The architecture of the main gate of the Akama shrine in Shimonoseki hints at a tragic story from the history of Japan, the Battle of Dan-no-ura. During the battle, when it became clear that they will loose, Taira no Tokiko killed herself by jumping in the water, taking with her her nephew, Emperor Antoku, who was only 6 years old. The grandmother told him that they will go to the underwater paradise, in the palace of Ryūjin, the Dragon King of the sea.
Thus, the Akama shrine, dedicated to the emperor, has its main gate, Suiten mon, inspired by the architecture of the Dragon King’s Palace.
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