⛩️ Akama Shrine 赤間神宮

The vermilion water gate of the shrine, inspired by the Dragon Palace, is truly eye-catching. It enshrines Emperor Antoku, who was defeated in the Battle of Dan-no-ura and threw himself into the sea at the tender age of 8. The Akama Shrine was formerly known as Amida-ji and is also the backdrop for the famous ghost story "Muneori Hoichi." The shrine stands facing the sea and is renowned for its various blessings related to water protection, particularly effective in preventing floods and promoting the prosperity of certain industries. Within the grounds, there is a treasure hall displaying three important cultural assets and other precious materials, as well as the tomb of Emperor Antoku, the tomb of the Taira clan, and the Hoichi Hall, which houses a statue of the hand-playing biwa musician Hoichi. Every year from May 2nd to 4th, a memorial service for Emperor Antoku, known as the "Senpai Festival," is held, with the "Jōrō Sanpai" on the 3rd being the most famous. This festival originated from the surviving court ladies who would visit the shrine in formal attire, and it is now celebrated with a parade of five elegantly dressed tayū on a red bridge set up in the shrine's inner grounds.

The shrine dedicated to Emperor Antoku, who was defeated and drowned in the Battle of Dan-no-ura. It is also the shrine mentioned in the ghost story "Muneori Hoichi." The treasure hall displays three important cultural properties and other valuable materials.