Rinsenji Temple in Niigata Prefecture was built in 1497 by Nagao Yoshikage, grandfather of the famous postwar general Uesugi Kenshin, to mourn the loss of his father, Shigekage. From ages 7 to 14, Kenshin spent his time here undertaking the strict teachings of the great monk Tenshitsu Koiku. It is said that Kenshin, who was one of the most cultured and religious warlords of the Warring States period, cultivated his beliefs during this period.
Nearby the temple are a number of other places of interest, including Kasugayama-jo Castle, branch castles, Kenshin’s gravesite, and a memorial tower for the dead of the Battle of Kawanakajima. The temple also has a museum of treasures where visitors can view items related to Kenshin, including the only existing portrait of Kenshin that was painted during his lifetime.