Mimosusogawa Park

Mimosusogawa Park is the manicured, waterside area that sits on the historic site of the Battle of Dan-no-Ura, the final clash between the Genji and Heike clans. The sea in front of the park is the narrowest part of the Kanmon Strait, known for its strong tidal currents. Once here you’ll find jaw-dropping views of ships passing through the strait and the 1,068-meter-long Kanmon Bridge connecting Honshu and Kyushu.

The park features statues of Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Taira no Tomomori, as well as stone monuments and plaques commemorating the historical figures and their poems, such as the farewell poem of Tomomori’s mother, Nii no Ama. From 10am to 3pm, there are free kamishibai (paper theater) performances that explain the local history in an easy-to-understand way (availability is subject to cancellation or audience presence). With the Kanmon Strait stretched out before you, it's the go-to place to reflect on all the drama of this historic battle.

Additionally, the site includes remnants of the cannons used to fire on foreign ships during the late Edo period. Full-scale replicas of the Choshu cannons are installed, with five replicas facing the strait. One of the cannons can produce firing sounds and smoke effects every hour from 9am to 5pm, and at any time for 100 yen.