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Nagano · Ueda

Ueda Castle

上田城

Ueda, Nagano

CastleFlatland castle (hirajiro)Japan's 100 Fine Castles No. 25

What makes this castle distinctive

This is the Sanada clan's castle that twice drove back Tokugawa armies, yet the turrets standing today were built after the Sanada had gone.

Why?

Ueda Castle, built by Sanada Masayuki, held off huge Tokugawa armies twice, in 1585 and 1600. After the Battle of Sekigahara, though, the Tokugawa side tore it down, and the Sanada family was moved to Matsushiro. The turrets and stone walls in the main enclosure today go back to a rebuilding begun in 1626 by the next lord, Sengoku Tadamasa.^[2][10]

Three things not to miss

The East Koguchi Gate, its two turrets, and the Sanada Stone

Where: The east entrance to the main enclosure (honmaru), straight ahead after you cross the Ninomaru Bridge and walk west.
What to look at: The two turrets flanking the gate, the stone walls that jut out by different amounts on each side, and the Sanada Stone, a boulder about 3 m across set into the wall.
Why it's interesting: The South and North Turrets were sold off in the Meiji era and used outside the castle; a citizens' group bought them back and returned them to their original spot in 1949. The gate between them was rebuilt in wood in 1994 after an old Meiji-era photograph of it was found. The Sanada Stone is said to be a rock that Sanada Nobuyuki could not take with him when he moved to Matsushiro.^{[1][4][8][10][12]}
Can you see it?: Visible from outsideThe exterior and the gate passage are free. The insides of the South and North Turrets need a ticket and are closed on Wednesdays, the day after national holidays, and from mid-November to March.

The Amagafuchi cliff and the original West Turret

Where: The south side of the main enclosure. Look up from Amagafuchi, the open ground below the turrets. The West Turret stands at the southwest corner of the main enclosure.
What to look at: The row of turrets rising above the cliff and stone walls, and the West Turret's black overlapping wooden boards and thick-barred windows.
Why it's interesting: A branch of the Chikuma River once flowed into Amagafuchi, turning the foot of the cliff into a natural moat. The West Turret is the only one of Ueda Castle's turrets that escaped demolition or removal and has stood on the same spot since the Edo period. It is a Nagano Prefectural Treasure, along with the South and North Turrets.^[2][3][4][8]
Can you see it?: Partly visibleExterior only. The West Turret's interior is closed, but Ueda City offers a 360-degree virtual tour online.

The Sumiotoshi, a corner cut away to ward off evil

Where: The northeast corner of the main enclosure, near the Ueda Castle North Parking Lot.
What to look at: The corner of the earthen rampart and moat around the main enclosure, cut inward instead of meeting at a point.
Why it's interesting: The northeast was thought to be the "demon gate," the direction evil spirits come from, so leaving out the corner is believed to have been a charm against them. According to Ueda City, in the Edo period two turrets were placed side by side on either side of this missing corner, instead of the usual one.^[3][4]
Can you see it?: Visible from outsideFreely visible from inside the park.

At a glance for visitors

Nearest station: 12 min walk from Ueda Station
Climb: Not confirmed
Time neededEditors' estimate: 30 minutes to an hour for the grounds alone; about 2 hours if you enter the turrets and museum (estimates from the Ueda City Tourism Association).
Admission: Adults 300 yen, students (high school and up) 200 yen, elementary and junior high students 100 yen (group discounts for 20+). Combined ticket with the castle turrets: 500 yen for adults.
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
Access: Open to visitors
Ueda Castle Park is open 24 hours and free. The South and North Turrets (Ueda Castle Turrets) and the Ueda City Museum charge admission. The West Turret's interior is closed.

Checked: 2026-10-03

View on map Open in Google Maps Ueda Castle website (Ueda City)Ueda Castle Park (Ueda City Tourism Association)Ueda City Museum

The story of this castle

Historical record

A lowland castle guarded by a river and a cliff

Ueda Castle sits near the middle of the Ueda basin, on the edge of a river terrace carved by the Chikuma River. To the south was the Amagafuchi cliff, where a branch of the river flowed in; to the north rose the Taro mountains. The castle used this natural terrain for defense. It was also better placed for travel than earlier Sanada castles, and in the Edo period the Hokkoku Kaido highway passed through.^[3]

Historical record

Built by Sanada Masayuki, it beat the Tokugawa twice

In 1583, Sanada Masayuki began building the castle with help from the Tokugawa. Two years later he defied Tokugawa Ieyasu's orders and sided with the Uesugi clan, and in the First Battle of Ueda in 1585 he drove off more than 7,000 Tokugawa troops with fewer than 2,000. During the Sekigahara campaign of 1600, Masayuki and his second son Nobushige (better known as Yukimura) held the castle and stalled an army of 38,000 under Tokugawa Hidetada (the Second Battle of Ueda).^[2]

Historical record

Torn down, then rebuilt by Sengoku Tadamasa

When the Tokugawa side won at Sekigahara, the castle was surrendered and demolished in 1601, and Masayuki and Nobushige were exiled to Kudoyama. The ruined site went to Masayuki's eldest son, Nobuyuki, but he was moved to Matsushiro in 1622. His replacement, Sengoku Tadamasa from Komoro, began rebuilding the castle in 1626, but he died in 1628 and the work was never finished.^[2][10]

Historical record

In the Edo period, the main enclosure was a storehouse

From 1706 until the Meiji era, the Matsudaira family ruled from Ueda. The lords governed from a residence in the third enclosure, where Ueda High School stands today, while the turrets of the main enclosure were used to store weapons and other goods. Ueda City describes it as an unusual castle whose main and second enclosures served, in practice, only as storage.^[2][3]

Historical record

Sold-off turrets came home thanks to local people

In the Meiji era the castle was sold to private owners, and of its seven turrets and two gate towers, all but the West Turret were dismantled or sold. Two turrets from the main enclosure were moved in 1877 to serve as buildings in a pleasure quarter, and were later sold to a restaurant in Tokyo. A preservation society formed in 1942 bought them back, and after a pause during the war, they returned to their original spot in 1949 as the South and North Turrets.^[2][10]

Historical record

A rebuilt gate, and more restoration ahead

The East Koguchi Gate of the main enclosure was rebuilt in 1994, based on a Meiji-era photograph and archaeological digs. Ueda City is now carrying out research toward restoring the four turrets of the original seven that have not returned, the West Koguchi Gate, and the area around the east entrance to the second enclosure.^[2][6][10]

People of this castle

Builder of the castle, who held it against the Tokugawa in both Battles of Ueda

Sanada Masayuki

真田昌幸

1547–1611

A Sengoku-period warlord who built Ueda Castle in 1583 and twice held it against large Tokugawa armies, in 1585 and 1600.

Lord who rebuilt the demolished castle

Sengoku Tadamasa

仙石忠政

1578–1628

An early Edo-period lord of Ueda. He moved from Komoro to Ueda in 1622 and rebuilt Ueda Castle, which had been left demolished.

Lord

Matsudaira clan

松平氏

Lord

Sengoku clan

仙石氏

Lord

Sanada clan

真田氏

Lord

Fujii-Matsudaira clan

藤井松平家

Timeline

1583
Sanada Masayuki begins building the castle^[2]
1585
First Battle of Ueda: the Tokugawa army is driven back^[2]
1600
Second Battle of Ueda: Tokugawa Hidetada's army is held up^[2]
1601
The castle is handed over to the Tokugawa side and demolished^[2]
1626
Sengoku Tadamasa begins rebuilding (halted in 1628)^[2]
1949
Two bought-back turrets return as the South and North Turrets^[2]
1994
The East Koguchi Gate is rebuilt^[2][4]

Buildings and remains

The keep today

Not yet confirmed

The Edo-period castle had no keep (tenshu); the main enclosure had seven turrets and two gate towers instead. Whether a keep existed in Sanada Masayuki's time has not been confirmed.

The site today

The main and second enclosures form Ueda Castle Park. Sanada Shrine stands in the main enclosure and the Ueda City Museum in the second. The great moat north of the second enclosure is now an athletics field and baseball ground, and part of the second enclosure's moat is a zelkova-lined walking path. The lord's former residence in the third enclosure is now the site of Ueda High School.

Main buildings

OriginalNagano Prefectural Treasure

West Turret (Nishi Yagura)

The only turret that has stood on its original spot since the Edo period. Prefectural Treasure since 1959. Interior closed.^[2][4]

Original, relocatedNagano Prefectural Treasure

South Turret (Minami Yagura)

An original main-enclosure turret moved out in the Meiji era, bought back and returned to its original spot in 1949. Interior open with a ticket (closed in winter).^[2][8]

Original, relocatedNagano Prefectural Treasure

North Turret (Kita Yagura)

Like the South Turret, returned to its original spot in 1949. Interior open with a ticket (closed in winter).^[2][8]

Rebuilt in wood

East Koguchi Gate

Rebuilt in wood in 1994 from an old photograph and archaeological findings. Connected to the South and North Turrets.^[2][4][12]

Key facts

Type: Castle
Setting: Flatland castle (hirajiro)built on flat ground, defended by moatsEditorial article
Period: Medieval (c.1185–1570s), Early modern (1570s–1871)Editorial article
Keep (tenshu): Not yet confirmedwhether a keep existed is still being checkedEditorial article
Built by: Sanada MasayukiJapan Castle Foundation
Built: 1583Japan Castle Foundation
Main lords: Matsudaira clan, Sengoku clan, Sanada clan, Fujii-Matsudaira clanJapan Castle Foundation
Abandoned: 1874Wikipedia (ja)
Remains to see: Turrets or turret bases, Stone walls, Earthen ramparts, Moats, Fortified gateways (koguchi), Gates, Baileys / enclosures (kuruwa)Editorial article
Designation: National Historic Site (Ueda Castle ruins) (1934); Nagano Prefectural Treasures (West, South and North Turrets) (1959)Editorial article
Selection: Japan's 100 Fine Castles No. 25Japan Castle Foundation

Visiting

Access

Open to visitors

Ueda Castle Park is open 24 hours and free. The South and North Turrets (Ueda Castle Turrets) and the Ueda City Museum charge admission. The West Turret's interior is closed.

Address

6263-i Ninomaru, Ueda, Nagano 386-0026^[1][5]

Checked: 2026-10-03

Nearest stations and how to get there

Ueda StationJR Hokuriku Shinkansen, Shinano Railway, Ueda Electric Railway Bessho Line (all at the same station)

about 12 min walk · Not confirmed

12 minutes on foot. You can also take the Ueda city loop bus (Aka Bus) to the Koen-mae stop (200 yen).^[1][5]

Checked: 2026-10-03

Hours and admission

Ueda City Museum

Hours: 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
Closed: Wednesdays, the day after national holidays (the following day if that falls on a Wednesday), and December 29 – January 3. Occasional extra closures or openings.
Admission: Adults 300 yen, students (high school and up) 200 yen, elementary and junior high students 100 yen (group discounts for 20+). Combined ticket with the castle turrets: 500 yen for adults.^[8]

Checked: 2026-10-03

Ueda Castle Turrets (South and North Turrets, East Koguchi Gate)

Hours: 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
Closed: Wednesdays, the day after national holidays, and the winter season from mid-November to March
Admission: Adults 300 yen, students (high school and up) 200 yen, elementary and junior high students 100 yen. Combined ticket with the museum: 500 yen for adults.^[1][8]

Checked: 2026-10-03

By car / parking

About 4 km (15 minutes) from the Ueda-Sugadaira IC on the Joshin-etsu Expressway. The North Parking Lot (216 cars) and South Parking Lot (83 cars) are both paid: first hour free, then 100 yen per hour up to 500 yen a day (during the cherry blossom, Golden Week and autumn-leaf periods: 500 yen for 3 hours, up to 1,000 yen a day). From the North lot you can reach the main enclosure without any change in level. Buses and large vehicles use the reservation-based bus parking lot.^[5]

Checked: 2026-10-03

Grounds opening hours

Open 24 hours, every day^[1]Checked: 2026-10-03

Time neededEditors' estimate

30 minutes to an hour for the grounds alone; about 2 hours if you enter the turrets and museum (estimates from the Ueda City Tourism Association).

Steps, slopes and footing

A lowland castle: from the North Parking Lot to the second enclosure, the gate and the main enclosure there is no change in level. From the South lot and the Amagafuchi lawn, stairs lead up to the main enclosure. Inside the turrets the stairs are steep.^[5][9]

Wheelchairs and strollers

The North Parking Lot has priority spaces for wheelchair users (6) and others, and a level route to the main enclosure. For tour buses carrying people who find walking difficult, Ueda City suggests letting them off on the road beside the gymnasium parking lot on the park's west side, from where a flat path leads into the park.^[5]Checked: 2026-10-03

Toilets and rest

Not confirmed

English signs / audio guide

The Ueda City Tourism Association runs an English tourism website. English signs and audio guides on site are not confirmed.^[1]

Seasons

Spring brings the Ueda Castle Senbon-zakura (Thousand Cherry Trees) Festival and autumn the Ueda Castle Autumn Leaves Festival. The zelkova path is lovely in fresh green and autumn colors, and at night the lit-up turrets can be seen from Amagafuchi.^[4][5][10]

Photography

Photography inside the museum for publications or broadcasts requires an application in advance. Rules for ordinary visitors taking photos inside are not confirmed.^[8]

Works, closures and restrictions

The Ueda City Museum is holding the exhibition "Ueda Castle and Its Lords" (September 3 – November 10, 2026). The castle turrets close for winter from mid-November to March.^[9][1]Checked: 2026-10-03

Suggested routes

Free walking course (30–60 minutes) 45 min

Pass through the East Koguchi Gate into the main enclosure
Visit Sanada Shrine and see the West Turret from outside
Walk once around the moat of the main enclosure

A course suggested by the Ueda City Tourism Association; the time is also its estimate.

Turrets and museum course (about 2 hours) 120 min

East Koguchi Gate
See the armor of Ueda's lords and more at the Ueda City Museum
Go inside the castle turrets (North and South)
Sanada Shrine and the West Turret
Walk around the moat of the main enclosure

A course suggested by the Ueda City Tourism Association. The turrets are closed from mid-November to March.

Around the castle

Experience

Sanada Shrine

A shrine in the main enclosure. It began as a shrine to the Matsudaira lords and later came to honor all of Ueda's castle lords. Because the castle "never fell," many people come to pray for success in exams.^[1][10]

Checked: 2026-10-03

Museum

Ueda City Museum

A museum inside the park displaying armor of the Sanada, Sengoku and Matsudaira lords and other materials on the history of the Ueda area.^[4][8]

Checked: 2026-10-03

Editors' guide

An editorial guide based on sources and confirmed information — not a first-hand visit report.

Who will enjoy it

Good for fans of the Sanada family story and for anyone who likes to read a castle through its turrets, moats and use of cliffs rather than a keep. As a flat castle within walking distance of Ueda Station, it is easy to fit into a Shinkansen stopover.

What makes it interesting

Start at the east entrance with the turrets flanking the gate and the Sanada Stone. Then go down to Amagafuchi and look up at the turrets lining the cliff top, which shows how the castle used the river and cliff for defense. Don't miss the cut-away northeast corner of the main enclosure.

Before you go

Ueda Castle has no keep. The turrets and stone walls you see date not from the Sanada era but from the Sengoku family's rebuilding in the Edo period. The turret interiors close from mid-November to March, and both the museum and turrets close on Wednesdays.

Ways to enjoy it

According to the tourism association, inside the South and North Turrets you can still see traces of the years they served as pleasure-quarter buildings. Knowing how these buildings were sold off and later brought home changes the way you see them.

Photos

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Open questions

The claim that no other castle won two real battles like this comes from the Ueda City Tourism Association.
The story that Nobuyuki tried and failed to take the Sanada Stone to Matsushiro is a legend. The tourism association itself notes that the stone walls were built during the later Sengoku rebuilding, so the timing does not fit.
Whether a keep existed under Sanada Masayuki is uncertain; gold-leaf roof tiles found in excavations suggest it might have, but there is no direct evidence.
The 1934 date of National Historic Site designation comes from the tourism association and Wikipedia, not from Agency for Cultural Affairs records. That the East Koguchi Gate is wooden comes from Wikipedia.
Whether the route from the station is hilly, where the toilets are, and English signage on site could not be confirmed.