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  • November 17, 2022

    Ueda Castle & Yanagimachi

    Built in 1583 by Sanada Masayuki, Ueda Castle is renowned as the fortification that allowed the fearsome Sanada clan to twice repel the even more legendary Tokugawa clan – the eventual rulers of Japa...
  • November 17, 2022

    Traditions & Tastes of Ueda

    Most famous for its connection to the once powerful Sanada clan, Ueda is a city known-best for its castle and legendary samurai. Known throughout Japan, the legend of the Sanada samurai attracts visi...
  • November 17, 2022

    Stay & Explore Bessho Onsen

    Located only 30 minutes by train from central Ueda City, Bessho Onsen lays claim to being the oldest hot spring town in Nagano. Known as ‘onsen’ in Japanese, natural hot springs play a fundamental ro...
  • May 2, 2018

    Kusatsu Onsen

    Famous throughout for its abundant volcanic water and dramatic setting, Kusatsu Onsen is often cited as one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns. It is also grouped with Minakami, Ikaho and Shima ...
  • May 1, 2018

    Kusatsu Onsen ‘Yubatake’

    Lying in the heart of Kusatsu Onsen, the town’s ‘yubatake’ is an iconic sight, instantly recognisable to most Japanese. Translating as ‘hot water field’, the yubatake is large open-air area over whic...
  • May 1, 2018

    ‘Yumomi’ Performance

    ‘Yumomi’ is a daily performance taking place in Kusatsu Onsen every day, during which a local troupe of performers use large wooden paddles to stir the thermal water. Taking place inside the ‘Netsuno...
  • April 25, 2018

    Mount Shirane

    Located in the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park Mt. Shirane – often referred to as Kusatsu-Shirane – is a series of volcanic peaks, including some of the most active in Japan. At 2160 metres above sea ...
  • April 20, 2018

    Shiga Kusatsu Kogen Route

    Open from May to mid/late-November, the Japanese National Route 292, otherwise known as the Shiga-Kusatsu Kogen Route is a scenic alpine driving route that winds through the Joshinetsu Kogen National...
  • April 10, 2018

    Manza Onsen

    One of Central Japan’s most dramatic hot spring areas, Manza Onsen is a small but unique onsen town located high in the Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. Drawing its waters from nearby Mt Kusatsu-Shira...