sakura Drinks Hit Starbucks Japan
Planning -
8
Passes for Foreign Residents
Transportation -
9
Six “Treasures of Osaka” You Must See When Visiting Osaka City
Osaka -
10
Okinawa Goat Misaki
Okinawa
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
3
Shibuya Crossing
Tokyo -
4
Taylor Swift Eras Tour
Tokyo -
5
Hachiko Statue in Shibuya
Tokyo -
6
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
7
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
8
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
9
Guide to PASMO Cards
Guide -
10
Kirby Cafe Tokyo
Tokyo
" 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.