6-1-11 Gochi, Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture
Rating
Cost per person
¥500
Ita Shrine, also known as Echigo Ichinomiya, enshrines Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, Nunakawa-hime, and Takeminakata-no-Mikoto. Historically protected by provincial governors, it's said that Shinran Shonin visited here first upon landing in Echigo. The shrine is known for the "Kataha-Ashi" (one-sided reed), one of Echigo's seven mysteries, associated with Shinran Shonin. The shrine houses a wooden Komainu (guardian dog) statue from the Muromachi period and the Ita Shrine documents from the medieval to early modern periods, both designated as city cultural properties. Located in Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture, it's a 25-minute walk from Naoetsu Station or a 20-minute drive from Joetsu IC. Admission is free, and parking is available for regular cars. A popular spot for blessings of love and safe childbirth.
Parking: Available for standard-sized cars