Ueda Castle: Impregnable Castle Where Sanada Masayuki Defeated Tokugawa Twice

Sanada's Castle: Ueda Castle

Ueda Castle is castle ruins in Ueda City, Nagano, built by Sengoku warrior Sanada Masayuki in 1583. In two Ueda battles in 1585 and 1600, Sanada Masayuki repelled the large armies of Tokugawa Ieyasu and Tokugawa Hidetada respectively, evaluated as "Japan's strongest castle."

Ueda Castle Highlights

Ueda Castle ruins are currently developed as "Ueda Castle Ruins Park" with buildings including the East Entrance Watchtower Gate, North Watchtower, and South Watchtower remaining. In spring, about 1,000 cherry trees color the castle ruins, also famous as a cherry blossom spot. Inside the castle there is the Ueda City Museum exhibiting materials related to Ueda Castle and the Sanada clan.

Touring Sites Associated with Sanada

Historic sites associated with the Sanada clan are scattered around Ueda City. A journey tracing the Sanada clan footsteps can be enjoyed including the Sanada Main Castle (Sanada Town, Nagano City), Yukimura (Nobushige)'s Ueda Castle, and Osaka Castle, setting of the Siege of Osaka.