Ueda, Japan: A City of Samurai, Castles, and Hot Springs
Traversing the Chikuma River is Ueda, home to a diverse collection of attractions like a castle park, age-old temples, and a historic hot spring area. Only over an hour away from Tokyo by bullet train, Ueda is a hidden gem for offering a little bit of everything. The city is also known for its marked samurai history. Apart from all of that, Ueda’s charm is its relaxed small-town feel.
Best Time to Visit
Ueda, Japan is best visited from May until October when the weather permits you to soak in all its attractions. The city is busiest in the months of January, March and April so be prepared to shell out more for Ueda, Japan hotels as prices will be more expensive. If you want to get your samurai mode on, come during the Ueda Sanada Festival in April when the city honors its famous warrior clan with a lively parade, musket firing demonstrations and more.
What to Do & Area Attractions
Hotels in the city are near top attractions. The Ueda Tokyu Rei Hotel is half a mile from Ueda Castle, the star attraction of the city dating from 1583. The Ueda Ekimae Royal Hotel is also half a mile away while the Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagano-Ueda is conveniently close to city center. Make a trip to Utsukushigahara Open Air Museum for its impressive sculptural pieces. Then take a train ride to Ikushimatarushima Shrine, one of the most important and ancient shrines in Japan. Don’t forget to visit Bessho Onsen, the oldest hot spring in Nagano then go to historic shrines dating back to hundreds of years such as the Zensanji Temple.