Castle and Temples of the Kaga Ikko Ikki

Summary:

Multiple influential temples of the Honganji Temple Jōdo Shinshū sect were established throughout the Hokuriku region before the start of the Kaga Ikko Ikki. These temples were run by members of Rennyo’s family, which created a religious system of government in the area making it easier for the Ikko Ikki to gain traction. Followers of these temples established many castles placed atop of mountainous terrain throughout the region during the time of the Kaga Ikko Ikki. The locations of these temples and castles can be seen on the map in the exhibition.

Propagation of Jōdo Shinshū in the Hokuriku Area

The immense permeation of Jōdo Shinshū in the Hokuriku Area can be attested to the establishment of several powerful temples throughout the area even before Rennyo’s time. These include Zuisenji Temple (Toyama) which was established by Rennyo’s great grandfather Shakunyo (5th head priest of Honganji Temple); Honsenji Temple (Kanazawa City) established by Rennyo’s uncle Nyojō; and Enkōji Temple (Kanazawa City) established by Rensho, the 7th head priest of Honganji Temple’s son. With these temples as the foundation, further influential temples were established throughout the area such as Honsenji Temple, Shōkōji Temple, Kōkyōji Temple, and Gantokuji Temple. Rennyo’s sons resided at these temples during the Kaga Ikko Ikki, therefore, establishing a religious system of government.

Castles and Temples During the Ikko Ikki Uprisings

During the time of the Ikko Ikki uprisings, there were many castles built across the Kaga region by followers of the Honganji Temple. Most of them, like Torigoe Castle, were castles built on mountains utilizing the natural terrain.

There are several castle ruins that exist from 1580, when Oda Nobunaga’s general Shibata Katsuie attacked the area. They include Wadayama Castle (Teraimachi, Nomi City), Kokūzōyama Castle (Tastunokuchi, Nomi City), and Hasadani Castle (Komatsu City). 

See the location of all the castles and temples on the map in the exhibition. 

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