Akama Shrine Shimonoseki
A vibrant red shrine dedicated to a child emperor, set against the historic Kanmon Straits, offering a blend of history and scenic beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Quiet, subtle beauty
Akama Shrine Shimonoseki
Best Time
Quiet, subtle beauty
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant red shrine dedicated to a child emperor, set against the historic Kanmon Straits, offering a blend of history and scenic beauty.
"Experience the quiet, subtle beauty of Akama Shrine at night, glowing with a deep red hue."
✨ Nighttime Glow
Experience the shrine's quiet, subtle beauty at night; it glows with a deep red hue.
🚶♀️ Easy Access from Ferry
A short 10-15 minute walk from the Karato ferry landing dock makes it a convenient stop.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vermilion Suiten Gate
Entrance
A striking gate designed to resemble Ryugu Castle, offering a visually captivating entrance.
Main Hall
Central Shrine Building
Dedicated to Emperor Antoku, this vibrant red hall is the heart of the shrine and its historical significance.
Kanmon Straits View
Shrine Grounds
Enjoy picturesque views of the Kanmon Straits, a historically significant waterway, from the shrine.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History
Nighttime Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✨ Nighttime Glow
Experience the shrine's quiet, subtle beauty at night; it glows with a deep red hue.
🚶♀️ Easy Access from Ferry
A short 10-15 minute walk from the Karato ferry landing dock makes it a convenient stop.
🔴 Vibrant Architecture
Admire the unique red and white architecture, especially the vermilion Suiten Gate.
🆓 Free Entry
The shrine complex is free to enter and explore, though a gift shop is available.
Tips
from all over the internet
✨ Nighttime Glow
Experience the shrine's quiet, subtle beauty at night; it glows with a deep red hue.
🚶♀️ Easy Access from Ferry
A short 10-15 minute walk from the Karato ferry landing dock makes it a convenient stop.
🔴 Vibrant Architecture
Admire the unique red and white architecture, especially the vermilion Suiten Gate.
🆓 Free Entry
The shrine complex is free to enter and explore, though a gift shop is available.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Akama Shrine for its striking vermilion architecture, particularly the Suiten Gate, and its serene atmosphere, especially during nighttime visits. The historical significance tied to Emperor Antoku and the Battle of Dan-no-ura adds a poignant layer to the experience. Some note ongoing construction during visits, but the free entry and scenic views of the Kanmon Straits are consistently appreciated.
"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."
Siu Y Lo
"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!"
Shingo S. Ishida
"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."
기민주
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Akama Shrine is easily accessible. From JR Shimonoseki Station, it's about a 15-minute walk. Alternatively, you can take a short ferry ride from Mojikou Port on the Kyushu side to the Karato ferry landing dock, followed by a 10-15 minute walk to the shrine.
Yes, Akama Shrine is located just a few hundred meters from the Kanmon Straits, offering beautiful waterfront views.
A short ferry ride across the Kanmon Straits from Mojikou Port to the Karato ferry landing dock is a scenic and convenient option, followed by a brief walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the complex of Akama Shrine is free to enter and explore. There is a gift shop available for purchases.
Akama Shrine is generally open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Yes, many visitors find the shrine to have a unique and peaceful charm at night, with a subtle red glow.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Akama Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Antoku, a child emperor who perished in the Battle of Dan-no-ura in 1185. It's also associated with the tale of 'Hoichi the Earless.' 
Don't miss the striking vermilion Suiten Gate, designed to resemble Ryugu Castle, and the vibrant red main hall dedicated to Emperor Antoku. The views of the Kanmon Straits are also a highlight.
Absolutely! The vibrant red architecture, especially the Suiten Gate, and the scenic views of the Kanmon Straits make it a very photogenic spot.
Akama Shrine has hosted events like the Golden Week bean-throwing festival, adding a cultural dimension to visits.
📸 📸 Photography
The vermilion Suiten Gate is a prime spot, as is the main hall. The views of the Kanmon Straits and the Kanmonkyo Bridge in the background also offer great photographic opportunities.
Yes, the shrine has a unique, subtle red glow at night that can be captivating for photographers seeking a more atmospheric shot.
Both daytime for vibrant colors and nighttime for a serene atmosphere offer distinct photographic experiences. Golden hour can also provide beautiful lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the day when the colors are most vivid. The ferry ride from Mojikou Port can also be an exciting part of the journey for younger children. While there are no specific playgrounds, the unique visual elements of the shrine and the surrounding coastal area can keep kids interested.
📸 Photographers
+1Don't overlook the opportunity for night photography. The shrine's subtle red glow after dark creates a unique, atmospheric mood that is less common at other shrines. The surrounding area also offers picturesque views of the Kanmonkyo Bridge, adding to the photographic potential.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Tragic Tale of Emperor Antoku
+2This historical context is crucial for understanding the shrine's atmosphere and its significance. The shrine's architecture, particularly the Suiten Gate designed to resemble the mythical Ryugu Castle, is said to symbolize the emperor's final resting place beneath the sea. The shrine also has a connection to the famous ghost story, 'Hoichi the Earless,' adding another layer of cultural depth to the site.
Many visitors find the shrine's history to be a somber yet fascinating aspect of their trip. It's a place where history feels palpable, offering a moment of reflection on Japan's past conflicts and the lives affected by them. The proximity to the actual battle site in the Kanmon Straits further enhances this historical immersion.
Experiencing Akama Shrine at Night
The tranquility of the shrine at night is often described as being enhanced by the gentle sea breeze and the stillness of the surroundings. It's a perfect opportunity for a quiet stroll, a moment of reflection, or simply to breathe and think without the usual crowds. This serene ambiance makes it a memorable part of visiting Shimonoseki.
For those seeking a more introspective travel experience, dedicating time to visit Akama Shrine in the evening is highly recommended. It allows for a deeper appreciation of its subtle beauty and historical weight, offering a peaceful respite that lingers like a faint scent on the breeze.
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