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- 5 recommended sightseeing spots in Ueda City, Nagano! A trip to enjoy history and nature.
2025.04.21
Sightseeing Spot
SOTETSU FRESA INN
5 recommended sightseeing spots in Ueda City, Nagano! A trip to enjoy history and nature.
Ueda City in Nagano Prefecture is known as a castle town that retains the history of the Sengoku period. Among them, Ueda Castle is a popular historical tourist spot. This time, we will introduce recommended sightseeing spots in Ueda City, a city where history and nature blend together.
What is Ueda City like?
Ueda City is located in the eastern part of Nagano Prefecture, and is an attractive region with a rich natural environment and historical background. It is easily accessible, about 90 minutes from Tokyo Station by the Hokuriku Shinkansen, and although it is smaller than Nagano City, it has its own unique culture and tourist resources.
It is also known as the base of the Sanada clan, and in addition to Ueda Castle, there are many historical sites related to the Sanada clan, such as their family temple and the ruins of their mansion, and you can feel the local culture.
The natural environment is also rich, and the beautiful scenery surrounded by mountains spreads, allowing you to feel the nature of the four seasons. There are historic hot springs scattered throughout the city, such as Bessho Onsen and Kakeyu Onsen, so you can enjoy visiting them. In addition, the city's blessed climate and geography ensure that local specialties and gourmet food are of high quality, and one of the pleasures is being able to taste dishes made with local ingredients such as soba noodles, yakitori, ankake yakisoba, and local sake.
Many traditional events and festivals are held, making it a lively city. In addition, there are plenty of outdoor activities available in the winter, including skiing and snowboarding, and Ueda City is a place where you can experience the diverse charms of Nagano Prefecture.
It is also known as the base of the Sanada clan, and in addition to Ueda Castle, there are many historical sites related to the Sanada clan, such as their family temple and the ruins of their mansion, and you can feel the local culture.
The natural environment is also rich, and the beautiful scenery surrounded by mountains spreads, allowing you to feel the nature of the four seasons. There are historic hot springs scattered throughout the city, such as Bessho Onsen and Kakeyu Onsen, so you can enjoy visiting them. In addition, the city's blessed climate and geography ensure that local specialties and gourmet food are of high quality, and one of the pleasures is being able to taste dishes made with local ingredients such as soba noodles, yakitori, ankake yakisoba, and local sake.
Many traditional events and festivals are held, making it a lively city. In addition, there are plenty of outdoor activities available in the winter, including skiing and snowboarding, and Ueda City is a place where you can experience the diverse charms of Nagano Prefecture.
Experience the charm of Ueda City! Recommended Sightseeing Spots
1. Ueda Castle Ruins Park
Ueda Castle was built by Masayuki Sanada, father of Yukimura Sanada, a famous general of the Warring States period. It is characterized by a defensive structure using moats and earthen mounds, and its beautiful stone walls are particularly impressive. While designed to take advantage of the surrounding natural environment, the castle made its name known throughout the country by defeating the Tokugawa's great army in the first and second Ueda Battles.
Today, Ueda Castle is maintained as Ueda Castle Ruins Park, which offers visitors a sense of history. The park includes a restored turret gate at the east toraguchi of the castle and a beautiful garden known as a cherry blossom viewing spot.
In spring, approximately 1,000 cherry trees are in full bloom, and the beautiful seasonal changes, such as fresh greenery and autumn leaves, can be experienced, making the park a popular spot for many tourists to visit. The area around the castle ruins is also dotted with historical buildings and cultural assets, making it an attractive place to enjoy both historical exploration and nature walks.
Address: 6263-i, Ninomaru, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture
Access: A 12 minute on foot from Ueda Station
Ueda Castle was built by Masayuki Sanada, father of Yukimura Sanada, a famous general of the Warring States period. It is characterized by a defensive structure using moats and earthen mounds, and its beautiful stone walls are particularly impressive. While designed to take advantage of the surrounding natural environment, the castle made its name known throughout the country by defeating the Tokugawa's great army in the first and second Ueda Battles.
Today, Ueda Castle is maintained as Ueda Castle Ruins Park, which offers visitors a sense of history. The park includes a restored turret gate at the east toraguchi of the castle and a beautiful garden known as a cherry blossom viewing spot.
In spring, approximately 1,000 cherry trees are in full bloom, and the beautiful seasonal changes, such as fresh greenery and autumn leaves, can be experienced, making the park a popular spot for many tourists to visit. The area around the castle ruins is also dotted with historical buildings and cultural assets, making it an attractive place to enjoy both historical exploration and nature walks.
Address: 6263-i, Ninomaru, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture
Access: A 12 minute on foot from Ueda Station
2. Ueda Yanagimachi
Yanagimachi, located a little to the west on Chuo-dori Street extending north from Ueda Station, was an inn town lined with inns, kimono shops, and liquor stores that provided comfort to people passing along the Hokkoku Kaido Road in the Edo period. Today, unique stores such as a long-established sake brewery, a bakery using natural yeast, and a book café have gathered along the old highway, offering new charm.
The beautiful townscape with its white clay walls and lattice doors attracts visitors. Machiya (traditional townhouses) are being revitalized, and visitors can feel the history of these buildings, which are over 200 years old. The total length of the street is about 300 meters, and the cobblestone pavement is well maintained, making it safe for wheelchair users and the elderly to stroll around.
Address: 4 Chuo, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture
Access: A 15 minute on foot from Ueda Station
3. Ikushima Tarushima Shrine
Ikushima Tarushima Shrine in Ueda City is a historic shrine loved by the local people. Known as a guardian deity of business prosperity, family safety, and traffic safety, the shrine grounds, surrounded by lush greenery, offer tranquility and peace of mind.
The main feature of Ikushima Tarushima Shrine is that it enshrines two deities: the Ikushima no kami and the Tarushima no kami . The Ikushima and Tarushima deities have a long history as deities who watch over the prosperity of the community and the happiness of its people. Visitors to the shrine can feel the solemn atmosphere of the beautiful shrine pavilions and historical buildings within its precincts.
Visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves in the fall, and appreciate the shrine's history and culture while enjoying the natural beauty of the four seasons. There are also stores selling local specialties in the surrounding area, where visitors can enjoy souvenirs after visiting the shrine. This is a must visit spot when you visit Ueda City.
Address: 701 Naka-ike-nishi, Shimonogo, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture
Access: From Ueda Station on the Ueda Dentetsu Bessho Line, get off at Shimonogo Station and walk about 4 minute.
4. Shioda-daira Bessho Onsen
Shioda-daira, which stretches in the southwestern part of Ueda City, is a place where people have lived in a climate with little precipitation, praying to the gods of the mountains that provide the source of water. These prayers have taken root in the culture and are still cherished by the local people.
Shioda-daira has been considered a sacred place since ancient times, and many shrines and Buddhist temples were built there, especially from the Kamakura to Muromachi periods. In addition, many scholars and monks from China and other countries visited the area, and cultural exchange flourished.
Many of them are designated as national treasures, important cultural properties, or prefectural treasures, and many people are familiar with the area as “Kamakura in Shinshu” because of its beautiful natural scenery.
The area's charms became widely known when it was recognized as a Japan Heritage site in 2020. This recognition has led to an increase in the number of tourists and revitalization of the region. We invite you to experience the charm of Shiodaira.
Address: 1853-3 Bessho Onsen, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture
Access: From Ueda Station on the Ueda Dentetsu Bessho Line, get off at Bessho Onsen Station.
5. Kitamuki-Kannon
Kitamuki-Kannon, located in Ueda City, is a historical temple known as one of the most famous temples in Shinshu, and is believed in by many people. It is especially famous as the “North-facing Kannon” because the Kannon faces north, and is believed to serve as a guardian deity of the north. He is especially important to those who wish for safety in the north.
The principal deity of Kitamukai Kannon is the thousand-armed Kannon Bosatsu, and people visit the temple to pray for healing from illness, traffic safety, and family security. The temple grounds are home to a majestic main hall and a beautiful garden, providing a tranquil atmosphere for visitors to calm their minds and souls.
Visitors can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall. The temple is dotted with historical buildings and cultural assets, and there are many stores and restaurants selling local products in the surrounding area.
Various events and festivals are held throughout the year, providing opportunities for interaction with local residents. When you visit Ueda City, be sure to stop by and experience its charm.
Address: 1656 Bessho Onsen, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture
Access: A 11 minute walk from Bessho Onsen Station on the Ueda Dentetsu Bessho Line.
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Ueda is recommended for your trip to Ueda City!
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Ueda has reopened with a renewal on April 1, 2025!
The following new room facilities have been added as a result of the renewal.
・All rooms are non-smoking rooms (there is a smoking area on the 2nd floor)
・Simmons beds
・LCD TV（40-50 inch）
・Heated toilet seat with warm-water washing function
・Individual air conditioning
We offer a Japanese/Western buffet breakfast. Please enjoy our dishes, each one carefully prepared using ingredients from Ueda, Shinshu.
In addition, the hotel offers a relaxing lobby, vending machines, coin-operated laundry machines, and microwave ovens.
Conveniently located 1 minute walk from the castle exit of Ueda Station on the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen, Shinano Railway, and Ueda Electric Railway Bessho Line! The hotel is right in front of the station, making it easily accessible by train, cab, bus, and other transportation.
Also, for sightseeing in Nagano, we also recommend the Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Zenkojiguchi, which is a 2 minute walk from the Zenkojiguchi exit of Nagano Station on the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen, JR Shinetsu Main Line, Shinano Railway Kita-Shinano Line, and Nagano Electric Railway.
The following new room facilities have been added as a result of the renewal.
・All rooms are non-smoking rooms (there is a smoking area on the 2nd floor)
・Simmons beds
・LCD TV（40-50 inch）
・Heated toilet seat with warm-water washing function
・Individual air conditioning
We offer a Japanese/Western buffet breakfast. Please enjoy our dishes, each one carefully prepared using ingredients from Ueda, Shinshu.
In addition, the hotel offers a relaxing lobby, vending machines, coin-operated laundry machines, and microwave ovens.
Conveniently located 1 minute walk from the castle exit of Ueda Station on the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen, Shinano Railway, and Ueda Electric Railway Bessho Line! The hotel is right in front of the station, making it easily accessible by train, cab, bus, and other transportation.
Also, for sightseeing in Nagano, we also recommend the Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Zenkojiguchi, which is a 2 minute walk from the Zenkojiguchi exit of Nagano Station on the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen, JR Shinetsu Main Line, Shinano Railway Kita-Shinano Line, and Nagano Electric Railway.
How was it?
If you visit Ueda City, where history and nature are in harmony, you can fully enjoy the local culture and beautiful scenery. We hope you will take a look at what we have introduced and experience its charms.
* Information as of April 2025.
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