Sentei-sai is the biggest festival in Shimonoseki. Celebrated the first week of May, it remembers the battle between the Minamoto (Genji) and Heike (Taira)clans on March 21, 1185. Men dressed as 12th century Japanese warriors board boats and cross the Shimonoseki straits. There are also archery, taiko, and dance demonstrations. The highlight of the festival is the procession to the Akama Shrine. After the defeat of the Heiki clan, the Heiki women were taken to Kyoto to become cortesans. They were allowed to return to Shimonoseki once a year to honor their relatives who were killed in the battle. Women dressed as 12th century courtesans walk/dance through Shimonoseki to the Akama Shrine. Their costumes are really amazing!
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