Eastern Nagano
(Karuizawa, Ueda, Saku)
Surrounded by the abundant natural beauty of Mt. Asama, Mt. Tateshina, and the Yatsugatake Mountains, this area holds once prosperous castle towns and post towns. Today, it boasts numerous ancient temples and shrines, as well as a historic townscape. In addition, Karuizawa and Yachiho Highland, which are rich in tourist resources, are popular resort areas. Because of its relatively low annual rainfall and long hours of sunshine, the area is suitable for cultivating wine grapes and has gained attention as the eastern district of the Chikuma River Wine Valley.
Half-Day Course
Gourmet and Hot Spring Tour
A One-Day Tour Packed with
Delicious Foods and Soothing Hot
Springs
Start!
Ueda Station
15 minutes walk
Okazaki Sake Brewery
A 350-year-old sake brewery cherishing the rice, water, and nature of Nagano. They have used water from the Sugadaira water system and rice varieties Miyama Nishiki and Hitogokochi, both produced in Nagano Prefecture since their founding. Taking advantages of the characteristics of being a small brewery, they carefully brew full-bodied and elegant sake using traditional handmade methods. Please enjoy!
- Address
- 4-7-33 Chuo, Ueda City 386-0012
- Phone
- 0268-22-0149
- Opening
hours - Please check the website.
- Website
- http://www.ueda.ne.jp/~okazaki/
3 minutes walk
Ohnishi
Owner Ohnishi has relentlessly pursued the best possible flavor of soba and researched on finding the ideal water-to-flour ratio. Their “sprouted soba,” developed to maximize the natural taste of buckwheat, offers an amplified sweetness, a chewy texture, and a unique smoothness. Experience the exquisite taste of this specialty soba, crafted with meticulous care by one of the most renowned soba shops in the prefecture.
- Address
- 4-9-8 Chuo, Ueda City 386-0012
- Phone
- 0268-24-5381
- Opening
hours - Please check the website. (They will close once they’ve sold out of soba.)
- Website
- http://www.ohnishisoba.com/
Levain (Shinshu Ueda Shop)
They use domestic flour sourced from local farmers and their own homemade yeast to carefully bake bread. The attached cafe features wholesome, domestically produced ingredients, many of which are sourced locally. The bread is sold by weight, so you can try a variety of flavors!
- Address
- 4-7-31 Chuo, Ueda City 3860-012
- Phone
- 0268-26-3866
- Opening
hours - Please check the website.
10 minutes walk
Wadaryu Sake Brewery
At Wadaryu Sake Brewery, you can savor small-batch, distinctive sake crafted with meticulous care by the owner. Beyond just the taste, they also offer suggestions on optimal serving temperatures, glassware, and food pairings to enhance your sake experience. You might discover a whole new world of sake!
- Address
- 1-14-14 Chuonishi, Ueda City
386-0023 - Phone
- 0268-22-0461
- Website
- https://www.wadaryu.com/
10 minutes walk
Ueda Castle Ruins Park
Ueda Castle Ruins Park is famous as the site of Ueda Castle, built by a renowned warlord of the Sanada clan who twice repelled the mighty Tokugawa army. Designated as one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles and a National Historic Site, the park boasts numerous attractions such as the south turret, north turret, East Toraguchi Yaguramon gate, and remnants of the original stone walls, moats, and earthworks, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of the castle in its heyday.
- Address
- Ninomaru, Ueda City 386-0026
- Phone
- 0268-23-5408
- Opening
hours - Please check the website.
- Website
- https://ueda-kanko.or.jp/
25 minutes by taxi
Bessho Onsen
Said to be the oldest hot spring in Nagano, the onsen is known as “beauty’s bath” for its smooth, silky waters. The weakly alkaline spring water is said to have a peeling effect on the skin. Along with the historical hot spring, you can also enjoy visiting nearby temples and shrines, some of which are designated as a National Treasure or Important Cultural Properties.
- Address
- Bessho Onsen, Ueda City 386-1431
- Website
- http://www.bessho-spa.jp/
Finish!
Ueda Station