Samurai Naval Festival - Shimonoseki Kaikyo Matsuri (Battle of Dan-no-ura)

In 1185 a great naval battle was fought at Dan-no-ura (today Shimonoseki) between the samurai clans Heike (Taira) and Genji (Minamoto). It was the last battle of the Genpei War (1180-1185). Samurai clans grew discontent with the heavy hand of Heike control of the government and rebelled under their old rivals, the Genji clan. The Heike were run out of Kyoto and fled to Dan-no-ura where the Genji attacked them. The Genji had the numbers but the Heike had naval tactics and the tide on their side. However, a