Gochi Kokubunji Temple

Overview

Gochi Kokubunji Temple is a successor temple of Echigo Kokubunji Temple, a kokubunji (provincial temple) built during the Nara period by order of Emperor Shōmu. While the original temple site is unclear, it is said that the warlord Uesugi Kenshin relocated and restored it to its current location during the Sengoku period. The temple grounds are home to many historical structures, including the main hall, said to have been restored by Uesugi Kenshin; a three-storied pagoda, a designated cultural property of Niigata Prefecture; and Takenouchi Sōan hermitage, associated with Shinran. The three-storied pagoda, the only surviving one in the Jōetsu area, showcases the architectural style of the late Edo period. Takenouchi Sōan was built on the site of a hermitage where Shinran is said to have lived during his exile in Echigo Province. Here, visitors can reflect on Shinran's legacy. Gochi Kokubunji Temple is a recommended sightseeing spot for history buffs and culture enthusiasts alike. The surrounding area boasts many historical structures, such as Idatani Shrine, the chief shrine of Echigo Province, making it ideal for a journey through history and culture.