NaganoTravel

Pray at the Shrine on the Former Main Citadel Grounds for the Wisdom of the Great General, View the Sanada Well with Its Tunnel Legends

About this spot

Enshrined on the former main citadel grounds of Ueda Castle, this shrine honors the Sanada clan, Sengoku clan, and Matsudaira clan who served as successive lords of Ueda Castle. It is beloved by students taking exams and history enthusiasts as a shrine for wisdom and victory luck, as it honors the Sanada father and son who faced overwhelming armies with wisdom and courage. Within the shrine grounds stands the "Sanada Well," said to have been a secret tunnel connecting to outside the castle, which children can peer into for an adventurous feeling. The large red-equipped helmet ornament donated to the shrine is an excellent photo spot, and sacred items connected to the warlords are popular as travel mementos.

Tips

Located within Ueda Castle Ruins Park, just through the Azuchi Tiger Gate. The shrine grounds are flat and easy to visit with a baby stroller. Remember to bring coins for offerings and fortune-telling sticks. Shrine stamps are issued at the reception during business hours.