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 Japan during the Edo Period (1603-1868)- in the years 1585 and 1600. Greatly outnumber by the Tokugawa forces, the Sanada clan used the imposing defences of Ueda Castle to repel an enemy accustomed to victory and thus establish their legend. The castle was partially demolished before being restored during the Edo Period and eventually entirely deconstructed during the Meiji Restoration when the castle grounds including its imposing foundation walls and moat system were transformed into a public park. To this day, Ueda Castle Park is in every sense the true heart of the city and while the original castle no longer stands, the expansive park includes reconstructions of the East Gate and their defensive turrets. Other notable buildings within the park include Sanada Shrine and Ueda City Museum. Accessible at all times of day, the park boats hundreds of cherry blossom trees making it one of Nagano’s most renowned blossom-viewing spots and equally renowned for its beauty through autumn.

Show detailed description Show less