From Edo period to Meji period, silkworm egg production became active in Ueda and the silkworm eggs were exported to various places around the world, including the U.S. and Europe.
Ueda-tsumugi fabrics
Tsumugi is traditional Japanese silk cloth dating from Edo period (1603-1868). Ueda was one of the top silk producing areas of Japan. Tumugi is spun from imperfect cocoons. The cloth is strong and can be worn well for a long time. Come sit at a loom at an actual working silk weaving studio and weave your own hand-made creation. Ueda Tsumugi is a silk weaving tradition with a 300 year history, and is considered one of the top 3 such traditions in all of Japan. Ueda tsumugi (silk fabric) can still be purchased locally.
Soba Noodle Cooking (Buckwheat noodles)
Shinshu is famous throughout Japan for its noodles, with famous noodle shops all over town.
Locally brewed Sake
This local sake is produced by local craftsmen using locally grown Shinshu rice and crystal clear water.
Miso
In Ueda of Shinshu, there are produced every kind of miso just like mother used to make.
Matsutake Mushroom Cuisine
Enjoy Matsutake mushroom cuisine at the Shioda-daira mushroom restaurant produced from freshly-picked Matsutake mushrooms.
Seasonal Fish Cuisine
Unique “spawning cuisine” originating in the dace spawning practices. You can enjoy various fish cuisine from the end of April to mid-October along the banks of the Chikuma River.
O-yaki
A popular handmade flavor combining simple “Shinshu Kamakura” regional ingredients, including Nozawana pickles and sliced, dried radish.
Walnut flavored Rice Cakes Covered in Sweet Bean Jam
A tasty treat combining the especially delicious flavor of walnuts and the particular texture of rice cakes.
Agricultural Art
Agricultural art, depicting a pastoral age, under the direction of the father or free drawing, Yamamoto Kanae, pro-trays a simple image with simple local motifs.
Ueda Tsumugi (Ueda pongee weaving)
One of the famous silk materials dating from the Edo period (1603~1868). Its unique patterns and coloring are popular even today.
Apples / Grapes
The factors, such as long daylight hours and the wide disparity of temperature between day and night make of fruit sweet and delicious.
Medicinal Carrots
The long, cool growing season, the low humidity, the rich,virgin soil and the pure air create the most ideal environment for the growth of Medical Carrot. It takes 4 to 5 years of careful growing in the ground before it is ready to harvest.
The Ueda Tourist Hall, which sells local souvenirs, is directly opposite the entrance to the castle grounds. The city’s most famous edible omiyage is a soft, clear candy called mizu-ame. Iijima is the leading maker of mizu-ame, and their main shop, a four-minute walk from Ueda Station, contains some nice antiques.
