Ueda

A history-packed northern Nagano castle town

Ueda, located southeast of Nagano City, is a charming castle town that offers a rich history and cultural heritage. Situated along the banks of the Chikuma River, Ueda is known for its Ueda Johseki Park, majestic temples, and a historic hot spring area.

One of the main attractions in Ueda is Ueda Castle. Built in the 16th century by the leaders of the Sanada samurai clan, Ueda Castle has a fascinating history. The Sanada clan is locally renowned for having repelled the powerful Tokugawa clan not once, but twice. Today, the castle’s three turrets and main gate have been reproduced and stand as a symbol of Ueda’s samurai past. The castle is located within Ueda Johseki Park, which is particularly beautiful in the spring when cherry blossoms bloom. The park hosts the Ueda Castle Sen-Bon Sakura Matsuri, also known as the 1,000 Cherry Tree Festival, where visitors can enjoy flower viewing and see the cherry blossoms illuminated at night.

Another highlight of Ueda is the historic hot spring town of Bessho Onsen. With roots that reportedly date back over 1,000 years, Bessho Onsen is said to be the oldest hot spring area in the prefecture. The town is known for its three separate springs with varying properties, which feed the local baths. Visitors can experience the old-school charm of Oyu, Ishiyu, and Taishiyu Onsen, which are all open to day trippers. Bessho Onsen is also home to several impressive temples, including Zenzan-ji with its picturesque three-tiered pagoda. The town’s temples are well worth exploring, with the elegant and imposing Kitamuki Kannon Temple offering spectacular views from its bell tower. Anraku-ji, nestled in the woods at the edge of the village, is the oldest Zen temple in Nagano and boasts the only octagonal three-tiered pagoda in the nation.

In addition to its historical and cultural attractions, Ueda offers other amusements for visitors. The rice terraces outside of town provide splendid views of the surrounding scenery and offer a glimpse into the region’s agricultural heritage. Walking the narrow lanes between the fields gives a sense of how the local people have lived for centuries. Mugonkan, or the “Silent Museum,” is a moving tribute that displays the works of art students who perished during World War II. Located in the neighboring city of Chikuma, Togura Kamiyamada Onsen is an international traveler-friendly resort with several bathing facilities and an appealing mountain fort.

Throughout the year, Ueda hosts numerous events that showcase its rich cultural heritage. Many of these events take place at the castle area and offer visitors a chance to experience traditional Japanese festivities. The Ueda Sanada Festival, for example, honors the city’s famous warrior clan and features a procession of participants dressed in period costumes. The festival also includes taiko drumming, demonstrations with replica guns, and other activities centered around the castle area. In August, there are Noh performances and other summertime festivals that bring the castle area to life. The Shinshu Ueda Gion Festival and Ueda Wasshoi Festival are particularly lively events, with parades of Omikoshi portable shrines and festive scenes throughout the city. The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival in August is another popular event, held on the shores of the Chikuma River.

From Ueda, visitors can easily access other attractions in the Nagano area. Nagano itself is just a short distance away and is home to the famous Zenko-ji Temple. The shinkansen also passes through the resort area of Karuizawa en route to Ueda, offering opportunities for shopping, exploring the historic Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza area, and enjoying views of Mount Asama. For those with a car, Ueda marks the start of the japan Romantic Road, a scenic route that takes travelers through the mountains and onsen towns of Gunma and Tochigi Prefectures, all the way to Nikko.

To visit Ueda, travelers have several transportation options. Ueda is on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, which connects to Tokyo Station. The journey from Tokyo takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes. From Nagano, Ueda is just a short journey away, with a 12-minute ride on the shinkansen or a 45-minute ride on the Shinetsu Main Line or Shinano Railway local trains. For those looking to explore the Ueda area more extensively, renting a car is recommended.

In conclusion, Ueda offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s history and culture. With its impressive castle, historic hot spring area, and vibrant festivals, Ueda is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and immersive experience. Whether exploring the castle grounds, soaking in the local hot springs, or participating in traditional festivities, visitors to Ueda are sure to be captivated by its rich heritage and charm.

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