Ueda Castle

Ueda Castle was built by the warlord Sanada Masayuki during the Warring States period and is famous as the site of the "Ueda Battle," where the Tokugawa army was repelled twice. The former second bailey has been developed into Ueda Castle Ruins Park, where structures such as the tower gate and walls have been restored. Inside the park, there are still remnants from that time, such as devices for throwing stones and holes for shooting guns at enemies, so history buffs should definitely stop by and feel the atmosphere of the past.

The area surrounding Ueda Castle is known as a cherry blossom viewing spot. Every year in April, about 1,000 cherry blossoms bloom on the grounds, allowing visitors to enjoy the collaboration between Ueda Castle and the cherry blossoms. During the Ueda Castle Cherry Blossom Festival, held every year, visitors can enjoy a fantastic and unique view of the castle and cherry blossoms illuminated at night. When sightseeing, visitors can also feel the arrival of spring by visiting the cherry blossom-lined streets in Ueda City.

Within Ueda Castle Park, there is the "Ueda City Museum" where you can learn about the history of Ueda Castle. Inside the museum, various materials are displayed that allow you to learn about the history of Ueda from the Middle Ages onwards, including items related to the Sanada family, who were the lords of Ueda Castle. It's also attractive that you can see valuable important cultural properties of the country, such as the leather armor worn by Oda Nobunaga and a reflecting telescope. If you are interested in history, it's recommended to also visit the Ueda Castle tower, which has survived since the Edo period, in addition to the museum.

In the area around Ueda Castle, there is a castle town called Kitaguni Kaido Yanagimachi, where the old-fashioned townscape has been preserved. Along the streets, various shops are lined up, from sake breweries with a 350-year history to local popular bakeries using natural yeast, and shops selling specialty kurumi ohagi (sweet rice cake with walnut filling). It's a lively street where tourist-friendly shops are lined up while retaining the atmosphere of olden times in Shinshu, so enjoy shopping and gourmet food.

Sanada Shrine, located within Ueda Castle Park, enshrines the successive lords of Ueda Castle: the Sanada clan, the Senju clan, and the Matsudaira clan. The shrine is said to bring good luck and victory, as the Sanada clan was known for their victories in battles, including against Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was known as the ruler of Japan. Many people also visit the shrine to pray for success in exams or job hunting, as Ueda Castle was known for being impregnable. With attractions such as the well and statue related to the Sanada family, Sanada Shrine is a must-visit spot during a stroll around Ueda Castle.