Kota Shrine in the Gochi neighborhood of Joetsu is a Shinto sanctuary with an illustrious history. It is mentioned in the tenth-century Engishiki, a compilation of regulations and procedures produced by the imperial court that also listed all the significant shrines in Japan at the time, and was traditionally the ichinomiya (chief shrine) for Echigo Province (now Niigata Prefecture). The shrine is known to have held this title since the time of the famous warlord Uesugi Kenshin (1530–1578), who is said to have prayed at the shrine.

In the early thirteenth century, Shinran (1173–1263), the founder of Jodo Shinshu (True Pure Land) Buddhism was exiled to Echigo for his beliefs. He is said to have prayed at Kota Shrine upon his arrival, and a statue of the priest on the shrine grounds commemorates his visit.

Also on the Kota Shrine grounds is a small site of prayer called Karita Shrine. Dedicated to Takamimusubi and Kamimusubi, deities of fertility and childbearing, it is a popular place to offer prayers related to childbirth.