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新潟県
Toku
Gochi Kokubun-ji Temple
Gochi Kokubun-ji Temple
新潟県
A sacred flame kept for 1,300 years — the three-story pagoda rebuilt by Kenshin still towers over ancient Echigo.
Founded
741
Type
Temple
Visited
Want to go
Access
About 20 min walk from Echigo Tokimeki Railway Naoetsu Station
3-20-21 Gochi, Joetsu, Niigata
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Info
Temple
Founded 741
1285 years
Buddhist Sect
Shingon (Chisan)
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Overview
An ancient Shingon Chisan-sect temple in Gochi, Joetsu City, carrying on the sacred flame of the Echigo Kokubunji (provincial temple). The three-story pagoda standing on the grounds was rebuilt in 1543 (Tenbun 12) by Uesugi Kenshin and is designated a National Important Cultural Property as one of the oldest wooden structures in Niigata Prefecture. The temple is also known for its connection to Ke…
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Origins
One of the provincial temples built across the country in 741 by decree of Emperor Shomu. It fell into ruin in the medieval period but was revived when Uesugi Kenshin rebuilt the three-story pagoda. The pagoda, said to date from its 1543 reconstruction, is a National Important Cultural Property. The…
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記
Related Articles
— 3

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Gochi Kokubunji and Ancient Echigo Buddhism: Tracing the Nara-Period Foundation in Joetsu
Gochi Kokubunji in Joetsu City is a Tendai temple continuing the tradition of Echigo's ancient Kokubunji, established by imperial edict in 741. Its three-story pagoda (a Niigata Prefecture cultural property) and gate preserve the dignity of Nara-period Buddhism in the north.
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Joko-ji and Shinran: Tracing the Origins of Jodo Shinshu in Echigo's Exile Land
Joko-ji in Joetsu City preserves the legacy of Shinran, founder of Jodo Shinshu, who was exiled to Echigo. Its main hall is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property and represents the birthplace of Pure Land Buddhism in this northern province.
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Uesugi Kenshin and Kasugayama Castle: Walking the Base of the Warrior of Justice
Uesugi Kenshin, who fought under the banner of justice, ruled from Kasugayama Castle in Echigo Province (present-day Niigata Prefecture). This article traces his life through five historic sites including the castle ruins, Rinsen-ji temple, and Kasugayama Shrine.
era
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Related Figures
— 1

Uesugi Kenshin
Dragon of Echigo, God of War
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In 1543, Kenshin rebuilt the three-story pagoda of Gochi Kokbunji, which had fallen into disrepair. Restoring the Echigo Kokubunji's flame was both a duty of the provincial guardian and an act of personal Buddhist devotion. Though known primarily as a devotee of Bishamonten, Kenshin was equally committed to preserving the religious institutions of his domain.
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