Akama Shrine

The "Sui-ten-mon" (Water Gate) of Akama Shrine, designated as a registered tangible cultural property of Japan, is a vermilion-painted tower gate that greets visitors who pass through the torii gate with grandeur. When Akama Shrine, which had been burned down during the war, was rebuilt, it was said to have been modeled after a building like Ryugu Castle, imagining a city under the sea. Just the atmosphere of this gate alone can make you feel as if you've wandered into Ryugu Castle. Passing through the Water Gate and looking from the shrine side, you can see the town of Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, located across the sea of the Kanmon Strait, separated by a road. However, when you look back at the history of Akama Shrine, the scenery seems to have a certain fragility, as if it is watching over the underwater city.

After passing through the Suitenmon Gate and climbing the stairs, you will come to the front of the shrine where you can worship at the "Daian-den". The "Daian-den" consists of an outer hall and an inner hall, and general visitors worship from the outer hall. One of the highlights here is the water surface stretched between the outer and inner halls, which can appear emerald green depending on the light. The reflection of the bright red shrine on the water surface also gives off an atmosphere reminiscent of the underwater palace. If you climb up to the Daian-den and look back at the Suitenmon Gate, it is said that you can see a view where the horizontal line of the sea straits overlaps with the gate, making it look like the gate is sinking into the sea. Be sure to explore this spot as well.

Akama Shrine is famous as a shrine dedicated to Emperor Antoku, who died tragically at the age of six by drowning during the Battle of Dan-no-ura, which led to the downfall of the Heike clan. The shrine is said to have a strong purifying power as it serves the purpose of calming the regrets and grudges of Emperor Antoku and the Heike clan. When you actually visit the shrine, you may feel the flow of the sea's power as the approach to the shrine is by the sea and the unique architecture of the building is impressive. There are many blessings related to water and children, such as safe childbirth, protection from drowning, and prosperity in fishing.

The predecessor to Akama Shrine, "Amida Temple," is the temple where the famous ghost story of "Earless Hoichi" by Koizumi Yakumo took place. As a result, within the grounds of the current Akama Shrine, behind the treasure hall, there is a small temple called "Hoichi-do" where a statue of Hoichi playing the biwa, created by sculptor Masao Oshida from Yamaguchi Prefecture, is enshrined. The sight of the Hoichi-do next to the graves of the Heike clan is as if it were a recreation of the story itself. It's one of the popular spots within Akama Shrine, so why not visit if you're feeling brave?

If you head to the left from the main hall of Akama Shrine, you'll come across a mound (commonly known as Shichimori-zuka) that enshrines the Heike clan. After the Battle of Dan-no-ura, many Heike warriors and court ladies were said to be unable to rest in peace due to their vengeful spirits, wandering at sea as storms continued to cause shipwrecks and fishing boat accidents in the strait. In response, local fishermen gathered the scattered graves of the Heike clan and gave them a proper funeral, offering prayers towards Kyoto. The area around the mound is a bit dark due to the trees, creating a solemn atmosphere that is further emphasized by the nearby statue of Miminashi Hoichi.