Introducing six sightseeing spots in Ueda City, the land loved by the Sanada clan!

When people hear "Ueda City," many probably first picture the "Rokumonsen" emblem. Rokumonsen is the family crest of the Sanada clan, led by the renowned warrior Sanada Nobushige (Yukimura), who was hailed as Japan's greatest samurai. Since the medieval period, the Sanada clan made Ueda their home, and naturally, there are many sightseeing spots related to the Sanada family.
In addition to the Sanada clan, Ueda is a historic place visited by many notable figures throughout history. With its long and rich history, the city offers plenty of attractions. From historical sites and walking tours around town to hot springs and scenic drives, we’ll introduce the charming tourist spots of Ueda.

1. Ueda Castle Ruins

"Ueda Castle" was built in 1583 and was attacked twice by the forces of the Tokugawa clan. It is said that the Sanada clan, through Ueda Castle and their brilliant strategies, managed to defeat these overwhelming armies despite having fewer troops.
There are many highlights, such as the "West Turret" (a Prefectural Treasure) built during the Kan'ei period of the Edo era (1624–1645), and the "Sanada Shrine," which enshrines successive lords of Ueda Castle, starting with the Sanada clan. However, the most popular spot is the East Gate Turret (Higashi Koroguchi Yagura-mon), flanked by the South and North Turrets.
The current South and North Turrets of Ueda Castle were built later by the Sengoku clan, who became the lords of the castle. However, the stone walls forming the base are from the time when Sanada Masayuki originally constructed Ueda Castle. Among these stones is an enormous one, 2.5 meters tall and 3 meters wide.
This stone is called the "Sanada Stone." It is said that when Sanada Nobuyuki, the elder brother of Sanada Yukimura (Nobushige), was transferred to Matsushiro Castle, he tried to take the stone as a memento of his father, Sanada Masayuki. However, the stone did not budge, as if expressing the steadfast spirit of the Sanada clan, who protected Ueda to the end.
Just outside the East Gate of Ueda Castle’s second bailey, you’ll find the "Ueda City Tourist Information Center." There you can get free pamphlets about Ueda City’s sightseeing spots, including Ueda Castle. It’s a good idea to stop by before exploring the area to gather information. Both Ueda Castle and the tourist center are about a 15-minute walk from JR Ueda Station, so strolling through the town on your way there is also recommended!

2. Sanada Clan Historical Museum

If you’re visiting Ueda, you’ll definitely want to dive deep into the history of the Sanada clan! For that, head to the "Sanada Clan Historical Museum." This facility exhibits materials about Sanada Yukitaka, who was one of Takeda Shingen’s 24 generals and laid the foundation for the Sanada family, as well as Sanada Masayuki, and his sons Nobuyuki and Nobushige (Yukimura).
The exhibits are arranged chronologically, showing the transitions of the Sanada family through different eras. You can easily understand which samurai they were allied with and whom they fought against. It's a must-visit spot not only for history buffs but also for those who got interested in the Sanada clan through dramas and media.
Near the museum is the "Sanada Residence Ruins," now known as "O-yashiki Park." This is where the Sanada clan lived before moving to Ueda Castle. In the park, you can still find traces of the "East Gate Ruins" and "Stable Ruins," giving visitors a glimpse into how the Sanada clan lived back then. Even though time has passed, this spot allows you to feel the lingering presence of the Sanada clan in Ueda.

3. Yanagimachi

From JR Ueda Station, if you walk along National Route 141 and turn left at the Chuo 3-chome intersection, you will suddenly find yourself in a nostalgic area. "Yanagimachi," located along the old Hokkokukaido Road, is a sightseeing spot that retains the atmosphere of a former post town.
The row of townhouses along the stone-paved street has been renovated from old traditional buildings. Many of these buildings now house shops such as sake stores, cafes, soba noodle restaurants, and direct miso sales shops. Each shop has a retro look, and visitors can enjoy shopping or dining while experiencing this nostalgic ambiance.
Yanagimachi's quaint atmosphere has made it popular with tourists visiting Ueda. On weekends, the area is bustling with people. Since it’s a well-loved tourist spot, there are times when products sell out before closing time, so it’s a good idea to visit earlier in the day.

4. Ikushimatarushima Shrine

The Shiodadaira area of Ueda City was once ruled by the Hojo clan, who had deep ties to the Kamakura Shogunate. As a result, there are many shrines, temples, and Buddhist structures dating from the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, earning it the nickname "Kamakura of Shinshu." Among them stands an ancient shrine that has watched over the land since before the Kamakura period: "Ikushimatarushima Shrine."
The most striking feature of this shrine is the main hall (honden), which is built on a sacred island surrounded by a pond. A divine bridge crosses in front of the main hall, but visitors and worshippers enter via a separate bridge next to it. Walking across the bridge over the sacred pond to reach the island feels like stepping into a world where gods reside.
With its long history, Ikushimatarushima Shrine has attracted faith from many people throughout the ages. Historical figures such as Takeda Shingen, Sanada Masayuki, and Sanada Nobuyuki were also devout worshippers of this shrine. Prayer documents and vows donated by these warlords are still preserved at Ikushimatarushima Shrine today. These documents, known as the "Ikushimatarushima Shrine Archives," are on permanent display on the shrine grounds, and visitors are welcome to view them. If you visit Ikushimatarushima Shrine, don’t forget to check out these historical exhibits!

5. Bessho Onsen

When you think of Ueda’s famous samurai, the Sanada clan likely comes to mind first. However, they aren’t the only warriors connected to Ueda. This area was also where Minamoto no Yoshinaka (Kiso Yoshinaka), a military commander from the late Heian period, once sought refuge and raised his army. Because of this, there are several sightseeing spots in Ueda City related to Yoshinaka.
At "Bessho Onsen," one of Ueda City’s famous hot spring areas, you’ll also find places connected to Minamoto no Yoshinaka. In addition to traditional inns where you can enjoy the hot springs, there are three public baths, known as "sotoyu."

One of them, "Aoi no Yu," was previously called "Oyu." In front of the building stands a stone monument inscribed with "Aoi no Yu." It’s said that Minamoto no Yoshinaka often bathed here with his beloved mistress, Aoi no Mae, while he was staying in this area. The bath was later renamed "Oyu" due to the abundant flow of hot spring water.
Other historic baths at Bessho Onsen include "Ishiyu," which is associated with Sanada Yukimura and known as his hidden bath, and "Daishiyu," which has ties to the famous Buddhist priest Jikaku Daishi.
The entrance fee for the public baths is a reasonable 150 yen. If you visit Bessho Onsen, be sure to try out these historic baths! Towels, soap, and shampoo are available for purchase, so you can go empty-handed and still enjoy the experience.
(Information as of April 2022)

6. Utsukushigahara Highlands

Walking tours are nice, but if you’re someone who enjoys sightseeing by car, a drive to the "Utsukushigahara Highlands" is highly recommended. Utsukushigahara Highlands stretch across Matsumoto City, Ueda City, and Nagawa Town in Chiisagata District. It’s an expansive highland area situated around 2000 meters above sea level and includes several mountains.
Because of its high elevation, the views are absolutely stunning. Driving near the mountaintops gives you a sense of exhilaration, almost as if you were cruising through foreign lands.
There are also plenty of sightseeing spots in the Utsukushigahara Highlands area, including the "Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum," which features both indoor and outdoor art displays, and the "Utsukushi no To" (Tower of Beauty), a symbol of Utsukushigahara. We recommend renting a car and taking a leisurely drive through the vast natural scenery, using these landmarks as your guideposts along the way.

◎ Summary of Ueda City Sightseeing Spots, the Land Loved by the Sanada Clan

How did you find the sightseeing information about Ueda? From historical sites, temples, and shrines that history enthusiasts will love, to hot springs and scenic driving spots perfect for relaxing with family, friends, or a partner—Ueda is truly packed with fun attractions for everyone.
Besides these, there are countless other sightseeing spots in Ueda that we haven’t even mentioned. If you’re unsure where to go on your next trip, choosing Ueda as your destination is sure to make for an unforgettable and enjoyable journey!