Nobeyama Station

Among all JR lines, the station located at the highest elevation is Nobeyama Station in Nagano Prefecture. Nobeyama Station is near the Yatsugatake Mountains and sits at an elevation of about 1,345 meters. Vast fields and mountains spread out around it, and the air is crisp and cool. It’s amazing that trains run in such a high place. In 2025, it even became a setting for a Detective Conan movie!

Yukimura Sanada

Sanada Yukimura was a renowned general of the Sengoku period and the lord of Ueda Castle. He is famous for defending the castle with a small force and repelling the massive Tokugawa army twice. A commander distinguished by his wisdom and strategy, he devised innovations not only in battle but also in castle defense. Thanks to his achievements, the Sanada clan was able to maintain strong influence in Ueda, Nagano Prefecture.

Ueda Castle

This is the castle built by Sanada Masayuki, the father of Sanada Yukimura. It is known for having been defended by a small force even when Tokugawa’s large army attacked. For that reason, it became famous as the “strong Sanada castle.” Today it has been developed as a park, and in spring beautiful cherry blossoms bloom. As a place where you can feel history, it is an important landmark of Ueda City visited by many people.

Yamamoto Kansuke

He was a figure who distinguished himself as Takeda Shingen’s military strategist, making major contributions to battlefield tactics and fortifications. In particular, he excelled at maneuvering troops and devising defensive measures, using his wisdom to gain the upper hand in war. A strategist like Kansuke played a crucial role among samurai, often determining victory or defeat. He is an indispensable figure when studying the history of Nagano Prefecture.

Crow Castle

Matsumoto Castle is a very magnificent castle with an exterior covered in black boards. Because its black appearance looks like a black crow, it is called “Karasu-jō,” or “Crow Castle.” Matsumoto Castle is characterized by its black, powerful presence. It is a very rare castle that remains much as it was in the past and has been designated a National Treasure. It is an important historical building that represents Nagano Prefecture.

A ritual of burning a giant wooden tower

Villagers join forces to build a large shrine hall out of wood and set it ablaze with torches. The flames soar high into the sky, making it a very hot and powerful festival. It is held to pray for children to grow up healthy and for families’ good health and safety. This is a valiant, traditional event conducted in the snow.

Takeda Shrine

Takeda Shrine is dedicated to the famed Sengoku-period warlord Takeda Shingen. Located in Nagano City, it was built to honor Lord Shingen’s bravery and achievements. Within the grounds are materials and statues related to Shingen, allowing visitors to worship while feeling the weight of history. The shrine is also adorned with Takeda Shingen’s family crest and banners, offering an atmosphere reminiscent of the Sengoku era. Every year, many people visit to commemorate his accomplishments, making it an important historical site in Nagano Prefecture.