Niigata Prefecture

Historic sites in Niigata Prefecture

Japan's Historic Treasures

This collection highlights the diverse architectural and military history of Niigata Prefecture. It features significant feudal landmarks like the mountain-style Kasugayama Castle and the moated Shibata Castle with its original Edo-period turrets. The list also encompasses spiritual heritage, from the ancient Shinto sanctuaries of Sado Island to the concentrated Buddhist temple district in Murakami. These sites preserve the region's legacy from the Sengoku period through the Edo era, showcasing traditional wood-carving, defensive fortifications, and sacred cultural landscapes.

Japan's Historic Treasures — Map

A

Ninomaru-sumi-yagura

An original Edo-period corner turret of Shibata Castle, designated as an Important Cultural Property.

Drph17 / CC BY 4.0

B

Shibata Castle

Shibata Castle is a flatland-style Japanese castle located in the city of Shibata, Niigata Prefecture, Japan.

投稿者がファイル作成 / Public domain

C

Kasugayama Castle

Kasugayama Castle is a Sengoku period yamashiro-style Japanese castle located in the Nakayashiki neighborhood of the city of Jōetsu,…

D

Takashi Akiyama Poster Museum Nagaoka Main Building (former Nagaoka Commercial Bank Miyauchi Branch)

Housed in the former Nagaoka Commercial Bank Miyauchi Branch, a western-style brick building dating from the early 20th century.

E

拝殿

The traditional worship hall of a Shinto shrine in the Nagaoka region.

F

安田城址

Medieval ruins of a flatland castle featuring preserved moats and earthen ramparts.

G

松代城

Ruins of a mountain castle (yamashiro) featuring a reconstructed keep that serves as a local landmark.

H

節黒城

Site of a medieval mountain fortification located in the Tokamachi area.

I

高田城三層櫓

A reconstructed three-story turret within Takada Park, originally built in 1614 as part of the Matsudaira clan's stronghold.

J

鎌田城址

The historical site of a medieval fortification in Nagaoka.

K

村上城跡

Hilltop castle ruins known for extensive stone walls and views of the Murakami cityscape and Sea of Japan.

L

栃尾城跡

Mountain castle ruins where the famous warlord Uesugi Kenshin spent his youth; features remnants of dry moats.

M

笹岡城址

The historical site and remaining grounds of a local fortification in Agano.

N

Chohkokuji

Shingon sect temple on Sado Island founded in 807, famous for its wooden Eleven-headed Kannon statue and peonies.

O

本願寺国府別院

A temple of the Jodo Shinshu Honganji-ha sect in Joetsu, historically linked to the exile of the monk Shinran.

P

大龍院

Zen Buddhist temple located in the Tokamachi region.

Q

乙宝寺本坊

The main quarters of Oppoji, a historic temple in Tainai established in the 8th century.

R

方丈殿

A traditional hall within the historic Oppoji temple complex.

S

乙宝寺大日堂

A temple hall dedicated to the Dainichi Nyorai within the historic Oppoji grounds.

T

妙宣寺山門

The main gate of Myosen-ji, a Nichiren sect temple on Sado Island known for its five-story pagoda.

U

白山神社

Shinto shrine in Shibata dedicated to the deity of Mount Hakusan.

V

神明神社

Shinto shrine in Shibata dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami.

W

妙宣寺庫裏

The temple kitchen and residential quarters of the Myosen-ji complex on Sado Island.

X

妙宣寺仁王門

The Deva gate housing Nio guardian statues at Myosen-ji temple.

Y

妙宣寺宝蔵

The treasure house of Myosen-ji temple, used for storing sacred artifacts.

Z

妙宣寺番神堂

A hall at Myosen-ji dedicated to the thirty protective deities of Nichiren Buddhism.

本堂

The main hall of Myosen-ji temple on Sado Island.

妙宣寺祖師堂

A hall dedicated to the founder, Nichiren, at Myosen-ji temple.

長法寺

Nichiren sect temple located in the historic temple district of Murakami.

経王寺

Significant Nichiren sect temple in Murakami, historically known as the 'Great Temple of Teramachi'.

ChiefHira / CC BY-SA 3.0

Watatsu Shrine

Watatsu Shrine is a Shinto shrine in the Hamochiiioka neighborhood of the city of Sado, Niigata.

妙法寺

Historic Nichiren sect temple in Murakami housing a fragment of the founder's original writings.

GonN / CC BY-SA 4.0

藤基神社

Shinto shrine in Murakami dedicated to Naito Nobunari, the first lord of the Murakami Domain.

Kira Jinja Shrine

Local Shinto shrine situated in Sekikawa village.

Haraedo Jinja Shrine

Small Shinto shrine located near the Iwamuro Onsen district.

Shimosuwa Jinja Shrine

Shinto shrine located in the historic Iwamuro district of Niigata City.

Boh Jinja Shrine (Unknown named Shrine)

A small, local Shinto shrine in the Iwamuro area.

Yu Jinja Shrine

Shinto shrine in Iwamuro Onsen dedicated to the guardian deity of the local hot springs.

妙泉寺

Buddhist temple located in Kashiwazaki.

鳥之子神社

Shinto shrine situated in the Nishikan ward of Niigata City.

成田山

A branch of the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple located in Nagaoka.

Tōzaki Kannondō Temple 藤崎観音堂

Buddhist hall in Joetsu dedicated to Kannon, the deity of compassion.

諏訪神社

Local Shinto shrine serving the Tsunan area.

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