Ueda City (Ueda-shi/上田市) is surrounded by nature and you can enjoy it in a relaxed way. Shinshu Ueda is a city of castle towns, hot springs, and snow resorts, and the history and traditional landscape of the middle ages are still alive today.
A Japan you haven’t imagined is waiting for you. From Ueda Castle to Yanagimachi is 5 mins walk, from Ueda Castle to Ueda Station is 7 mins walk and Yanagimachi to Ueda Station is 11 mins walk.
Remaining snow and wild cherry blossom At Ueno CastleIt takes only 1 and half hours from Tokyo to Ueda by Shinkansen bullet train. Ueda City is in the Eastern Region of Nagano Prefecture, which is located almost in the center of Japan. It is 190 km from Tokyo (1hours 20 minutes by train) and 40 km from the city of Nagano, which played host to the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. In 1889, Ueda was officially designated as a town.
However, due to a strong economy, primarily from the prosperity of the Silk Industry, Ueda town began to attract great sums of wealth, and came to be known as “Silk City”. At that time the population grew rapidly and in 1919 was reclassified as Ueda City.
Ueda City is also captivated by the latest industry exploding on the scene, the Information Industry. This industry is growing and prospering very rapidly in and around Ueda and is exemplified by the new Multimedia Information Center completed in 1995.
This center provides visitors with an opportunity for hands, on interaction with computers, linking them to the multimedia universe in the Gallery.
Ueda’s cultural and sporting facilities comprise the Museum of Natural History, The Yamamoto Kanae Memorial Museum, Ueda Municipal Shinano-kokubunji Archaeological, Ueda Library.
City Baseball Stadium, Tennis courts, Gate ball field, Sports field and running track, Gymnasium, Outdoor swimming pool, Archery ground, Sumo wrestling ring, Nature and exercise park, a natural pool and athletics field, City Forrest Park (with Skating rink and bungalow).
In-door Swimming pool, Public hall, Cultural community hall (with a capacity of 500people). Creation Hall (a multipurpose center which contains a Planetarium, Space telescope, Computer and Audiovisual labs) and Ueda Castle, housing National treasures and other important items of cultural and historical significance.
Tourism is also thriving in the area with some 2.2 million guests visiting annually. Such popular destinations of: Bessho-Onsen, Ueda Castle, and the temples of Shioda Daira, make up the heart of the industry.
Hotels and Traditional Japanese Style Inns provide approximately 1,200 rooms that can accommodate up to 3,000 guests.
Topography
Flowing through the central part of Ueda City is the Chikumagawa River. To the right of the river is a large delta and to the left, areas of open wide space are surrounded by pine trees, rich green forests. Valleys and 1000 meter high mountain range.
Climate
The average temperature is 11.8 centigrade. The temperature peaks at around 35 centigrade in summer and drops to around 10 degrees below zero centigrade in winter. Inland Temperatures are wide ranging, and vary considerably between summer and winter, daytime and nighttime. The average annual precipitation is approximately 900 mm, and humidity is low.
Ueda Nature
Mt. Taro (Tarou-Yama)
1164 meters high and on top of which is the Mt. Taro Shrine, its red torii visible from the center of Ueda. There are four hiking courses, and this mountain is a favorite with the residents of Ueda.
Chikuma River (Chikuma-gawa)
The Chikuma River flows to the west through the middle of Ueda valley. The seasonal changes along this river are part of the natural charm of Ueda. Temporary restaurants, called “Tsukeba”, are set up along the river banks from about 20th May each year and fish meals are served to visitors. Many fishermen gather to catch “AYu” (Japanese river trout) in this river when the season opens in July. The fish sold in the Tsukeba are the “Haya” (dace) fish which gather in the shallows to spawn. Fishermen take advantage of the instinctive behavior of the fish at this time and use stones to form a barrier and spread sand to form a spawning ground. In this way, they catch the “Ayu” as they gather, and cook them by applying salt and roasting them or by dipping them in batter and deep frying them.
Sugadaira Heights
Sugadaira Kogen Highland is a popular ski and snowboard resort a wide range of courses. From 1200 to 2000 meters high. On these slopes there are many varieties of highland shrubs and flowers and also unusual edible plants. Because summer is cool in Sugadaira, hundreds of university students and others open training camps for rugby, etc. Tennis, golf and hang gliding are among other popular forms of recreation here. In winter, Sugadaira is one of Japan’s biggest ski resorts. 60 min. by bus from Ueda Sta.
Sugadaira-Kogen Sightseeing Association/ Sugadaira plateau tourist agency/ Sugadaira Ryokan Association
1223-1751 Sugadairakogen Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-2204, Japan Tel 0268-74-2003 Fax 0268-74-2353
Website: http://sugadaira.com/
Hare ski resort
1223-146 Sugadaira-kogen, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-2204, Japan Tel: 0268-74-2137
Website: http://www.sugadaira-hare.com/
Utsukushigahara Kogen highlands
Utsukushigahara Kogen highlands at the center of Nagano, in the north section of Yatsugatake Chushin Kogen Quasi-National Park is a 360 degree panoramic view of beautiful mountains and “Utsukushigahara Open Air Museum “. It is a flat tableland of a lava plateau that extends along the highlands at an altitude of 2,000 meters, above Matsumoto City, Ueda City, and Nagawa Town.
NPO Utsukushigahara plateau (Utsukushigahara tourism association)
154 Kamitakeshi, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-0508, Japan Tel: 0263-31-2751 Fax: 0263-31-2038 Website: http://www.utsukushigaharakogen.jp/npo.htm
Utsukushigahara Hiking trail
Iriyamabe, Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture 390-0222, Japan Tel: 0263-31-2807 Fax: 0263-31-2290 Website: http://user1.matsumoto.ne.jp/~kanko1/
Bessho/Bessyo Onsen (Hot Spring Spa)
Bessho Onsen is one of the oldest hot springs in Nagano Prefecture. Its springs are also called “Water of Beauty”. Situated in the Shiodadaira basin a short train ride from Ueda Station is Bessho Onsen, considered to be the onsen with the oldest history in Nagano.
Ueda Museum and Art
Shinano Drawing Museum (SHINANO DESSAN-KAN)
In this wooden brick building are displayed sketches by talented artists who died young.
Shinano Drawing Museum (SHINANO DESSAN-KAN)
300 Maeyama, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-1436, Japan Hours: 9:00-17:00(-18:00 in Jul. Aug. and. Sep.) Open: All year round Access: Take Loop Bus and get off at Zensanji, then 2-min. walk,or 30-min. by car from Ueda Sta. Tel: 0268-38-6599 Fax: 0268-38-8263 Website: http://www.mugonkan.jp/
Mugonkan Museum
This Museum collects some pictures painted by talented young students of Tokyo-Art College who died in the World War.
Mugon-kan Museum
3462 Koaso, Ueda-shi, Nagano Prefecture 386-1213 Japan Open: All year round Access: Take Loop Bus and get off at Mugonkan, then 5-min. walk,or 30-min. by car from Ueda Sta. TEL: 0268-37-1650 Fax: 0268-37-1651 http://www.city.ueda.nagano.jp/hp/kanko/museum/mugonkan.html
Ueda City Museum (UEDA SHIRITSU HAKUBUTUKAN)
This Museum contains exhibits of local artifacts dating from the Old Stone Age to the present day, including those related to Ueda castle history. This Ueda Digital Museum Network is located inside Ueda Castle Park. You may access Ueda City Museum, Yamamoto kanae Memorial Art Museum and South Turret Museum together with single admission.
UEDA City Museum
3-3 Ninomaru, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-0026, Japan Hours: 8:30-17:00, Closed Wednesday, the day after a national holiday and Dec. 29th-Jan.3rd. (Open daily Aug.-Oct.) Access: 12-min. walk from Ueda Sta. Tel: 0268-22-1274 Website: http://museum.umic.ueda.nagano.jp/hakubutsukan/
Kanae Yammoto Memorial Art Museum (YAMAMOTO KANAE KINENKAN)
This was built in memory of Mr. Yamamoto who was a pioneer in the development of peasant art/ Agrarian Art (Nomin Bijyutsu) and inspired by the Russian Farmer’s Art Movement started teaching Ueda area farmers how to make wooden crafts in 1919. In addition to his woodcut prints and paintings, works by recent artists are also on display.
Digital Museum Kanae Yammoto
3-4 Ninomaru, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-0026, Japan Tel: 0268-22-2693 Website: http://museum.umic.jp/kanae/
Turuzo Ishii Art Gallery (ISHII TSURUZO BIJUTSUKAN)
From the Taisho era (1912-1926) for about half a century, Mr. Ishii contributed greatly to art education in Nagano Prefecture. This is a collection of sculpture, paintings and other art objects. Ueda’s Tsuruzo Ishii Museum of Art (sculpture and painting) is just outside the main entrance to the castle grounds, in a Western-style wood building constructed in 1915. Ishii’s sumo sculptures are quite well known.
Turuzo Ishii Art Gallery (ISHII TSURUZO BIJUTSUKAN)
2-7-13 Ote, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-0024, Japan Hours: 10:30-16:30 (10:00-16:00 Nov.-Feb.), Closed Monday, the day after a national holiday and Dec.29th-Jan.3rd.(Open daily Aug.-Oct.) Access: 12-min. walk from Ueda Sta. Tel: 0268-23-1151
Ikenami Shotaro Sanada Taiheiki Museum (IKENAMI SHOTARO SANADA TAIHEIKI-KAN)
Located in the center of Ueda City, this hall exhibits books and manuscripts related to Ikenami shotaro, a great author deeply connected with Ueda.
Ikenami Shotaro Sanada Taiheiki Museum
3-7-3 Chuo, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-0012, Japan Hours: 10:00-18:00, Closed Wednesday, the day after a national holiday and Dec.29th-Jan.3rd.(Open daily Aug.-Oct.) Access: 12-min. walk from Ueda Sta. Tel: (0268)28-7100 Fax: (0268)28-7101 Website: http://www.city.ueda.nagano.jp/hp/sys/20091103000001261.html
Jorakuji Art Museum (JORAKUJI BIJUTSUKAN)
Contains old roof tiles collected by a former head priest of this temple, Koukai Handa, and a nationally recognized art treasure. Such as statues, pictures of Buddha and Ukiyoe.
Jorakuji Art Museum (JORAKUJI BIJUTSUKAN)
2347 Besshoonsen, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-1431, Japan Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Apr.1st-Sep.30th) , 9:00-16:00 (Oct.1st-Mar.31st), Closed Dec.25th-Jan.10th Access: Take Bessho line at Ueda Sta. and get off at Bessho onsen Sta., then 10min. walk. Tel: 0268-37-1234, 0268-38-2040 Website: http://www14.ueda.ne.jp/~jorakuji/
Ueda History, Culture and Romance
Ueda City, full of magnificent nature and history, is located in the eastern part of Nagano Prefecture. Ueda was the capital town where the local government was placed in the Shinano region (now Nagano region).
For more than 1200 years, Ueda has preserved historical architecture including the famous Shinano kokubunji ruins built at the end of the Nara period (A.D710-794). In the Shioda area, there are many national treasures and important cultural assets, such as Hakkaku Sanju-no-To (three-story octagonal Pagoda a National Treasure), Kitamuki Kannon Temple, Zensan-ji Sanju-no-To and Chuzenji Yakushi-Do Temple.
Visitors can enjoy these historical sites and relax at a famous Bessho Spa resort. UEDA-JO Castle where Samurai Lord Sanada Masayuki and his son Yukimura resided can be seen through the windows of a brand new Shinkansen (bullet train) “Asama” en route from Tokyo to Nagano.
The Chikuma River which played the role as a natural moat runs right below the castle dubbed “Amagabuchi-jo”. It survived twice major attacks by the Tokugawa troupes because of this natural moat. Ueda has been prosperous as a castle town and as a lodging town for many years.
Ueda Castle
UEDA-JO castle was built by the feudal lard Masayuki Sanada and completed in 1583. Two years later it was attacked by a force of 8,000 sent by layers TokugawaThe Tokugawa clan, later ruler of Japan, attacked Ueda Castle twice, but was repelled by the Sanada clan, who ruled Ueda region at that time, inflicting heavy losses.
Again in 1600-the year of the Battle of Sekigahara which saw control of Japan pass into the hands of Ieyasu Tokugawa-a Tokugawa force of 38,000 lay siege to UEDA-JO castle but this second assault on Masayuki Sanada and his son Yukimura also was unsuccessful. The Three-storied Pagoda is a Cultural Asset of National Importance.
The former battlefield has turned into a major cherry blossom-viewing spot and there are many visitors now. You will see the stories of the people who made a strong showing in Japanese history here. A 10 minutes walk from Ueda station. Visitors welcome.
Sanada Clan History Museum in Sanada Town (Sanada-machi)
The Ueda area of the Shinshu district in central Honshu, about 90 minutes by train from Tokyo, is the home of the historical residence of the feudal lords of the Sanada Clan, Ueda Castle, especially the eastern watch tower and gate – a powerful warrior family of medieval Japan. This splendid and long-treasured landscape of our everyday life in Shinshu-Ueda has become the setting of the animated movie Summer Wars. 2984-1 Sanada Town (Sanada-machi) Motohara, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-2202, Japan Tel: 0268-72-4344 Website: http://www.city.ueda.nagano.jp/hp/sys/20091103000001128.html
SHINANO KOKUBUNJI TEMPLE
This temple was built in the middle of the 8th century. This Three-storied pagoda was built at the beginning of the 15th century and the present main building dates from the middle of the 19th century. 10 minutes by taxi from Ueda station.
KITAMUKI KANNON TEMPLE
Tendai sect temple was founded by the priest Jikaku. This hall faces north in the direction of the Zenkoji Temple in Nagano which faces south. Kitamuki Kannon-do temple is dedicated to the north-facing Kannon Bosatsu and is popular as the Kannon for avoiding misfortune. Kannon Bosatsu is a Buddhist statue that embodies the mercy of Buddhism and is believed to save people in this world.
ANRAKUJI TEMPLE
According to a Zen priest Rankei Doryu, the founder of Kenchoji Temple in Kamakura,Anrakuji Temple was a rather big Zen temple and was the center of learning in Shinshu in the 1200s (the middle of the Kamakura period).
It has seen better days and educated many learned priests with the support of the Hojo clan in Kamakura until that clan was overthrown in 1333. Founded in the 13th century as the Zen Buddhism in Nagano Pref. The Chinese-style Pagoda is the only remaining octagonal three-storied pagoda in Japan. Designated as a national treasure. Anrakuji Temple remains the oldest Zen Temple in Shinshu.
Soufukuzan Anraku-ji Temple in Bessho-onsen
2361 Bessho-onsen, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-1431, Japan Access: Take Bessho line at Ueda Sta. and get off at Bessho onsen Sta., then 10-min. walk. Tel: 0268-38-2062 Fax: 0268-38-2133 Website: http://www.anrakuji.com/english_site/en_site_01/en_001_b.html
JORAKUJI TEMPLE
The stone tower with double roof was built in the Kamakura era. This pagoda has been classified as an important cultural asset. 30minutes by taxi from Ueda station to Bessho Hot Spring, then 10 minutes on foot.
ZENSANJI TEMPLE
This well-known three -storied pagoda is called the ‘uncompleted pagoda’. 25 minutes by taxi from Ueda station, then 20 minutes on foot.
Zensanji Temple
300 Maeyama, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-1436, Japan Tel: 0268-38-2855 Fax: 0268-39-0808 Website: http://www15.ocn.ne.jp/~zensanji/
IKUSHIMA TARUSHIMA JINJA SHRINE
This shrine is said to be the geographical center of Japan. It has such a long history that detailed historical facts are unknown- However, the shrine is recorded in the official document ‘Engishiki”. which was compiled by the Imperial Court about 1000 yean ago. Take the train at Ueda Sta. and get off at Shimonogo Sta., the 5-min. walk.
Ikushima-Tarushima Shrine
701 Shimonogo, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-1211, Japan Tel: 0268-38-2755 Fax: 0268-39-1515 Website: http://www.ikushimatarushima.jp/
Ueda Festival
There are various festivals throughout the year. Especially representative of Ueda, there are festivals from spring to summer, attracting local residents and sightseers.
Shinano Kokubunji Yokado (Jan. 8th)
Stalls are set up the Shinano Kokubunji temple for the sale of Daruma dolls made of papier mache. The doll represents the Buddhist saint Daruma who was famous for his perseverance, and is thought to bring success to its owner.
Ueda Sanada Festival (end of April)
Ueda-Sanada Festival is held at end of April. There is a parade that citizens wearing old fashioned clothes walk around the city. Ueda Castle 1,000 Cherry Tree Festival is also held on Early April – late April.
Shinshu Ueda Ongaku Mura (village)
Shinshu Ueda International Music festival is held here at Shinshu Kokusai Ongakumura. Enjoy all season lavender and daffodil flower blooming. 2937-1 Ikuta, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-0411, Japan Tel: 0268-42-3436 Fax: 0268-42-3948 Website: http://www.ongakumura.jp/
Ueda Gion Festival (Sat. in mid-July)
A traditional summer festival in which a portable shrine is carried through the streets of Ueda.
Take no Nobori (mid-July)
This is a special festival held at Bessho Hot Springs to pray for rain. Anciently, after praying at the summit of Mt. Ogamidake,the rain fell, and in expression of thanks, it is said that a large banner in the shape of falling rain flown. This banner was also presented at the closing ceremonies of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympic Games.
Ueda Wasshoi (last Sat. in July)
Citizen’s festival. Almost all citizens join the summer festival. People dance, carry portable shrines, play the Japanese drums to the music
Ueda Fireworks Display (Hanabi) (Aug. 10th)
Held at Ueda by the Chikuma River.
Shinshu Ueda Countdown Fireworks Festival
is held on December 31st-January 1st. Through new year’s eve to the new year day, about 700 fireworks are set off. Huge fireworks spread sparks to the audience.
Ueda Local Products
Ueda Local Products are Ueda tsumugi (silk fabric), Soba Noodle Cooking (Buckwheat noodles), Locally brewed Sake, Miso, Matsutake Mushroom Cuisine, Seasonal Fish Cuisine, O-yaki, Walnut flavored Rice Cakes Covered in Sweet Bean Jam, Agricultural Art, Ueda Tsumugi (Ueda pongee weaving), Apples / Grapes, Medicinal Carrots, Ueda Special Oils..etc. More Details:
Ueda City (Ueda-shi) Tourism Links and Others:
Ueda City Tourism Convention Bureau
1-11-16, Ote, Ueda City (Ueda-shi), Nagano Prefecture 386-8601 Japan Tel: 0268-22-4100 Fax: 0268-23-7355
Ueda City Tourism Division
TEL.0268-23-5408
Shinkansan Ueda Station Tourist Information Center
TEL-0268-26-5001
Tha Nagano Prafactural Information Centers in Major Cities
Tokyo TEL.O3-3214-5651 1 Nagoya TEL 053-263-4118 Osaka TEL.06.6341-8191 Website: http://www.ueda-cb.gr.jp/english.pdf (English Brochure) , http://www.city.ueda.nagano.jp/hp/sys/20100114130730171.html
English Speaking Hospitals in Ueda City:
– Ueda Seikyo Shinryosho: Tel. 0268-23-0199 – Kakeyu Byoin: Tel.l0268-44- 2111/Fax.0268-44-2117 – Maruko Chuosogo Byoin: Tel.02 68-42-1111/Fax.0268- 42-5437
Ueda Health Center
in Zaimoku-cho,Ueda City: Tel. 0268-23-1260 Ueda Education Consultation Office: Tel. 0268-27-7830 Ueda Police Station: Tel. 0268-23-0783 Ueda Labor And Employment or Job Security Office (called “Hello Work”): Tel. 0266-23-8609 Ueda City Municipal office: Tel. 0268-22-4100
Ueda Castle Ruins Park
2-12, Ninomaru, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-0026, Japan Website: http://www.city.ueda.nagano.jp/hp/sys/20091103000001449.html Ueda Castle Cherry Blossom Festival Website: http://www.uedajo-senbonzakura.jp/index.html Ueda City Government Parks and Greenery Section (Ueda City Hall Tourism Division) 1-11-16, Ote, Ueda-shi, Nagano Prefecture 386-8601 Japan Tel: 0268-23-5134 (direct), 0268-22-4100, 0268-23-5408 Fax: 0268-23-8247 (direct), 0268-23-8247, 0268-22-6023, 0268-23-7355
Kakeyu Onsen Spa
it is said that Monju Bosatsu (Manjushri Bodhisattva) who was transformed into a dear told a deer hunter about the legendary hot spring. Kakeyu Onsen Ryokan Association (Kakeyu Onsen Ryokan Kumiai) 945-1 Nishiuchi, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-0322, Japan [Kakeyu Onsen Address] 1434-2 Kakeyu-onsen, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-0323, Japan [Kakeyu Onsen Ryokan Association Office Address] Tel: (0268)44-2331 Fax: (0268)45-3712 Website: http://www.kakeyu.or.jp/
The Utsukushi-Ga-Hara Open-Air Museum
2085-70 Takeshikamihoniri, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-0507, Japan Tel: 0268-86-2331 Fax: 0268-85-2111 Website: http://utsukushi-oam.jp/
Zippuku-No-Yu Onsen (Hot Spring Spa)
9097-70 Sanadamachi Soehi, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-2203, Japan Tel: 0268-75-3855 Fax: 0268-75-3860 Website: http://www.zippuku.net/
Yanagi-Machi (Yanagi Town) Street or Willow Trees Street
The old Hokkoku-Kaldo road ran through here. You can see a stretch old shops and buildings with Edo period flavor. Visit historic Great Kitamon Well castle moat and Kitababa Yanagi Well. See: Ekikara Hiking from the Matsumoto Station) 554-12 Maeyama, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-1436, Japan Tel: +81 268-38-1251
Shiodano Yakata Museum (House of Yantian)
a focus on artifact from Yantian Castle Ruins, which is said to have been the residence of the Yantian Hojo three generations. 554-12 Maeyama, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-1436, Japan Tel: 0268-38-1251 Website: http://www.city.ueda.nagano.jp/hp/sys/20091103000001124.html
Sanada-Honjo Castle Ruins
5029-3 Sanada-Cho Osa, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-2201, Japan Tel: 0268-72-2200 Website: http://museum.umic.ueda.nagano.jp/map/document/dot116.html
Tyousou Temple
658 Kabatake, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-1103, Japan Tel: +81 268-25-8484 http://www.asama.ne.jp/t_journal/tera/f70.htm
Hosen-ji Temple
3-7-48 Tokiwagi, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-0027, Japan Tel: 0268-22-1595 http://museum.umic.ueda.nagano.jp/map/document/dot62.html
Sanadayama Hase (Choukoku-ji Temple)
4646 Sanada-Cho Osa, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-2201, Japan Tel/Fax: 0268-72-2140 Website: http://www.chouk.or.jp/
Dairin-ji Temple
1-5-7 Chuokita, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-0011, Japan Tel: 0268-22-0575
Ueda Horse Riding Club
3780-73 Yoshida, Ueda, Nagano Prefecture 386-0151, Japan Tel: 0268-28-5021 Fax: 0268-28-5022 Website: http://www.uedajoba.com/
