Nagano Prefecture History! A guide to recommended castles and attractions

What is the attraction of castles in Nagano Prefecture?
Sightseeing spots with a sense of history

Nagano Prefecture is not only a place of beautiful nature and hot springs, but is also dotted with numerous historical castles.

These castles are valuable heritage sites that convey the history and culture of the Warring States period to the present day, and are popular with many tourists.

By visiting castles in Nagano Prefecture, visitors can feel the battlefields of the past and the historical buildings that have come to life through the ages.

Every castle in Nagano Prefecture has its own unique history, and knowing the background of the castle will make your visit even more impressive.

Touring castles is a wonderful way to experience the rich history of Nagano Prefecture and learn about the local culture and climate.

Typical castles in Nagano Prefecture

There are many castle ruins and castles in Nagano Prefecture, but we have selected a few that are particularly famous and worth visiting.

1. Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle is the representative castle of Nagano Prefecture, and as one of the 12 existing castle towers in Japan, it still retains its beautiful appearance.

Also known as "Karasujo," the castle is characterized by its black exterior. Matsumoto Castle is a very popular tourist attraction, as it retains the castle walls and moat, as well as the castle tower, all of which are reminiscent of its original appearance.

Matsumoto Castle was built by Ishikawa Kazumasa, a famous general in the Warring States period, and was later ruled by the Kato family.

Surrounded by the city of Matsumoto, the castle offers a beautiful view of the city. Visitors can also enjoy the seasonal scenery, which is especially spectacular during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn foliage season in fall.

2. ueda castle

Ueda Castle is located in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, and is famous as a castle associated with Yukimura (Nobushige) Sanada, a general of the Warring States period.

Yukimura Sanada was a famous and heroic figure during the Warring States period, and Ueda Castle was the base of his activities.

He is especially famous for his battle in the "Battle of Ueda," and Yukimura's clever tactics have become legendary.

Today, the ruins of Ueda Castle are maintained as a park, and within the castle ruins, a museum and stone walls remain, allowing visitors to feel the atmosphere of the castle in those days.

The annual "Ueda Castle Site Festival" attracts many tourists with events honoring Yukimura Sanada and a warrior parade.

Komoro Castle (Komoro Castle Site Kaikoen)

Komoro Castle is located in Komoro City, and the ruins of the castle are maintained as "Kaiko-en.

Komoro Castle was built by the Sanada clan during the Warring States period, but was later ruled by the Kato clan during the Edo period.

Within Kaiko-en are buildings and gardens that give visitors a sense of the atmosphere of an Edo period castle.

Another major feature of Komoro Castle is the Japanese garden on its grounds.

Various flowers bloom in each season, and the scenery is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season in spring and the fall foliage season.

Kaiko-en is a very popular tourist attraction, and there are plenty of hot springs and restaurants in the area.

4. the Suwa-taisha Shrine on the shore of Suwa Lake and
Ruins of Suwa Castle

The ruins of the former Suwa Castle remain along with the Suwa Taisha Shrine on the shore of Suwa Lake.

Suwa Castle was built by a powerful family in the Suwa area, and is surrounded by a beautiful lake and nature.

Suwa-taisha is a shrine that has been the object of worship since ancient times, and the surrounding area is rich in myths and legends.

The ruins of Suwa Castle are still maintained as a walking trail and offer a view of the lake in the background.

The area around Suwa-taisha Shrine is also a very attractive sightseeing spot, with facilities where visitors can learn about local history and culture.

When touring castles in Nagano Prefecture
Recommended Tourist Attractions

When touring castles in Nagano Prefecture, you can also enjoy the historical background and nearby tourist attractions. Below are some recommendations to further enhance your castle tour.

1. historical archives

Many castles have a museum where visitors can learn about their history and culture.

For example, there is the Matsumoto Castle History Museum at Matsumoto Castle and the Sanada History Museum at Ueda Castle, where visitors can learn about the castle's history in depth.

Knowing the stories of warlords and battles during the Warring States period will make the castle even more appealing to visitors.

2. nearby hot springs

Nagano Prefecture is also famous for its hot springs. Visitors can relax in the hot springs between castle tours.

There are many hot spring resorts in the Ueda and Komoro area, and soaking in a hot spring after touring historical castle ruins is truly a luxurious experience.

3. local gourmet

Nagano Prefecture is a great place to enjoy local delicacies that make the most of its rich natural environment.

After visiting the castle, taste dishes unique to Nagano, such as Shinshu soba noodles, horse sashimi, and nozawana vegetables.

In particular, Ueda City and Matsumoto City have many restaurants and cafes that are popular among tourists.

summary

Castles in Nagano Prefecture are valuable spots where visitors can learn about the history of the Warring States and Edo periods while experiencing beautiful scenery and traditional Japanese culture.

By visiting historical castle ruins such as Matsumoto Castle, Ueda Castle, and Kaikoen, visitors can ponder the historical background of those times and the stories of military commanders.

In addition to sightseeing, enjoy the surrounding hot springs and gourmet food, and take in the historical charm of Nagano Prefecture.