Ueda Castle

Ueda Castle, located in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, was built in 1583 (Tenshō 11) by the renowned Sengoku-period general Sanada Masayuki. It is a flatland-style castle known for its exceptional defensive capabilities. Originally called "Amagafuchi Castle", due to its position near the Amagafuchi stream, a tributary of the Chikuma River, the site is naturally fortified—flanked by Mt. Tarō to the north and the Chikuma River to the south—and further enhanced by man-made waterways forming a strong defense system.

Ueda Castle is most famous for the First and Second Battles of Ueda, in 1585 and 1600, where Sanada Masayuki successfully repelled invading Tokugawa forces. These battles showcased the Sanada clan's military genius and elevated the castle to legendary status in Sengoku history. However, because Masayuki sided with the Western Army at the Battle of Sekigahara and was defeated, he was later exiled to Kii Province, and Ueda Castle was dismantled in 1601 by the Tokugawa. Its moats were also filled in.

In the Edo period, Sanada Masayuki's son Sanada Nobuyuki sided with the Tokugawa and became the lord of Ueda Domain, but initially governed from the Sannomaru (Third Bailey) as the main compound was in ruins. After he was transferred to Matsushiro, Sengoku Tadamasa, formerly of Komoro Domain, took over and began reconstruction in 1626, following Sanada's original layout but incorporating early-modern architectural style. Seven yagura (turrets) and two yagura gates were added, featuring black wooden siding typical of Edo-period design. However, construction halted in 1628 after Tadamasa's death.

The Matsudaira (Fujii) clan ruled Ueda until the Meiji Restoration. After the abolition of the feudal system, most of the castle structures were dismantled or relocated. Only the West Yagura and some stone walls remained on-site. In the Shōwa and Heisei eras, extensive restoration efforts were made—yagura were returned, gates and walls were reconstructed.

Today, the castle grounds are part of Ueda Castle Park, serving as a popular spot for sightseeing and local recreation. The annual Ueda Castle 1,000 Sakura Festival in April attracts many visitors, and the nighttime illuminations are registered as a “Japan Nightscape Heritage” site. The park includes the Ueda City Museum and a Shōkonsha shrine, while the main bailey houses the Sanada Shrine, dedicated to the Sanada clan. Because the castle never fell in either battle, it is seen as a “castle that never fell” and is a popular prayer site for exam success. A legendary well within the shrine is believed to have connected to an underground escape route.

The former Sannomaru area is now home to Nagano Prefectural Ueda High School, which still preserves the residence gate and moat from the Matsudaira era.