Uesugi Shrine & Yonezawa Castle Ruins

【A Sacred Place of the Spirit of Justice】Uesugi Shrine and the Legendary Treasure Dedicated to the War God Uesugi Kenshin

The "Uesugi Shrine" located at the site of the main keep of Yonezawa Castle is a shrine dedicated to Uesugi Kenshin, a famous general who valued "justice" during the Warring States period. Once the base of the Yonezawa domain, this place transformed into a shrine during the Meiji era, and still breathes the pride of the Uesugi family and the deep affection of the citizens of Yonezawa.

■ A must-see treasure. Encountering Naoe Kanetsugu's "Love" at the "Keishoden" 
A niche sanctuary for history enthusiasts is the treasure house "Keishoden" located within the shrine grounds. Here, you will find precious cultural properties that the Uesugi family has preserved, including artifacts belonging to Kenshin. Among them, the helmet adorned with the character for "love" associated with Naoe Kanetsugu, who gained fame in the historical drama, is a highlight. The overwhelming presence of the real thing and the spirit of "altruism" embedded in it make you feel the fervor of the Warring States period transcending time and space.

■ The castle ruins wrapped in a veil of cherry blossoms and the majestic "Uesugi Festival" 
As spring arrives and about 200 cherry blossom trees bloom along the moat, the shrine grounds are enveloped in a soft pink veil. The contrast between the cherry blossoms reflected on the water's surface and the old-fashioned red bridge "Maizuru Bridge" creates a breathtaking view unique to this season. During the Golden Week, the "Uesugi Festival" reenacts the "Battle of Kawanakajima," said to be the largest battle in Warring States history, and the city is engulfed in excitement as the Uesugi and Takeda armies clash.

■ The teachings of Uesugi Yozan, the founder of modern Yonezawa 
Within the shrine grounds, there is also a statue of the 9th lord of the domain, Uesugi Yozan, known as a politician respected by former President J.F. Kennedy. As you ponder his famous words, "If you try, you can achieve; if you don't try, you won't achieve anything," take a leisurely stroll through the vast castle ruins. The strength of a warrior and the compassion for the people blend together at Uesugi Shrine, making it a special place that provides visitors with the vitality for tomorrow.