NaganoTravel

Lunch on Shinshu Soba Along the Stone-Paved Old Highway, Hop Between Sake Breweries, Miso Warehouses, and Bakeries

About this spot

The most atmospheric section of Ueda, once thriving as a post-station on the Hokuriku Highway leading to Zenkoji Temple. Willow trees sway along the stone-paved street that inspired the area's name, with townhouses featuring lattice doors and storehouse overhangs extending for several hundred meters. Sake breweries with cedar balls hanging at their eaves, long-established miso warehouses, a bakery with constant lines, and cafes in renovated storehouses line the street, offering complete satisfaction from Shinshu soba lunch through post-meal snacks all along this single street. The spring water running through the street is said to have refreshed the throats of travelers who passed along the highway, fueling the imagination of history enthusiasts.

Tips

The street features flat stone paving that is easy to walk with a baby stroller. Popular bakeries may sell out by mid-afternoon, so check early. Soba restaurants get crowded during lunch hours; visiting slightly off-peak ensures smoother service. An eco-bag is useful for carrying home local sake and miso souvenirs.