Cultural Walk Guide

Japan Heritage
Shiodadaira, Shinshu Ueda Attraction Map
Sacred Land of Sun and Earth

Shiodadaira,
Shinshu Ueda

Contact Us

Ueda City Japan Heritage Promotion Council 0268-75-2005

[email protected]

Access the QR code for the latest tourist information

on Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture
*The information on facilities is correct as of February 2022, and the rates are for general visitors. For students and groups, please contact us.
*Please understand that the time required for courses is an estimation.
*This pamphlet was subsidized by a 2021 Cultural Resource Utilization Project Subsidy (Tourism Base Development Project expense) from the Agency for Cultural Affairs.
 Maita To Ueda Sta.
Naka-shioda
Tomo-ike Elementary School
Pond
Shiodadaira Area Shioda
Onna-ike
Pond
Otoko-ike Naka-shioda
Shimonogo Sta.
Uwadaira-ike Junior High School
Pond Pond Sta.
Yagisawa Tenmangu Nakano Sta. Chofukuji Temple 34
Shrine Maita Sta. Shiodamachi 31 32 33
ver
Ueda Dentetsu Bessho Line Nakanomae-ike Sta. a Ri
gaw

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Wakabayashi Ikushimatarushima

ive
Pond Brewing San Gokamae-ike Shrine

aR
Pond Sacred Land of Sun and Earth

g aw
Ueda Bus Shinshu Ueda Ley-Line Line Kami-hongo
Shiodadaira,

wa
(Closed:12/1 - 3/31) Yagisawa Sta. Post Office

is a
Koda-ike Shinshu Ueda

ir ak
Higashi-shioda
Pond

Oib
Post Office
Bessho Shrine Bessho Onsen Sta. Yukawa River Higashi-shioda

Shiodadaira, Shinshu Ueda Japan Heritage MAP

The Ley Line bringing together the "Sacred Land of Sun and Earth"
Shin-ike
Nursery School Pond
Yamada-ike
Jorakuji Temple 18 35 Pond
3 Ara-ike
4 CapitoLini Shioda-nishi Ikushimatarushima
Anrakuji Temple Bessho Pond
Post Office
Elementary School Doromiya 30 Kamikubo-ike Shrine
1 2 Shitakui-ike Pond
Pond ©Mitsushi Okada
Saikoji Temple
7 5 6 Restaurant Kurasaka 11
Nishi-shioda
17 Kitamuki Kannon Temple Post Office
20 Tearai-ike Higashi-shioda
Pond Elementary School
Shitakui-ike
Pond Tokko-kan
Sakura International High School Mugonkan
June Berry Sannoyama Park Raikoji-ike
Zensanji Temple
Pond
Sangawa River
Anrakuji Temple Hakkaku-Sanjunoto Kitamuki Kannon
(the octagonal three-storied pagoda) Temple Fujimoto Shioda-ten
Tezuka KAITA EPITAPH Mame Cafe Enjyu
Zansho Museum
Zensanji Temple 9 Yohashira Shrine
Shiono-ike
Mt. Megamidake Shioda Castle Ruins
Pond
Ryukoin Temple
Hydrangea Path
Maeyama Shiono Shrine - Kamakura of Shinshu
Chuzenji Temple Chuzenji Temple 15
Ancestral couple deities in Nogura 12 13 14 10 Chigai-ishi stones and the mining sites

0 To Nagano Ueda Bypass

List of cultural properties recognized as Japan Heritage Find this symbol of Japan Heritage Ueda
Michi-to-kawa-no-eki Chikumagawa Ueda Castle Ruins Park
River Ueda City Tourism Bureau
Santomyuze
Ue Ueda Sta. Tourist Information Center
1 Anrakuji Temple Hakkaku-Sanjunoto 13 Chuzenji Temple Wooden Seated Statue of 25 Shinano Kokubunji Temple Sanjunoto Ueda Baseball Stadium da
Sta
(the octagonal three-storied pagoda) Yakushi Nyorai (the three-storied pagoda) 35 .
Uedahara
2 Wooden Seated Statues of Monks, 14 Bronze Standing Statue of Bosatsu 26 Shinano Kokubunji Temple Sekizo-Tahoto
Miyoshicho
Isen and Enin (Bodhisattva) (the stone pagoda) Akasaka-ue Shiroshita 28 29 24
Terashita 27 25
3 Jorakuji Temple Hondo (the main hall) 15 Maeyama Shiono Shrine Haiden/Honden 27 Gozutenno Saimon 23 26
(the worship hall/the main hall) Kabatake
To Tokyo
4 Jorakuji Temple Sekizo-Tahoto 16 Hojuji Temple Kokuzodo Hall and Kitchen 28 The custom of distributing Somin Shorai-fu To Aokimura 8 22 Shinano Kokubunji Sta.
(the stone pagoda) in Yokado, Ueda City Daigaku-mae Nagano University Shinano Kokubunji Temple

5 Kitamuki Kannondo Hall 17 Bessho Onsen's Take-no-Nobori Event 29 Yokado Ennichizu (illustration of the fair) Naka-shioda Shimonogo
Nakano Nagano Prefectural Institute of Technology
Maita
Shiodamachi
6 Zenkoji Temple Jishin-Ema 18 Bessho Shrine Honden(the main hall or 30 Doromiya Bessho Onsen Yagisawa Shioda Community Center
Kaguraden Hall) (Honcho Enmusubi Okami) Ikushimatarushima
Shrine
Shioda Higashiyama Kanko Noen

31 Ikushimatarushima Shrine Honden Naiden

Bessho Onsen Sta. Information Center
7 Aizen Katsura (Bessho Goboku) 19 Kuragafuchi Deep Water and Jakotsu-ishi Stone Higashi-shioda Industrial Park
(the main hall/the inner palace) Mt. Ogamidake
8 Maita Sekizo-Gorinto 20 Sendadaki, Hyaku-Hatte 32 Ikushimatarushima Shrine Sessha Suwa Shrine Ueda City, Nagano
(the stone pagoda) Honden (the main hall) Mt. Megamidake Shiodadaira Area (above is the magnified view)
9 Zensanji Temple Sanjunoto 21 Narao Stone Seated Statue of Oba 33 Ikushimatarushima Shrine Documents
(the three-storied pagoda)
19
10 Chigai-ishi stones and the mining site 22 Hoya Gion Festival 34 Chofukuji Temple Bronze Standing Statue of 21 Bessho Line
Bosatsu (Bodhisattva)
Ueda Dentetsu

Shinano Railway
11 Saikoji Temple Amidado Hall 23 Shinano Kokubunji Temple Ruins 35 Bessho Line Railway Facilities
Hokuriku Shinkansen
Hiraiji Tunnel
12 Chuzenji Temple Yakushido Hall 24 Shinano Kokubunji Temple Hondo (the main hall)
16 Koyasaka Tunnel
 Japan Heritage Recognition
Sacred Land of Sun and Earth

Shiodadaira,

The Ley Line Bringing Together Shinshu Ueda

the "Sacred Land of Sun and Earth"

The Path of Light, ~Town of Dragons: Shiodadaira, Shinshu Ueda~
Shiodadaira’s Luminous Prayer

What is the story

behind becoming
Shitakui-ike Pond, one of the many reservoirs Japan Heritage?
Shiodadaira, with its low rainfall, has long been home to many reservoirs.
Mitsushi Okada

In 2020, the Shiodadaira area in Shinshu Ueda

was recognized as Japan Heritage by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. On the map, you will see that Shinano Kokubunji Temple, which was named after Emperor Shomu, is located to the east of
Shiodadaira, while Bessho, the oldest hot spring village in Shinshu, is located to the west. At the center of the two is
One reason is a unique form of prayer found in the lives of people
Ikushimatarushima Shrine, which houses the guardian deity of the nation. Those three sacred places are all found on a straight line.
intimately connected to the mountain gods due to the little rain of this region. Other The morning of the summer solstice best embodies this mystery. Sunlight rising from the east illuminates Shinano Kokubunji Temple
reasons are the many shrines, temples, and rain-making festivals celebrated along the and rises in the center of the eastern torii gate of Ikushimatarushima Shrine. The clear light permeates Shiodadaira until it envelopes
ley line that runs from Shinano Kokubunji Temple to Ikushimatarushima Shrine and Bessho Onsen to the west. This single ley line is central to the story recognized by Japan Heritage.
Bessho Onsen. Why are Bessho Onsen, Shinano Kokubunji Temple, and Ikushimatarushima Shrine, all born in different eras, located on a straight
line? Though only a speculation, this may reflect Japanese people's familiarity with Sun worship.
Shinano Kokubunji Temple, Anrakuji Temple and Zensanji Temple in Shiodadaira all enshrine Dainichi Nyorai, who is also identified as
Path of Light Connecting Sacred Places Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun God. Jorakuji Temple in Bessho also houses a stone multi-story pagoda embodying Dainichi Nyorai,
meaning that solar deities make repeated appearances within a small area.
Shiodadaira spreads out in the southwestern part of Ueda City.
This may be due to the agricultural beliefs of the Shiodadaira people, who have always revered "Otento-sama," the sun. The fact that
With its numerous shrines and temples designated as national treasures and important cultural assets, the area is called the
Ikushimatarushima Shrine worships the earth on which rice is grown also overlaps deeply within the culture in which agriculture is a
"Kamakura of Shinshu".
way of life.

Shiodadaira's Sunrise on the summer

Ueda Sta.
shrines and temples solstice in the center A path of light created
by the morning sun at Uedahara
What is Japan Heritage?
Ley Line summer solstice Shinano Kokubunji Temple
closely related to of the large torii gate
the sun at Ikushimatarushima It is an initiative by the Agency for
Zensanji Temple is bathed Shrine To Aokimura
Shinano Kokubunji Sta. Cultural Affairs to recognize tangible
in the spring morning sun. and intangible cultural assets in
Early in the morning around
The main hall enshrines various parts of Japan as "stories"
5:30 a.m. on the day of the Bessho Onsen
the principal deity, Dainichi that link them to the history, folklore,
summer solstice, the Shiodamachi
Nyorai, who is considered
morning sun rises from the and culture of the region, and to
to be identical to Bessho Onsen
large torii gate of certify them as Japan Heritage. By the
Amaterasu based on the Mt. Ogamidake
Ikushimatarushima Shrine, Ikushimatarushima Shrine end of 2021, more than 100 of these
interpretation of
infusing the land with pure "stories” have been certified
Shinto-Buddhist synergy. Mt. Megamidake
light. The awesome nationwide.
This moment symbolizes
©Mitsushi Okada ©Mitsushi Okada moment makes it a popular
the temple's deep On the morning of the summer solstice, a path of light shines from Shinano Kokubunji Temple in the
photo spot.
connection with the sun. East, then on to Ikushimatarushima Shrine, and finally shines on Bessho Onsen in the west.
 Rainmaking beliefs and the lives of people
column
The practice of rainmaking, which is inextricably linked to Sun worship, is also an integral part of Shiodadaira’ s history. Having a
The ritual of summoning the dragon gods, 17
1 "Take-no-Nobori"
mostly sunny climate has at the same time been a blessing and a curse. Plagued by a lack of rainfall, people have prayed to Mt.
Tokkosan and Mt.Ogamidake as the water-source of the Sangawa River that nourishes most of Shiodadaira. The way lightning strikes
Long ago when years passed without rain, the villagers prayed to the two mountains, Mt. the mountains has been likened to the appearance of a dragon and revered as a symbol of the dragon gods bringing rain.
Ogamidake and Mt. Megamidake, and marched with long pieces of cloth stretched out to "Take-no-Nobori", a rain-making festival that goes back 500 years, involves a ritual ceremony on top of Mt. Megamidake at the
represent the dragon gods.
shrine of "Okami," the nine-headed dragon god, before descending the mountain with a brightly colored banner in the shape of a
It is said that a nine-headed dragon-shaped spirit appeared on top of Mt. Ogamidake and
covered the upper part of Mt. Megamidake. According to folklore, it started to rain shortly dragon in hand. Another rain-making festival called "Hyaku-Hatte" is held around the reservoirs, which have long been storing water
after. The ceremony is still held on Sundays around July 15, when a 6-meter-long green in many parts of Shiodadaira. Torches are burned and the prayer words "Ame furasetanmaina (Please make it rain)" are chanted.
bamboo pole is draped with colorful cloth. After a Shinto ritual on the mountain, as many as While dragons are considered to bring misfortune in some regions of the country, Shioda people have always admired them. An
70 banners, led by a "Kudari-ryu (descending dragon)" banner, descend the mountain, and
unexpected manifestation of this is the Bessho Line, a local train line connecting Ueda station and Bessho Onsen. The railroad track,
meet up at the foot of the mountain with the head priest of Bessho Shrine and a group of
Sasara dancers, who all go on to the hot spring village. which has provided transportation for the local community and tourists since 1921, bends sharply westward from Shimonogo. The
locals call it "a shape like a rising dragon," still cherishing their legacy with the dragon gods.
Shiodadaira invites you to experience the light and power from ancient times as you walk on the sacred land where people have
worshiped Sun and Earth and dragons.
column

2 Bessho Onsen, "Shinshu's Sea of Learning."

A dragon lives
on the Bessho
Shiodadaira, with its many shrines and temples, have all attracted many high priests from all Line, too!
over throughout history. According to a historical document about Mukan Fumon, a famous
monk of the Kamakura period (1185–1333), people who aspired to learn Buddhism gathered in
Shioda, shading their faces, and carrying book boxes on their backs. Due to this, the area was
called "Gakkai (Sea of Learning) of Shinshu. The term "sea of learning" comes from a Chinese
concept of comparing the way many rivers flow through China, all heading to the sea, to
good manners of study. The pleasure of soaking in Bessho's hot spring must also have
appealed to the knowledge seekers. It may not have been a coincidence that a rich Buddhist
culture has blossomed around the hot spring village that Shioda is so proud of.

©Mitsushi Okada
A 500-year-old rainmaking ritual, "Take-no-Nobori"

Prayers to Dragon Gods for

Blessed Rain
 Japan
Heritage

Begin your adventure with Japan Heritage Sites

Ikushimatarushima Shrine Shinano Kokubunji Temple

Winter Solstice sunset at the western torii gate "Kakudaishi Gofu" amulets (details on p.29) are distributed at Hondo - the main hall.

Guardians of Japan dwell where the path of light connects the sacred sites of East and West A stronghold of national protection that represents the history of Ueda as an important political place.
One of the oldest in Shinano, this shrine is dedicated to two gods: Ikushima-Ōkami, the life-giver of all things, In the Nara period (710-794), Emperor Shomu ordered the construction of Kokubunji temples throughout
and Tarushima-Ōkami, the bestower of fulfillment. The fact that the nation's guardian deities reside in Shioda Japan to protect the nation. The fact that this site was chosen shows Ueda being a key location in Shinano. In
is of much significance. Gohonsha (the main shrine) is located on Kamijima (God’ s Island) representing the the main hall resides the principal deity, Yakushi Nyorai. Sanjunoto, the oldest existing pagoda amongst
Japanese archipelago, surrounded by Kamiike (God’ s Pond) representing the ocean. Inside, the earthen floor Kokubunji temples and an important cultural property, houses Dainichi Nyorai, which is associated with Sun
is worshiped as the body of God, suggesting a tie with agricultural beliefs. worship (usually closed to the public).
There are torii gates on both the east and the west sides. The sun rises in the middle of the east torii gate on January 7 and 8 every year bring "Yokado Ennichi (fair)," when crowds arrive at the temple with people
the summer solstice and sets in the middle of the west torii gate on the winter solstice, creating magical purchasing "Somin Sh rai-fu" (see p.30), a hexagonal pillar hand-carved from a popular Japanese tree to
scenes. The approach to the shrine falls in the center of the ley line between Shinano Kokubunji Temple and ward off bad luck. Wait until the early morning on the 8th to get special ones with pictures of the seven gods
Bessho Onsen. Indeed, the shrine bridges both Sun and Earth. of good fortune, made by "Somin Ko", a local group consisting of families that have lived nearby for
That the shrine once had as its devotees’ famous warlords like Takeda Shingen, as well as Sanada Masayuki generations.
and his son Nobuyuki, makes it a popular destination for people to come to pray for victory.

Sun setting over Mt. Powerful sanctuary Sanjunoto, an important Also drop by the Shinano
Megamidake shines revered by warlords cultural property, houses Kokubunji Temple Ruins.
directly on the center of The museum has in its Dainichi Nyorai, for Sun The original Kokubunji
a torii gate collection a formal written worship was located about 200
request in which Takeda Built in the Muromachi meters south of the
At sunset on the winter Shingen prayed for victory current temple and is said
period (1336-1573), this
solstice, stand on the before the decisive battle of to have been destroyed by
three-storied pagoda
approach to the shrine to Kawanakajima, a pledge of fire in a battle between
enshrines Dainichi Nyorai, a
witness the sun setting in allegiance he asked of his Taira no Masakado and
deity with a deep connection
the center of the west torii retainers, and a "red sealed Taira no Sadamori in 938.
with the sun, and so does the
gate. The light permeates letter" from Saneda It is now a historical park.
similar pagoda of Anrakuji
Shiodadaira all the way to Masayuki and Nobuyuki. Temple in the west. It is as if
Bessho Onsen, creating a
the two statues represent
mystical atmosphere.
the start and the end points
of the ley line.
Address 701 Nakaike-nishi, Shimonogo, Ueda City / Tel 0268-38-2755 / Open 9:00 am - 4:00 pm(for requesting prayers and purchasing amulets) / Address 1049 Kokubu, Ueda City / Tel 0268-24-1388 / Open Anytime during the day / Close No holidays / Price Free admission, donations accepted
Close No holidays / Price Free admission, donations accepted •Goshuin (shrine seal) available
•Goshuin (shrine seal) available
 History, art,
and food !
2-days adventure to Visit the Japan Heritage sites whilst enjoying
Shiodadaira's folk arts and cuisine. Let's begin
17 Japan Heritage sites Recommended routes by trains & buses. Day 1 ! Day 1
9:15 Departure from Ueda Sta.
From Ueda Sta. (reachable via the
The museum exhibits paintings, letters to family members, and Hokuriku Shinkansen Line), take the
painting tools left behind by art students who died young in the 15 min. by train Bessho Line, the railroad featured in
war. Currently, about 700 works by 130 artists are stored and (Ueda Dentetsu the movie "Summer Wars," to head
exhibited. The works speak volumes, depicting ordinary daily Bessho Line)
Weaving Experience life, such as family, lovers, and scenes from home life.
for Shiodadaira.
Pick your favorite color and try it out!
Address 3462 Sannoyama, Koaso, Ueda City / Tel 0268-37-1650 /
Experience weaving at a cozy workshop
Open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm / Close Tuesdays /
making traditional Ueda Tsumugi (pongee), The monuments of the exhibits were collected by Mr. Seiichiro Price Admission fee: ¥1,000, high school, university students and disabled
which is woven out of threads spun from Kuboshima, the owner of the museum, who visited bereaved
persons ¥800, elementary, and junior high school students ¥100
floss silk. Ueda Tsumugi is a craft with more families all through the country.
9:30 Get off at Shimonogo Sta.
than 300 years of history in Ueda, a city that
flourished in the sericulture (silk farming)
industry. The unique handicrafts make great
souvenirs. Using an old-fashioned wooden For y
loom, it takes about an hour to complete a perfe our Also 10:46 Mugonkan 5 min. walk
vase mat. Children are also welcome. souv ct recommende
d!
7 Mugonkan
enir! (6 min. walk to 10 min. by bus
Address 3499-1, Koaso, Ueda City / Mugonkan)
Tel 0268-38-7660 / (Shinshu Ueda
Open 10:00 am - 4:00 pm(December - March: Ley-Line Line)
will be closed at 3:00 pm) / Close Thursdays
Ikushimat
9:35 Ikushimatarushima Shrine
10:36
and Sundays / Price Weaving experience: ¥3,000 2 arushima Jinjya departure
(reservations required) (shrine) Mae

KAITA EPITAPH Zansho Museum Built on the island of Kamijima in the pond 31
Open from Spring through Autumn. named Kami-ike, the inner palace of the main
13:00 Fujimoto Shioda-ten Check the website for details. hall has no floorboards, and the dirt floor, the
earth, is worshiped as the body of God. The way
The exhibition includes works by
the pond is arranged to form an island as a
the poet-painter Kaita Murayama,
sanctuary is called "Ikekokoro no Miya-enchi,"
who led a nomadic life as a
and is one of the oldest forms of Izumo-style
5 min. walk teenager in Ueda and died at the
garden ponds in Japan. There are 94 old
age of 22, and the Austrian artist
10 min. walk documents left, including a formal request
Egon Schiele, who died at a young
written by Takeda Shingen praying for victory
age. Check out also Japan's only
before the battle of Kawanakajima, a pledge of
Plenty of d
memorial room that traces the
allegiance by his subordinate generals, and a
vegetables anm 24-year life of Michizo Tachihara,
soybeans fro an architect, painter, and poet.
“red sealed letter” issued by Sanada Nobuyuki. Ikushimatarushima Shrine Honden Naiden
Ueda ! (the main hall/inner palace), and Gohonsha (Kaminomiya)
Address 293 Maeyama, Ueda City / Built in 1941, the structure of the inner palace preserves one of the oldest
Tel 0268-38-6599 / See p.7 for details styles of shrine architecture.
Close Tuesdays to Fridays.Closed in winter
from mid-November to mid-April. / 33 32
Price Admission fee: ¥300
(Free of charge with Mugonkan ticket)
Every ye
January ar on
"Kawazu15,
is celeb gari Shinji''
Grab your lunch at the cafe at KAITA (Frog Hu rated !
nting Rit
EPITAPH Zansho Museum, where you can
sit on a terrace overlooking Shiodadaira
Mame Cafe Enjyu ual)
to reflect on the artworks whilst enjoying
museum-inspired sweets.
12:00 Ikushimatarushima Shrine Documents Ikushimatarushima Shrine Sessha Suwa Shrine
Pledge of allegiance to Takeda Shingen by his subordinate Honden (the main hall) and Shimonomiya (the gate)
See p.26 for details generals Facing Kaminomiya, it enshrines Suwa God, the god of rain and
agriculture.
 History,
art and 2-days adventure to
food !
3 min. walk
17 Japan Heritage sites
Day 1 completed !
me st
yle
Day 1
The sa sonji o 12
16:10 Maeyama Shiono Shrine as Ch le Konjikid )
Temp olden hall
(the g
10 min. walk

15 14:15 Zensanji Temple

Chuzenji Temple Yakushido Hall

t
Relaxing nigh Magnific When viewed from above, the roof looks like a perfect square,
intricateent &
a style called "Hogyo-zukuri" 9
in Bessho !
carvings
! 13

A comforting
round shaped
Maeyama Shiono Shrine Haiden (front) and statue showing
a gentle
Honden (back) expression
Rare in the prefecture is the two-story Haiden - the worship hall,
which is believed to have been built in 1743. The Honden - the main Chuzenji Temple Wooden Seated
hall has magnificent openwork of ascending and descending
dragons, as well as carvings of elephants. Statue of Yakushi Nyorai Zensanji Temple Sanjunoto
Discover unique inns at 14 (the three-storied pagoda)
Bessho Onsen Lovingly known as a "flower temple" for its seasonal blooms
including cherry blossoms and wisteria
The oldest
When Day 1 is over, rejuvenate yourself at statue of Kongo This ancient temple is said to have been founded by
your choice of inn at Bessho Onsen, Rikishi Kōbō Daishi Kūkai as a sacred place for the practice
Shinshu's famous and oldest hot spring (Vajrapani) in
Shinshu, of Goma (a fire burning ritual). Located at Kimon (the
village. Enjoy seasonal local foods and a enshrined at the northeastern direction of spiritual significance) of
relaxing soak in a hot spring bath. Access the Niomon Gate of Shioda Castle belonging to the Shioda-Hojo clan, the
QR code for information on ryokans Yakushido Hall.
temple was favored by warlords for its power to grant
(Japanese inns). Chuzenji Temple Wooden Statue wishes. The principal deity is Dainichi Nyorai. As you
of Kongo Rikishi (Vajrapani) pass through the gate, you will see Sanjunoto, a
Information on ryokans Torii Gate and Taiko-bashi (drum bridge) nationally important cultural property of Japan
in Bessho Onsen Under Taiko-bashi flows the Shionogawa River, which joins with the
Surrounded by trees, this quiet old temple is said to Heritage. It is said to be an "unfinished but complete
Sangawa River have been established by K b Daishi K kai. The pagoda" because it is beautiful despite the fact that
thatched-roof Yakushido is the oldest wooden the second and third tiers are unfinished.
Dedicated to the god of water since the Heian period (794-1185), structure in central Japan and is estimated to have
this shrine used to be located on a huge rock called Washi-iwa Address 300 Maeyama, Ueda City /
been built about 800 years ago, when Buddhist Tel 0268-38-2855 / Open 9:00 am - 4:00 pm /
(eagle rock) at the top of Mt.Tokkosan. In front of the shrine is a culture took root in Shiodadaira. Yakushido, the Close No holidays / Price Admission fee: Adults
wooden drum bridge under which flows the clear spring water of seated statue of Yakushi Nyorai, and the standing ¥200, high school students ¥100, elementary
Mt.Tokkosan. It is said that Takeda Shingen officially placed an statue of Shinsho are important national cultural and junior high school students ¥50 Goshuin
announcement and prayed here for good luck on the battlefield.
16:53 Bessho Onsen The worship hall is of a rare two-story structure called
properties. The ink caricatures depicting horseback
archery on the pedestal of Yakushi Nyorai shows the
(shrine seal) available

(Shogun-zuka) "Rokaku-zukuri". The breathtaking dragon carvings on the main influence of Buddhist culture that came from the Enjoy a Walnut Ohagi break. ¥750
hall will surely be one of the highlights of your trip. capital city, Kamakura. (reservations required)
Address 1681 Maeyama, Ueda City / Available from April to November (10:00 am
Address 1721 Maeyama, Ueda City / - 3:00 pm, closed on Thursdays and Fridays).
Tel 0268-23-5408 (Tourism Division, Ueda City Office) / Tel 0268-38-4538 / Open 9:00 am - 4:00 pm /
Open Anytime during the day / Close No holidays / See the website for details
Close No holidays / Price Admission fee: ¥200, high school
Price Free Admission, donations accepted students and younger ¥50
Goshuin (shrine seal) available (at Chuzenji Temple) Goshuin (shrine seal) available

Bus in
9 min. on the Shinshu Ueda Ley-Line Line Full bloom
16:43 15:30 Chuzenji Temple Mid-July !
departure
Hydrangea Path
24 14 The 1.5km promenade from Zensanji
Temple to the Chuzenji Temple area is
Bessho Onsen (Shogun-zuka) Chuzenji Temple famous for its hydrangeas. The Shioda
30 min. walk Castle Ruins site is also along the way.
 History,
art and 2-days adventure to
food !
17 Japan Heritage sites

11:30
10 min. walk 3 Day two Day 2
begins!

Anrakuji Temple 10:00 Bessho Shrine

Jorakuji Temple Hondo (the main hall)

1 The magnificent, coffered ceiling of the hall retains the
original colors at construction
18
4
Amazing
architectural
style of the Stunnin
Chinese Song g
architec
Dynasty! ture!

Anrakuji Temple Hondo (the main hall) Jorakuji Temple Sekizo-Tahoto

Under the stately thatched roof resides the principal
deity, Shakyamuni Buddha (Shakyamuni). (the stone pagoda) Bessho Shrine Honden (the main hall)
Kitamuki Kannon is said to have appeared in this sacred Gorgeous architectural styles and sculptures in a building of
2 place, an important national cultural property. value needing proper conservation

Located on a hill with a view of Shiodadaira and the

Seasona Asama Mountain range, this shrine is the final stop of
special l the Take-no-Nobori ritual (see p.5). The main hall,
Kaguraden Hall, and "Honcho Enmusubi Okami" at the
exhibitio back of the main hall are cultural assets of Japan
ns!
Heritage.
The master carpenter of the building, which is said to
have been erected in 1788, is Sueno Shobei, a member
of the Sueno family that has left behind many
Jorakuji Temple Art Museum outstanding works of shrine and temple architecture
Here, they store valuable artworks, including important in Shiodadaira. The main hall is one of the largest of its
national properties of art like "Tokugawa Ieyasu Nikka kind in the 18th century and is highly valuable as a
Nembutsu", handwritten by Ieyasu four years before his
National Treasure Wooden Seated Statues of Monks, death, and the "Miurayazu" Ema (a pictured wooden
cultural asset because it retains its original form.
Isen and Enin tablet on which wishes are written).
Anrakuji Temple Hakkaku-Sanjunoto Enshrined here are Shokoku Isen, a monk from This primary temple of Kitamuki Kannon is said to 18 Bessho Shrine
(the octagonal three-storied pagoda) Shinano who founded the temple, and the inheritor,
have been founded in 825 by Jikaku Daishi. In the Kaguraden Hall
named Yogyu Enin.
Nagano Prefecture’s first national treasure, it was once Kamakura period, the temple was the center of With a panoramic view of
considered a four-story pagoda, but now the bottom roof is Shiodadaira, Kaguraden Hall
interpreted as being an eave/a roof edge overhang. Tendai Buddhism, where many young monks sometimes hosts music
studied, and is famous for its support of “Gakkai of events.
This oldest Zen temple in Shinshu flourished under the Shinshu - the study of Shinshu". The main hall is of
patronage of the Kamakura Hojo clan. It is thought to a yosemune structure with a thatch roof. Built in Address 2338 Bessho Onsen, Ueda City /
have been a Zen temple of considerable scale and the the latter half of the mid-Edo period (1603–1867), it Tel 0268-23-5408 (Tourism Division, Ueda City Office) /
center of the study "Gakkai of Shinshu" in the middle of Open Anytime during the day / Close No holidays /
Statue of was restored in 2003 to its original architectural
Price Free admission, donations accepted
the Kamakura period. Climbing up the stairs behind the style. The principal deity is Myokansatsu Chimida
main hall, you will see a wooden octagon three-storied Dainichi Nyorai Goshuin (shrine seal) available (fee must be paid in a
(closed to the public) Nyorai, one of the Five Wisdom Buddhas that donation box).
pagoda, the only one of its kind in Japan. Despite being a represent the five wisdoms of Dainichi Nyorai.
Inside
Zen temple, it enshrines a statue of Dainichi Nyorai Hakkaku-Sanjunoto (the
inside one of the layers, hinting at a connection with octagonal three-storied Address 2347 Bessho Onsen, Ueda City /
Sun worship of Shiodadaira. pagoda) is a statue of Tel 0268-37-1234 / Open Anytime during the day (the
Dainichi Nyorai, who is museum opens at 9:00 am to 4:00 pm). / Close Only the
Address 2361 Bessho Onsen, Ueda City / Tel 0268-38-2062 /
identified with
Amaterasu. The interior museum is closed from 12/26 to 1/15 (usually, depending Jorakuji Temple 5 min. walk
Open 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (November - February: will be closed at is divided into inner and on the year). / Price Admission fee: ¥100
4:00 pm). / Close No holidays / Price Admission fee: ¥300, outer sanctums, and the Museum admission fee: Adults ¥500, high school
octagonal inner
elementary, and junior high school students ¥100
Goshuin (shrine seal) available.
sanctum is on a higher
floor.
students ¥300, elementary and junior high school
students ¥100. Goshuin (shrine seal) available. 10:30
 History,
art and 2-days adventure to
food !
Let’s grab 17 Japan Heritage sites
d in 2 min. walk
some souvenirs! Renovate 2!
April 202 Day 2
Arrival at
Ueda Sta. 14:40
12:00
10 min. walk
Nanakuri Footbath
Unwind with hot spring water at
this foot bath made entirely of
Kitamuki Kannon Temple
29 min. by train cypress, with a motif design of
(Ueda Dentetsu Anrakuji Temple
Bessho Line) Hakkaku-Sanjunoto, the octagonal
three-storied pagoda.
10 min. walk
14:11 See p.18 for details
departure 7 5

o-
Perfect phot
spot during th
e
m
35 Vibrant
cherry blosso Stone oven PIZZA
season CapitoLini
12:45 Ninen-m
1200 years and Sets airi
old tree! Festivals ubun
!

Bessho Line Railway Facilities

Nostalgic buildings with latticed windows and high
ceilings
The Bessho Line is a local railroad that has been
transporting residents and tourists since its Try Oha Aizen Katsura (Bessho Goboku)
g
opening in 1921. The track from Ueda Sta. to beans a i (read Located in the precincts of Kitamuki Kannon
n Temple, is a treasured sacred tree where it is said
Bessho Onsen Sta. resembles a dragon when cake) fr d rice Buddha appeared. About 22 meters tall, and a trunk of
o
viewed from above. Many of the station buildings, adjoinin m the 5.8 meters in circumference. With its heart-shaped
such as Naka-shioda Sta. and Bessho Onsen Sta., g store! leaves, it became the model for the Nikkatsu movie
"Aizen (love-smitten) Katsura." It is still known today
have been preserved with a tasteful modern as a sacred tree for lovers.
touch. These railroad facilities are also a part of
Japan Heritage. 6
Address Bessho-Onsen, Ueda City (Bessho Onsen
Sta.) / Kitamuki Kannon Temple
Tel 0268-22-3612 (Ueda Sta. on the Bessho Line) / Established by Jikaku Daishi Enin of Enryakuji Temple (Mt. Hieizan) in the
Open 8:00 am - 6:00 pm / Close No holidays. Right across from the Bessho Onsen Sta., this early Heian period
Italian restaurant serves delicious pizza baked in a
stone oven. Fresh flavor comes from a Located in the center of the hot spring village, Kitamuki Kannon
double-layered kiln that separates the pizza and Temple has been revered as a protector from evil since its
the aroma of wood. Lunch menus include a pizza establishment in 825. The main hall faces north, which is rare in
and pasta, as well as seasonal dishes. The go-to Japan, and is located across from Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City.
option is Margherita, while the seasonal Ryo-mairi (double pilgrimage), to pray at Zenkoji Temple for a
peaceful afterlife and at Kitamuki Kannon Temple for worldly
14:00 Bessho Onsen Sta. "Matsutake Pizza" (pictured above), is garnished
with local specialty Matsutake mushrooms, a
Zenkoji Temple Jishin-Ema blessings, is said to bring the best of luck. Senju
must-try.
(a pictured wooden plate to write wishes on). (thousand-armed) Kannon is worshiped as the principal deity.
The picture depicts the legend of Ichinosuke from Before praying, purify your hands with hot spring water sourced
Address 68-4, Bessho Onsen, Ueda City / Owari, who possessed an amulet from Kitamuki close by.
Tel 0268-38-3140 / Kannon Temple. In 1847, he was on his way to the
opening of Zenkoji Temple when he experienced an Address 1666 Bessho Onsen, Ueda City / Tel 0268-38-2023 /
Open 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm (for last earthquake. The amulet protected him from danger,
1 min. walk orders). / Close Wednesdays and from this story began the Ryo-mairi tradition of Open 7:00 am - 4:00 pm / Close No holidays. / Price Free admission,
visiting both temples for the best of luck. donations accepted. Goshuin (shrine seal) available.
 Shinshu's oldest hot spring
Shopping
Bessho Onsen
Bessho Onsen Walks
Bessho Onsen, located at the west end of Shiodadaira, is the oldest hot spring in
Shinshu. After touring around shrines and temples, dip into the revitalizing
Kanbara Manju waters that ancients loved.
With over 1,500 years of history, Bessho Onsen has attracted lined with unique ryokans (Japanese inns), some of which have
Traditional good-luck sweet red beans buns visitors from all over the country, including Sanada Yukimura, been registered as tangible cultural assets for their long
Colorful apple flavor and green tea flavor are also recommended who is said to have his own secret bathing spot! Its slightly history. In addition to the baths offered to guests at each inn,
Better than hot spring buns! Ward off evil spirits with Bessho's "Yakuyoke Shofuku Manju (good-luck buns)," made in honor of alkaline spring has been sought-after as "water of beauty" there are three public spas and two footbaths. After a nice
Kitamuki Kannon Temple. The 160-year-old shop offers buns stuffed with the local fresh delicious "Sanada RED Apple,” in addition to
the traditional Manju with red bean paste.
that dissolves your skin's excess oils and softens older layers soak, stroll about the approach to Kitamuki Kannon Temple,
Price Green Tea Manju (back left) ¥180, Apple Hot Spring Manju (middle) ¥180, Yakuyoke Shofuku Manju (right) ¥120
of skin to leave you nice and smooth. The hot spring resort is bustling with gift shops and eateries.
Address 181-2, Bessho Onsen, Ueda City / Tel 0268-55-3469 / Open 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (closed when merchandise is sold out) / Close Wednesdays

Bessho Onsen's exclusive

UEMATSUYA

"Sanada Yukimura's Secret

Hot Spring Bath Salt"
Make Bessho Onsen "water of beauty" at home. The
faint smell of sulfur gives a real Onsen feeling.
Let's go out to a public spa! Ishiyu (stone bath)
Join the locals to enjoy the three public spas
Price ¥150 per packet (25g) /
scattered around the village. Plenty of nourishing
Address 1628 Bessho Onsen, Ueda City / Sanada Yukimura's
Tel 0268-38-2300 / Open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm / spring water directly from earth, warming you to "secret hot spring"
Close No holidays the core. Come take a relaxing break in between
Address 1641 Bessho Onsen,
your temple visits. Open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Ueda City /
Shampoo, soap, towels, etc. are sold at the Close 2nd and 4th Tuesdays
reception. No shower facilities. of the month (open on
national holidays).

Earthworks Gallery
Hasegawa Tofu

yu (big bath) Daishiyu (monk’s bath)

Kiso Yoshinaka's Jikaku Daishi's

beloved "Aoi-no-yu" favorite bath
Address 215-1, Bessho Address 1652-1, Bessho
Onsen, Ueda City / Onsen, Ueda City /

Tofu made from locally grown Close 1st and 3rd

Wednesdays of the month
Close 1st and 3rd Thursdays
of the month (open on

green soybeans, freshly grilled (open on national holidays) national holidays).

deep-fried tofu
Established 76 years ago, this factory offers popular
A local couple's ceramic art shop Want a
The owner/potter couple renovated the old house built in the yu Yakushinoyu (footbath)
"Aomame (green soybeans) Tofu," richly flavored tofu
made by reproducing the traditional method of Taisho period (1912-1926), where they sell handmade ceramic foot-bath Address 17-7-2,
wood-fired ovens with modern equipment. How about a works on the first floor and host special exhibitions on the
second floor.
break? Address 142-3,
Bessho Onsen, Ueda
Bessho Onsen, Ueda
little snack of deep-fried tofu, fleshly grilled, and soy City / Open 6:00 am -
Tired from walking? Relax City / Open 6:00 am -
9:00 pm (March to
milk as you look around Bessho? with a foot bath at one of 9:00 pm / Close
Price Mug cups from ¥2,500, Guinomi (handle-less sake cups) October) 9:00 am -
Price Aomame Tofu ¥540, Grilled Fried Tofu ¥100 / from ¥3,000 / the free hot spring spots from December to
6:00 pm (November
Address 1719-1, Bessho Onsen, Ueda City / Tel 0268-38-2137 / Address 1725 Bessho Onsen, Ueda City / Tel 080-6937-0304 / that Bessho proudly offers. March.
to February)
Open 8:00 am - 6:00 pm (closed when merchandise is sold Open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm / Close Irregular holidays
out) / Close Mondays
 Check! Let's take a drive!
10 min. by car

When to Visit Shiodadaira:

Recommended Travel Times Best of Shiodadaira:
14:45 Anrakuji Temple
1 Hakkaku-Sanjunoto
See p.13 for details
14:15 Chuzenji Temple See p.12 for details One Day Course
3 min. by car (the octagonal three-storied pagoda) 12 Yakushido Hall
Witness the "path of light" at 10 min. walk 2
Wooden Seated Statues of
Visit 17 of Japan Heritage Sites
the summer and winter solstices Monks, Isen and Enin
13 Wooden Seated Statue of Yakushi Nyorai
Get around on wheels for a day full of
10 min. by car 14 Wooden Statue of Kongo Rikishi (Vajrapani)
At the time of sunrise on the summer solstice and sunset on Kitamuki Kannon Shiodadaira at its best - major Japan
15:30 Heritage sites, handicrafts, and great
the winter solstice, a path of light (ley line) appears in
Shiodadaira. Watch the sun from the east torii gate (summer
Temple See p.16 for details
cuisine!
solstice), west torii gate (winter solstice), and Doromiya of 5 Kitamuki Kannondo Hall 13:30 Zensanji Temple
Ikushimatarushima Shrine. 10 min. by car
See p.7/22 for details 6 Zenkoji Temple Jishin-Ema See p.12 for details
9 Sanjunoto
(the three-storied pagoda)
7 Aizen Katsura (Bessho Goboku) START !
Visit events related to 5 min. by car
Shopping
Lunch
From the Ueda Sugadaira IC
Japan Heritage 16:30 9:00
Wakabayashi Brewery Store, to Shiodadaira
where you can buy directly from the brewery. 12:15 Garden Kitchen
Japan Heritage-related events are held June Berry 10 min. by car
throughout the year. Check the website for
details. Access the QR code for the Ueda See p.25 for details
City Japan Heritage Promotion Council
website.
10 min. by car
5 min. by car
Bask in the flowering at Established in 1896, the brewery is now run by a
Ikushimatarushima 9:10 Shinano Kokubunji Temple
See p.7/10 for details
Shiodadaira in its full glory female brewer. Shop for "Tsukiyoshino ", their 11:30 Shrine See p.8 for details
24
best brand, as well as Junmai-shu sake made of 31 Honden Naiden (the main hall/the inner palace) Hondo (the main hall)
only pure rice. Limited-edition bottles are also 5 min. by car
Cherry blossoms / April to May 25 Sanjunoto (the three-storied pagoda)
available! Amazake ("sweet sake") and apple juice 32 Sessha Suwa Shrine Honden (the main hall)
Places to visit Bessho Onsen Sta., Jorakuji Temple, Zensanji are also available.
Temple, etc. See p.27 for details 33 Ikushimatarushima Shrine Documents
26 Sekizo-Tahoto (the stone pagoda)
Check out "Bessho Onsen Cherry Blossoms" (Gyoiko) that 3 min. walk
change color from pink, to green, and then yellow as they
23 Shinano Kokubunji Temple Ruins
Dinner
bloom!
17:30 Chofukuji Temple
Places to visit Around Bessho Park and the roadside at the Restaurant Kurasaka 11:00
foot of Ichisaka Pass. Ozawa Wooden Sculpture
Wisteria / May
34 Bronze Standing Statue of Bosatsu (Bodhisattva) 9:45 Art Museum
Places to visit Zensanji Temple and Shinano Kokubunji
Museum.
Hydrangea / June to July
Places to visit The hydrangea paths around Zensanji
Temple, Chuzenji Temple, Anrakuji Temple, as well as Kitamuki
Kannon Temple. Trained at the famous Western-style diner
45 min. by car "Bengaru" in Ueda, the chef offers traditional
Autumn foliage / October to November flavors that have attracted renowned writers, such
Places to visit Chuzenji Temple Yakushido Hall, Jorakuji as the curry once favored by Sh tar Ikenami and
Temple, Anrakuji Temple, and Zensanji Temple. the steak loved by Tsutomu Minakami. Foodies "Bronze Standing Statue of Bodhisattva" enshrined as the
travel from outside the prefecture to come and principal deity in "Shinshu Yumedono" is an important Located in the Kamikawa area, where the
enjoy the taste. national cultural property and a part of Japan Heritage. A painter Kanae Yamamoto advocated farmers’
36.7cm tall gilt bronze statue with an archaic smile, it is art in the Taisho period. In addition to Koppa
Address 153 Shinmachi, Ueda City /
Tel 0268-39-0350 / thought to be a work from the Hakuho period in the late dolls and household items created by
Open 11:30 am - 2:00 pm, 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm / 7th century. Yamamoto's grand-disciple Chiharu Ozawa,
Close Wednesdays and irregular holidays. and his son Toshiharu, the exhibition features
Address 541 Shimonogo, Ueda City / Tel 0268-38-3029 /
about 1,800 wooden dolls collected from
Open 9:00 am - 4:00 pm / Close Irregular holidays. /
Price Admission fee: ¥300
around the world. The building, a relocated old
20:00 Ueda Sugadaira IC Goshuin (shrine seal) available. *Reservations required for house from Niigata, is also a highlight.
visitors.
See p.28 for details
What a
fun-packed day! 30 min. by car
 28 20 30 There's more!
The custom of distributing Sendadaki Hyaku-Hatte
Somin Sh rai-fu in Yokado, (This ritual is held irregularly) Walk & Learn
Ueda City Japan
Doromiya Heritage
In this custom, which began in the Muromachi period, they distribute In this rainmaking custom enacted during a year with little rainfall,
"Somin Sh rai-fu," an evil-deflecting amulet, at the ritual of "Yokado people light torches and straw bundles, and chant Address Hongo, Ueda City (on the edge of Kamikubo-ike Pond)
Ennichi" held at Shinano Kokubunji Temple. Only Shinano Kokubunji "Amefrasetanmaina (Please make it rain)". The ritual takes place at
Temple and "Somin-ko," a local group of families located near the the top of Mt. Tokkosan and on the edges of reservoirs, the most Located on the edge of Kamikubo-ike Pond, this shrine bears the name
temple for generations, can produce this amulet. famous being the one at the edge of Shitakui-ike Pond. "mud shrine." As suggested, its deity is the earth (mud) from which rice is
grown. Its building has no floor, revealing the ground underneath. The fact
29 21 that this shrine was once connected to the west torii gate of
Yokado Ennichizu Narao Stone Ikushimatarushima Shrine by a straight path suggests how significantly
the two places are linked together.
(illustration of the fair)
Seated Statue of Oba
Address 1125 Kokubu, Ueda City Address 4556-8 Fujiyama, Ueda City
(Ueda City Shinano Kokubunji Museum) (West side ridge of Fujitake Shrine)

On the winter solstice, you can

This historical document depicts the Yokado Ennichi at Shinano This stone statue is said to have been created in 1466 as a thank-you
see the sun setting almost in the
Kokubunji Temple, estimated to be from the first half of the mid-Edo for the rain that fell when people prayed at Fujitake during a severe
center of the shrine's latticed
period. You can see "Somin Sh rai-fu" distributed and farming tools drought. She is affectionately called "Oba-sama (Great Grandma)."
window.
and daily necessities being sold.

19 22 11 8
Kuragafuchi and Hoya Gion Festival Saikoji Temple Maita Sekizo-Gorinto
(the stone pagoda)
Jakotsu-ishi Stone Address 429 Hoya-shiono, Ueda City
Amidado Hall Address 1007 Maita, Ueda City (in Maita Park)
Address 792 Tezuka, Ueda City Address 3036 Fujiyama, Ueda City
(exhibited at the Shioda-no-Sato
Community Center "Tokko-kan"
9:00 am - 5:00 pm, closed on Wednesdays).

The annual festival of Hoya Shiono Shrine is held in July. Once when This temple originated by K b Daishi K kai, who sculpted the Estimated to have been built in the early Kamakura period, this
According to the legend, a huge snake the festival was canceled due to a bad harvest, an epidemic broke statues of Dainichi Nyorai and Amida Nyorai and built a small hall to pagoda is said to be the gravestone of Shibuya Tosa-nyudo Shojun,
used to live at Kuragafuchi, where two out, so the festival has continued without a break since then. Locals enshrine them. Then it was further established in the Kamakura who founded Konno-an here. It is a large pagoda, 2.12 meters high, and
large rocks fell from Mt.Tokkosan to perform Sasarako dance in matching outfits, as well as Shishi-odori period by the Shioda-Hojo clan when they invited the monk is inscribed with the Sanskrit character for Dainichi Nyorai, "Ban".
create a Kura (a horse saddle) like (lion dance). Sanekatsu from Ashikaga, Tochigi to open the temple.
landscape. Jakotsu-ishi (snake bone
stone) found in the area are named as 27 16 10
their color and shape resemble the Gozutenno Saimon Hojuji Kokuzodo Chigai-ishi stones
bones of a snake. Jakotsu-ishi Stone Address 1125 Kokubu, Ueda City
(Ueda City Shinano Kokubunji Museum)
Tsuketari Zushi and the mining sites
Address 4313 Higashiuchi, Ueda City Address 792 Tezuka, Ueda City
A folk tale about (Exhibited at the Shioda-no-Sato
"Kuragafuchi and Community Center "Tokko-kan".
9:00 am - 5:00 pm, closed on Wednesdays).
Jakotsu-ishi Stone"
A ritual offering and prayer for Gozutenno, who was revered as the This ancient temple is said to have been founded in the Heian period. Chigai-ishi (“cross-shaped” stone) is a mineral only found at Mt.
god of protection from bad luck and illness. Written in 1480, it is the It is the center of local beliefs, and the name of the hall, "Kokuzo,” Tokkosan and Mt. Kobosan in Japan. It is also called "Chikai-ishi (the
oldest of all copies in Japan and speaks of the origin of "Somin even became the name of the village. A seated statue of Kokuzo stone of oath)." A legend holds that K b Daishi K kai swore that
Sh rai-fu." Bosatsu is enshrined within. keeping the stone carefully would spare one from disasters.

A long time ago, a beautiful woman came to the temple at the top of Mt. Tetsujozan in Maeyama Village After being swept away by a flood, the baby was saved by an old woman in Koizumi village, who named him
Legend of every night. One day, a priest secretly threaded a needle into the hem of the woman's kimono. The thread Kotaro. Kotaro ate much and worked little. But one day, the old woman told him to go to the mountains for bush
Legend

continued down the mountain stream to the rocky cave of Kuragafuchi in the upper reaches of the clovers, and so he uprooted all the clover and brought it back in two bundles tied by rope. He told her not to
Kotaro Sangawa River.
When the priest looked inside, he saw a giant snake in agony, about to give birth to a baby. The true identity
untie the rope because the huge bundles contain every single bush clover on the mountain. She didn't believe
him, so she untied the rope and was crushed to death. Since then, not a single bush clover has been able to

Koizumi of the beautiful woman was that of the serpent, the master of this abyss. The serpent is ashamed of being
seen and dies, leaving the baby on Kuraiwa, the saddle rock.
grow on Mt. Koizumi. It is said that Kotaro's descendants, who have lived there for a long time, have marks of
snake scales on them.
 ada
iod ir

a's
Sh
Soba
Noodles Kurano Japanese Cuisine
Ichien-so " J ap an e s e "

Fabulous Shinshu soba nurtured by the cool climate Safe & delicious food in a comfy grandparents' home
Harvested from the company's own buckwheat field located at an When the owner couple moved from Chiba Prefecture after retirement, they were no expert farmers.
altitude of 1,000 meters, the soba has a rich and intense flavor Now they grow about 10 kinds of vegetables and fruits a season. The ingredients used are mainly
thanks to a cool climate with large temperature differences. The homegrown, and the food is prepared safely without chemical seasonings. Take in the comforting

Cuis ine
home-milled buckwheat flour is made into noodles using spring atmosphere of a grandparents' home whilst enjoying gentle delicious flavors.
water from Mt. Azumayasan, one of the 100 most famous
Tenzaru (tempura and soba set) "Kurano" (¥1,980). mountains in Japan. Choose your favorite from a wide range of
Address 178 Tezuka, Ueda City / Tel 0268-38-6309 /
dishes, from tempura made of seasonal vegetables and wild plants Open Lunch 11:30 am – 2:00 pm / Dinner 5:00 pm- 8:00 pm *Reservations required by the day before. / Close Tuesdays and winter season.
to desserts.

The quaint appearance

of the building won
the Ueda City Address 268-3 Yagisawa, Ueda City / Tel 0268-38-1347 /
Landscape Award.
Open 11:00 am - 2:30 pm (last orders: 2:00 pm on weekdays) / Close No holidays

restaurants where you can relish the bounty of the area's tranquil and rich nature.
Blessed with seasonal produce and sparkling water, Shiodadaira is dotted with
A one-of-a-kind table commissioned from a local

Shorai-Tei
shrine carpenter, made of lumber used for a beam.
Kaiseki Restaurant

Feast food from all seasons at a forest hideaway

Come enjoy each season and kaiseki cuisine at this hideaway in a
red pine forest, the origin of the restaurant’s name. Their signature
lunch is a set meal that includes a main course and several small
Renovated an old house built in 1929. Lunch of the day (¥1,700). Eco shrimp and cheese spring rolls are one of the popular menu
dishes. items
Popular "Steak Gozen" comes with a sauce made from chopped

Kinoko-mura Shinzan
Steak Gozen (¥3,840), a popular course meal with steak as onions and bonito flakes.
the main dish. Mushroom Cuisine

Address 1674-1, Bessho Onsen, Ueda City / Tel 0268-39-8080 / Healthy mushroom dishes that make your body sing
Open 11:00 am - 2:30 pm (last orders: 1:30 pm) / 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Relax and take in the
*Reservations required by 3:00 pm the day before from April 1, 2022 Mushrooms are great for maintaining good health from the inside out. Shinzan has always been
changes of each
season *Open for lunch only from January to March / growing its own mushrooms for 45 years and offers all year round fleshy mushrooms that cannot be
Close Tuesdays and Wednesdays
found in the market. A secret is to grow large caps for rich aroma and unique texture. From a course
meal to a la carte, you will enjoy mushrooms of flavor fully.

Yakitori
Yakisho Masamune Address 710-2 Maeyama, Ueda City / Tel 0268-38-7333 / Open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm / Close Irregular holidays.

Famous Oidare Yakitori with homemade sauce

One of Ueda's specialties is Yakitori (charcoal grilled chicken)
coated with "Oidare", a unique sauce made from garlic and soy
sauce. Here they cook this homemade sauce with charcoal and
even add seasonal Shinshu fruits like apples and peaches for a You can try your hand at picking shimeji mushrooms at
richer aroma. The freshly grilled chicken is perfect for pairing with the adjacent factory (¥250).
Help yourself with the separately served Oidare. From ¥130
Ueda's local sake. Try also the simple yet delicious grilled fish, a
regular favorite of locals.

Choose from a table Address 160-1, Bessho Onsen, Ueda City / Tel 0268-75-0909 /
seat and a comfortable
small tatami room. Open 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (last orders: 11:00 pm) / Close Mondays
Their shop offers a variety of souvenirs, including Mushroom soup set with six kinds of mushrooms, including buna shimeji and nameko
mushrooms, soba noodles, and pickles. (¥1,650; individual hot pot is ¥1,750)
 ada
iod ir

a's
Sh
Cafe
Natural Cafe hanatoki
Cafe
Mame Cafe Enjyu " We ste rn "

Breathe deep at a nature-themed hangout Delightful lunch with a view of Shiodadaira

A forest therapist runs this cafe to "bring nature and the natural A café at the KAITA EPITAPH Zansho Museum. The wholesome lunch is packed with seasonal

Cuis ine
into everyday living". Grab yourself home-roasted and hand-dripped vegetables, including Ueda's agricultural products such as soybeans and "Ueda Midori Daikon" (green
coffee using certified organic beans, vegan muffins, and seasonal radish) harvested in a field within sight of the terrace. The desserts, inspired by the artworks in the
desserts. museum's collection, are not only delicious but also worthy of a photo. The terrace seats offer a
Plain muffins (¥180), muffins with Aokimura's tochu plant and red beans spectacular view of Shiodadaira.
paste (¥250), and coffee (¥400)
Address 300 Maeyama, Ueda City(Entrance to Zensanji Temple) / Tel 0268-38-4569 /
Open 11:00 am - 4:00 pm / Close Tuesdays to Fridays, mid-November to mid-April

Address 1717-5, Bessho Onsen, Ueda City / Tel 0268-75-0211 /

Open 9:30 am - 5:00 pm / Close Mondays to Wednesdays.
Buy tableware made by local artists, organic

local eateries that attract foodies from far and wide via word of mouth.
Find your favorite from wholesome meals and colorful & photogenic sweets, at popular
foods, and other goodies.

Cafe
Cafe Sprout A parfait "One Garance" inspired
by Kaita Murayama's painting

Sprouted food made with unique technology

Ever heard of sprouted coffee? Sprouting foods makes them
healthier and more flavorful. Come taste also toast made from
sprouted brown rice, and Western-style lunch using sprouted Take the open-air seating for cherry blossoms in spring Seasonal risotto (¥1,210), packed with flavor from Shioda-made soybeans and vegetable
brown rice produced in Ueda City. Coffee beans gift sets (details and autumn leaves in fall broth.

on p.27) are perfect for a souvenir.

Lunch of the week (¥1,200), with all-handmade sauces and garnish
In addition to 100g and 300g packs, drip bags and sprouted brown
rice are also available for purchase.
Cafe
Cafe PANI
Refresh with some healthy cuisine in a tranquil mountain village
Take off your shoes
and relax. Counter The owners, Mr. and Mrs. Sasaki, moved to Nogura in search of a self-sufficient lifestyle. The menu includes
seating also available Address 1541 Koaso, Ueda City / Tel 0268-75-0855 /
Open 10:30 am - 4:00 pm / Close Mondays
brown rice lunch boxes and open sandwiches, all made of healthy reliable local seasonal ingredients. Try also
sweets made from seasonal fruits. Reservations are required by phone and limited to four per group. Satisfy
your spirit with nutritious food made even better with great seasonal views of a lovely tranquil village.

Italian Garden Kitchen Address 524-1 Nogura, Ueda City / Tel 0268-38-3830 /
Open 11:00 am - 4:30 pm (last orders: 4:00 pm) / Close Thursdays and Fridays, winter season.

June Berry
A popular local diner's exquisite lunch and sweets
How about pasta and gratin lunches full of seasonal bounty? The
ingredients are homemade without additives, including Matsuzaka
You can choose to sit inside or on the terrace
pork bacon smoked with cherry wood chips. Accompanying are depending on time and reservation.
superb homemade breads and potages, and last but not least,
sweets of the week made by the chef.

Address 3505-9 Koaso, Ueda City / Tel 0268-39-0332 /

Open 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (last orders: 1:30 pm), 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm
(courses only in the evening, reservations required) /
Plus ¥580 for a dessert and a drink "Chef's Seasonal Pasta Set" with Close Tuesdays, 1st Mondays of the month.
bread and salad (¥1,220~)
The property is full of trees, including cherry trees. Genmai bento (brown rice lunch box) with six types of side dishes and brown fermented
rice (¥1,400)
 Wakabayashi Brewing Ozawa Wooden
Commemorating Japan Heritage Sculpture Art Museum
Special sake by an old brewery
Wakabayashi Jozo's Japan Heritage commemorative’s sake makes a perfect
souvenir. "Shinshu Ueda", a special Junmai-Shu (pure rice sake) brewed with
Ueda farmers’ art Koppa dolls and
wood carving products
Souvenir
Palm-sized "Koppa Dolls" are made by Toshiharu Ozawa, a
spring water from Mt. Megamidake, has a good balance of sweet and dry. Made with love, unique souvenirs to
Junmai Daiginjo sake, "Bessho," tastes slightly sweeter and more refreshing. woodworker who supported the farmers’ art movement
that started in Ueda in the Taisho era as a side job in the carry home the memory of
Address 466 Nakano, Ueda City / Tel 0268-38-2526 /
Open 8:30 am - 5:00 pm / Close irregularly on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays
agricultural off-season. Every piece looks different, and Shiodadaira.
some are of modern motifs like rugby players and skiers.
300ml each. "Shinshu Ueda": ¥730, "Bessho": ¥860 Check out also brooches and teaspoons that add color to
your day.

Mame Cafe Enjyu Cafe Sprout Manns Wines

Wine made from
Bite-sized treasures to Shinshu's first locally grown grapes
remember the museum Special sprouted coffee
The Shiodadaira Higashiyama
Bring home cookies made by Mame The sprouted coffee has been district was chosen as an ideal
Cafe Enjyu's pastry chef. You might get germinated in the company's own production area for Cabernet
taken away by the coconut flavored unique machine under perfect Sauvignon. "Solaris Higashiyama
Ask for gifts tailored to
meringue cookies, which are crispy but your budget. temperature and water control, then Cabernet Sauvignon" is a wine
instantly melt in your mouth. Try also dried and roasted. The germination with deep color, elegance, a rich
cranberry white chocolate cookies with process increases the nutrients and aroma, perfect bitterness, and a
a fresh pulpy texture. The bite-sized reduces excess bitterness, creating a supple taste.
goodies will bring many tasteful much smoother flavor.
Left: ¥8,000, Right: ¥7,500
delights back home.
Sprouted coffee beans.
Address 1541 Koaso, Ueda City / Tel 0268-75-0855 /
Open 10:30 am - 4:00 pm / Close Mondays

Fugu teaspoon ¥1,500

Tel 0267-22-6341
Address 580-2 Kokubu, Ueda City / Tel 0268-22-4337 / (Manns Wines Komoro Winery)
NANJYO RYOKAN souvenir shop Open 9:00 am - 6:00 pm (November - March: will be closed at 5:00 pm). /
Close No holidays / 750ml 11,000yen
Price Adults ¥500, elementary and junior high school students ¥200
Specialty shop full of Ueda's unique
souvenirs
Discover Ueda's unique souvenirs in this shop inside an inn, open
to non-guests. Particularly popular is the "dove sugar pots" in the
Mori no Utsuwa Shop
photo. The adjoining co-working space is also available to use No two are alike - bowls made of
with a reservation.
Zansho Museum cookie tin: ¥1,180
uniquely shaped woods
At this gallery-studio located in the nature-rich Nogura area,
you can get wooden tableware made from mulberry and
maple trees cut down in the neighborhood, and apple and
Address 300 Maeyama, Ueda City grape trees pruned by farmers. The pieces make use of
(Entrance to Zensanji Temple) / Tel 0268-38-4569 / Address 212 Bessho Onsen, Ueda City /
Open 11:00 am - 4:00 pm / Tel 0268-38-2800 / natural knots, holes, and shapes of the wood.
Close Tuesdays to Fridays, mid-November to mid-April Open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm /
The gallery is open on Saturdays and Sundays,
Close NANJYO RYOKAN's holidays Address 936 Nogura, Ueda City / Tel 080-9661-1136 /
and irregularly on weekdays.
Colorful dove sugar pots - ¥8,980 each.
Open 10:00 am - 4:00 pm / Close Mondays to Fridays
 How to access Ueda Japan Heritage Sites 1049 Kokubu, Ueda City
Shinano Kokubunji Temple Shrine
Tel 0268-24-1388
&
Ticket Deals Train temple finds

Ueda Dentetsu One Day Pass Bessho Line

Somin Sh rai-fu
Unlimited rides on the entire Bessho Line for a day! The local train connects Ueda Sta. Local's favorite amulet of the year
to Bessho Onsen in about 30
Price adults ¥1,180 yen, children ¥600 "Somin Sh rai-fu," an amulet from the temple, is believed to

shrines and temples

Unique gifts from
minutes one way. Enjoy views of
Sold through vending machines at Ueda Sta.,and at the offices bring good health, peace and tranquility, good fortune, and
the flowing Chikumagawa River
at Shimonogo Sta. and Bessho Onsen Sta. and the peaceful countryside.
prosperity. The hexagonal shaped Kokeshi doll made of
(available during office hours) Japanese poplar wood is inscribed in black and vermilion
with the words of prayers for prosperity.
0268-22-3612 (Ueda Sta./ Ueda Dentetsu) 0268-22-3612 (Ueda Sta./ Ueda Dentetsu)

Ueda Bus Shinshu Ueda Ley-Line Line 1 Day Pass Shinano Railway
Shuttle buses connect Shimonogo Connects Karuizawa Sta. and
Sta. to Shiodadaira and Bessho Shinonoi Sta. Get off at Shinano Tsuno-daishi
Onsen Sta., so while visiting each Kokubunji Sta. to go to "Shinano
Japan Heritage site, grab a day pass Kokubunji Temple" in Kokubun. Want a unique evil-proof amulet?
for unlimited rides. Strolling about the temple area, you will notice a slip of paper with a
Price Adults ¥500, Children ¥250 0268-21-3470 (Shinano Railway Customer Center) unique drawing. This is the figure of Ganzan Daishi. You can get it in
paper or sticker form to place in the entrance of your house in order
Sold on the buses, ask the driver when you get on.
Not available from December to March
to ward off bad luck, illness, and disaster.
Discover
one-of-a-kind
0268-34-6602 (Ueda Bus) amulets and gifts
at shrines and
temples that are
Bus Tour Guide Taxi part of Japan
Heritage.
Take a local bus for a leisurely ride around Japan Heritage sites. "Sawayaka Shinshu Tourist Guide Taxi"

Ueda Bus Chikuma Bus

offers certified drivers who can provide
you with five different services, including
Ikushimatarushima Shrine 701 Nakaike-nishi, Shimonogo,
Ueda City Tel 0268-38-2755
0268-34-6602 0268-22-2363 (Ueda Office) driving, guiding, escort assistance, and
taking photos.
Goshuin book made with Ueda Tsumugi and Japan Heritage Goshuin
(shrine/temple seals)

Need a Taxi? Goshuin books with a cover made of Ueda Tsumugi,

a traditional craft of Ueda City
Ueda Kanko Jidosha 0268-22-0200 Sugadaira Kanko Taxi 0268-22-8484 Ikushimatarushima Shrine's Goshuin books are complete with Ueda Tsumugi covers
Ueda Kanko Jidosha Maruko Office 0268-42-2151 and are custom-made by hand by Fujimoto, a long-established Ueda Tsumugi
Fujimori Taxi 0268-35-0050
maker. The silk fabric, Ueda Tsumugi, is strong and supple to the touch and has an
Ueda Taxi 0268-22-0055 Matsuba Taxi 0268-23-1161 elegant color. When you visit the shrines and temples, do not forget to get your copy
Shioda Kanko Taxi 0268-38-3151 of the Japan Heritage Memorial Goshuin as well.
Wada Bus Taxi Maruko Office 0268-42-2750

Showa Taxi 0268-22-0400 Asama Kanko Taxi Ueda Office 0268-26-2211

You can find more information on travel in the Ueda area, here.
1666 Bessho Onsen, Ueda City
Tel 0268-38-2023 Kitamuki Kannon Temple
Large (18.3 cm x 11.5 cm) and small (16.1 cm x 10.5 cm).
Ueda Sta. Tourist Information Center 0268-26-5001 Bessho Spa Tourism Association 0268-38-3510 Shugosen ¥700 each.

Volunteer Guide Priest couple's elegant invention

These beautiful paper slips prevent freshly drawn Goshuin from sticking to
Ueda Tourism Volunteer Guide Shiodadaira Volunteer Guide Association the opposite page. It is made of Japanese paper, and when held up to the
light, the pattern of the leaves of the temple's Aizen Katsura tree comes
Fans of Ueda history take you on a guided tour of the Shinano Contact us to learn more about the history and culture
Kokubunji Temple, Bessho Onsen and Shiodadaira. Minimum of of Shiodadaira! into view. Comes in three beautiful soft colors, purple, pink, and yellow.
two people, reservations required at least 10 days in advance.
0268-71-6074 (Ueda City Tourism Association). 0268-39-7250
(Shioda-no-sato Community Center "Tokko-kan")