Ueda Travel Guide

Discover the best sights, activities, food, and culture of Ueda, Japan with this comprehensive travel guide. Perfect for solo travelers, families, and adventurers!


Introduction to Ueda

Located in the Chubu region of Japan, Ueda is a small city in Nagano Prefecture. It is often overlooked by tourists, but it has a rich history, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant local culture that makes it well worth a visit. Ueda is surrounded by mountains, including the Northern Japanese Alps, and is home to diverse flora and fauna that are unique to the area. The city is charming and friendly, with plenty of traditional sights and activities to experience.

List of Places to Visit in Ueda

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Ueda Castle: This historical castle dates back to the 16th century and is considered one of Japan’s top 100 castles. Visitors can explore the castle itself, as well as the surrounding park and moat.

  • Sanada Treasures Museum: This museum showcases the history of the Sanada clan, a powerful Samurai family from the area. The museum has an impressive collection of armor, weapons, and historical artifacts.

  • Ueda City Museum: This museum covers the history, art, and culture of the city and its people. It has several well-curated galleries and interactive exhibits.

Natural Attractions of Ueda: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Bessho Onsen: This hot spring town is known for its relaxing atmosphere, traditional architecture, and beautiful setting. It has several public baths and private onsens, as well as local shops and restaurants.

  • Mount Shirakami: This mountain is part of the Northern Japanese Alps and offers amazing views over Ueda and surrounding areas. Visitors can hike up the mountain or take a cable car to the summit.

  • Chikumagawa River: This river runs through Ueda and is a popular spot for fishing, canoeing, and scenic walks.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ueda

  • Lake Shirakaba: This lake is surrounded by mountains and is a popular spot for hiking and biking. There are several trails around the lake that offer stunning views and varied terrain.

  • Joyama Trail: This hiking trail leads up to the summit of Mount Joyama and provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to navigate.

  • Bessho Onsen Trail: This trail connects the town of Bessho Onsen with Mount Shirakami and offers views of traditional Japanese architecture, forested hills, and wildflowers.

Best Things to Do in Ueda: Activities and Tours

  • Sake Brewery Tour: Ueda is known for its high-quality sake, and several local breweries offer tours and tastings.

  • Ueda Matsuri: This festival is held every August and celebrates the history and culture of the city. It has parades, live performances, and traditional food and crafts.

  • Kamikochi Tour: Kamikochi is a stunning nature reserve in the Northern Japanese Alps, and several tour companies offer day trips from Ueda to explore the area.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ueda

Day Activity
1 Explore Ueda Castle and the surrounding park
2 Visit the Sanada Treasures Museum and Ueda City Museum
3 Hike up Mount Joyama and enjoy the view
4 Relax in Bessho Onsen and explore the town
5 Take a sake brewery tour and sample local sake
6 Go for a scenic bike ride around Lake Shirakaba
7 Take a day trip to Kamikochi and enjoy hiking and nature activities

Food and Drink Scene of Ueda

Must-Try Dishes

  • Shinshu soba: Ueda is known for its delicious soba noodles, which are made from locally sourced buckwheat flour and served with a variety of toppings.

  • Hoba miso: This dish consists of miso paste grilled on a magnolia leaf with grilled vegetables and meat.

  • Shinshu salmon: Ueda is famous for its freshwater salmon, which is prepared in a variety of ways and often served as sashimi.

Local Beverages

  • Sake: Ueda is home to several high-quality sake breweries, and visitors can sample different varieties and learn about the brewing process.

  • Apple juice: Nagano Prefecture is known for its delicious apples, and Ueda has several orchards that produce fresh, local juice.

Where to Stay in Ueda: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Ueda Plaza Hotel: This central hotel has spacious rooms, modern amenities, and easy access to the city’s main attractions.

  • Guesthouse Kura: This traditional guesthouse is located in Bessho Onsen and offers cozy rooms and a relaxing atmosphere.

  • Hostel YADOYA: This hostel is located near Ueda Castle and has dormitory-style rooms as well as private rooms.

What to Buy in Ueda: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Yosegi zaiku: This traditional style of woodworking involves crafting intricate patterns using different types of wood.

  • Kawanaka-jima senbei: These rice crackers are named after a famous battle that took place in Ueda and are a local specialty.

  • Shinshu glassware: Nagano Prefecture has a long history of glassmaking, and Ueda has several artisanal shops that sell unique and beautiful glass products.

Local Culture and Customs of Ueda

  • Ueda Matsuri: This festival is a great way to learn about the history and culture of the city.

  • Shinshu hospitality: Ueda is known for its friendly and welcoming locals, who take pride in their traditions and way of life.

Best Time to Visit Ueda

The best time to visit Ueda is from April to November, when the weather is mild and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. The cherry blossoms in spring and the fall foliage in autumn are especially beautiful.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ueda

Do:

  • Try the local food and drinks.

  • Learn about the history and culture of the city.

  • Respect local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage natural areas.

  • Disrespect local temples and shrines.

  • Disregard local laws and regulations.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ueda

Ueda is generally a safe and peaceful city, but visitors should still take basic precautions such as locking doors and windows and not leaving valuables unattended. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so it is best to keep valuables close to your body.

Health in Ueda

Ueda has good medical facilities, and visitors can access emergency care if needed. However, it is always a good idea to carry health insurance and be aware of any necessary vaccinations before traveling.

Getting to Ueda: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ueda

The closest airports to Ueda are Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport in Tokyo, both of which have good connections to Ueda via train or bus.

Bus Stations Near Ueda

Ueda has several bus stations that connect to nearby cities and attractions, including Nagano City, Matsumoto City, and Kamikochi.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Ueda via train, as it has several train stations that connect to major cities in Japan.

How to Get Around in Ueda

Ueda is a small city and is easy to navigate on foot or by bike. There are also several bus routes that connect to different parts of the city and surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Ueda: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Matsumoto City: This historic city is known for its beautiful castle, art museums, and traditional crafts.

  • Karuizawa: This resort town is located in the Nagano mountains and is known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and luxury boutiques.

  • Takayama: This small city is located in the Japanese Alps and is known for its well-preserved historic district, traditional houses, and temple architecture.

Conclusion

Ueda is a hidden gem in Japan that offers visitors a unique and authentic travel experience. From the stunning mountains and natural landscapes to the rich history and local culture, there is something for everyone in this charming city. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your trip and make the most of your time in Ueda.

Ueda Castle Park Ueda Castle Park Anrakuji Temple three-story pagoda Anrakuji Temple three-story pagoda