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Where Shinran's exile became the seed of Pure Land faith — head temple of the Takada school of Jodo Shinshu.

National Historic Site — the mountain stronghold from which Kenshin directed five Kawanakajima campaigns and ruled Echigo.

The bodaiji where seven-year-old Kenshin learned righteousness and Zen — its nationally treasured gate still stands in majestic dignity.

A sacred shrine where Kenshin, the warrior of righteousness, is enshrined as a god — armored processions revive his legend each spring.

A sacred flame kept for 1,300 years — the three-story pagoda rebuilt by Kenshin still towers over ancient Echigo.

Echigo's premier shrine of the goddess Nunakawa-hime, visited by exiles Shinran and Nichiren across the ages.

The shore where Shinran landed in exile in 1207, a sacred site of Jodo Shinshu pilgrimage ever since.

An ancient Hachiman shrine in the port of ancient Echigo's capital, where Kenshin prayed for victory before battle.

A castle with no keep but triple moats, now famous across Japan for its breathtaking evening cherry blossoms in spring.

A local Shinto shrine in Joetsu…