Located between Nagano City and the mountain resort town of Karuizawa, Ueda is a small but historic city known for its legendary ‘samurai’, good food and drink, and plenty of nostalgic charm. Only 30 minutes by local train from central Ueda, Bessho Onsen is one of the most famous hot spring towns while the highland areas of Sugadaira and Utsukushigahara offer an escape to beautiful and pristine landscapes including Sugadaira Kogen Ski Resort. Accommodation is dotted throughout the area with the largest concentration of hotels and guesthouses in the following areas:

UEDA CITY

Visitors travelling to and from Ueda by train, and prioritising ease of access when looking for accommodation, should consider staying around Ueda Station. In that area you will find multiple business and other Western-style hotels providing easy access to the station and attractions including Ueda Castle Park, Yanagimachi, Fukuromachi and many of the destinations listed above. For accommodation listings, see the ‘Ueda City Centre’ hotel page.

BESSHO ONSEN

The hot spring town of Bessho Onsen is only 30 minutes by train from Ueda Station. Famous for its many ‘onsen’ (hot springs) and temples, staying in Bessho is a great option of travellers wanting to enjoy the traditions and comforts of a hot spring guesthouse. There are plenty options to choose from including high-end, mid-range and budget options. One thing to note is that many if not most accommodation in Bessho Onsen include Japanese-style rooms including on-floor ‘futon’ bedding, low furniture and shared bathrooms. If that is an issue for you, make sure to check the features of your chosen hotel prior to booking. For accommodation listings, see the ‘Ueda: Bessho Onsen’ hotel page.

SUGADAIRA KOGEN

Sugadaira Kogen is located around 60 minutes drive from Ueda Station, home to one of Nagano’s largest ski resorts and highlands sports venues, farms and plenty of accommodation. Hotels and lodges are dotted across the highlands, largely centred around the three areas of the ski resort – Taro, Davos and Pine Beak. Options range for large hotels to small, family-run lodges. As detailed on our Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort page, the overall ski resort is best-suited to beginner skiers and boarders or anyone looking for a more ‘authentic’ Japanese ski experience away from the crowds of Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen. For accommodation listings, see the ‘Ueda: Sugadaira Kogen’ hotel page.

UTSUKUSHIGHARA KOGEN

Around 70 minutes drive from central Ueda City, Utsukushighara Kogen is another beautiful highland area known for its leisurely walking trails, panoramic views, star-filled night sky and Utsukushigahara Open-Air Museum. There’s a small amount of accommodation to choose from in the area including a couple of hotels and campgrounds. For accommodation listings, see the ‘Ueda: Utsukushigahara Kogen’ hotel page.