Nishikubiki

Western Kubiki lies where the Hime River descends from the mountains to the Sea of Japan at Itoigawa. Local tradition tells of Nunakawahime, a figure honored at shrines throughout the district, and of precious stones associated with her river. The Chikuni road followed the Hime valley inland toward Shinano, carrying salt from the coast. In 1717 a branch of the Matsudaira family became lords of Itoigawa, governing a small domain from the town.