yam (Japanese mountain yam)

In the mountainous areas of Nagano Prefecture, the cool climate and clean water are put to use to cultivate plenty of yams. When peeled, yams have a sticky texture and have long been popular for their health benefits, to the point of being called “the grip of longevity.” Because they aid digestion and help build strength, they have been prized as a longevity food.

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.

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.

Mount Kisokoma

Komakusa is a small, charming red flower that blooms among rocks in high mountains. It is especially common on high peaks like Mount Kisokoma. Notable for its resilience to heat, cold, and wind, it sinks its roots firmly into rock crevices to bloom. In Nagano Prefecture, its beauty and rarity have earned it designation as the prefectural flower. Spotting it along a mountain trail is a rare and delightful discovery.

fuji

Nagano Prefecture, with its cool climate and large temperature differences between day and night, is a place where sweet and delicious apples grow. Among them, the “Fuji” variety is produced in abundance. Fuji apples are characterized by a crisp texture and strong sweetness. Their bright red, beautiful color also makes them popular as gifts.