Shibata Katsuie, the most formidable general of the Oda clan, is enshrined here at the site of Kitanosho Castle. Defeated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi at the Battle of Shizugatake in 1583, he set fire to the castle tower and died together with his wife Oichi. Known as 'Charge Shibata' for his fierce bravery, he is still revered by the people of Echizen and honoured each autumn at the Oichi Festival.