YamaguchiFood

The Dragon King's Palace-Like Vermillion Suiten Gate and Quiet Grounds Connected to the Minamoto-Taira Conflict

About this spot

A shrine dedicated to Emperor Antoku, the young emperor who entered the water during the Battle of Dan-no-ura. The vividly vermillion-lacquered Suiten Gate, reminiscent of the Dragon King's Palace, is one of Shimonoseki's signature views—the contrast of the strait's blue, white walls, and vermillion is breathtaking. Beyond the gate stretches a quiet grounds where various points of interest convey tales of the Minamoto-Taira conflict to the present day, including the Shichimori Tsuka mounds dedicated to the Taira clan and the Yoshichi Hall, known as the setting of the ghost story "Earless Hoichi." Gazing at the Kanmon Strait from the grounds overlooking the sea, you will deeply feel how history shifted greatly on these waters. A fitting and solemn, beautiful shrine visit during your food-walk adventure.

Tips

About 10 minutes walk from Karato Market along the seaside path. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as you will climb stone steps from the entrance along the national highway to the Suiten Gate. The grounds are free to visit, and ema plaques and amulets are available at the shrine office.

Best time to visit

Allow approximately 1 hour. During daytime when sunlight is favorable, the vermillion Suiten Gate stands out even more against the blue of the strait.