
Ueda City Museum
Explore Ueda's rich past with samurai armor, historical weapons, and unique local stories. A must-visit for history buffs!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing

Ueda City Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Ueda's rich past with samurai armor, historical weapons, and unique local stories. A must-visit for history buffs!
"Incredibly affordable admission for a wealth of historical artifacts, especially samurai armor!"

🎯 Affordable Admission
Entry is only ¥300, a great deal for the exhibits! :moneybag:
📸 Photography Friendly
Most exhibits allow photos, but no flash! :camerawithflash:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Samurai Armor Collection
Annex
See impressive armor sets from the Sanada, Sengoku, and Matsudaira clans, offering a glimpse into feudal Japan.

Matsudaira Tadaatsu Exhibit
Main Hall
Learn about the fascinating life of the last young lord of Ueda domain and his engineering achievements abroad.

Historical Weapons Display
Main Hall
View a collection of swords, rifles, and pistols from various historical periods, including the Boshin War.

Silkworm Room Architecture
Museum Building
Experience the unique architecture of the museum, modeled after a traditional silkworm room.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Ueda City Museum
What to Expect at Ueda City Museum
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Affordable Admission
Entry is only ¥300, a great deal for the exhibits! :moneybag:
📸 Photography Friendly
Most exhibits allow photos, but no flash! :camerawithflash:
🗺️ Annex Exploration
Your ticket includes access to the annex, featuring more Sanada clan history. :map:
✨ Special Exhibitions
Check for temporary exhibitions like 'The Untold Bond of Ueda'. :sparkles:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Affordable Admission
Entry is only ¥300, a great deal for the exhibits! :moneybag:
📸 Photography Friendly
Most exhibits allow photos, but no flash! :camerawithflash:
🗺️ Annex Exploration
Your ticket includes access to the annex, featuring more Sanada clan history. :map:
✨ Special Exhibitions
Check for temporary exhibitions like 'The Untold Bond of Ueda'. :sparkles:
🏯 Combine with Castle Visit
Easily visit Ueda Castle and Sanada Shrine on the same day. :castle:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Ueda City Museum for its incredibly affordable admission fee and the impressive collection of historical artifacts, particularly the samurai armor and weaponry. The allowance of photography (without flash) is a significant plus for many. Some visitors noted that while the museum covers local history well, the sericulture exhibits were brief.
"Last year I strolled into Ueda Castle from the South Tower, so this year I decided to enter from the Kojima Daijiro Commemorative Monument.
Admission is 300 yen, so even if you don't want to go in, you'll find yourself going in anyway☆
With this ticket, you can also enter the annex.
Items discovered on TV Tokyo's program "Draining All the Water from the Pond" were also on display.
Most exhibits don't allow photography, but here you can – just don't use a flash!
※There's also a 5 million yen prize available to anyone who finds a historical item at Ueda Castle!"
・ OHANA
"20251023 I decided to drop in while sightseeing at Ueda Castle and Sanada Shrine. The admission fee was a bargain at just ¥300! Inside, I saw valuable exhibits such as four swords and wakizashi, seven sets of armor including armor and helmets, rifles from the Boshin War era, a .32 caliber pistol, and a long spear (really long) taken as spoils from the Takeda army. Surprisingly, most of the exhibits were "photography allowed" - I had a great time."
齋藤斉(移動性高血圧)
"I entered the museum hoping to see an exhibit about the Sanada clan, but there was also an exhibit about the life and achievements of Matsudaira Tadaatsu, the last young lord of the Ueda domain.
He studied civil engineering at university in the United States, and as a railroad engineer, he contributed to the construction of the New York City subway and the Union Pacific Railroad. He married an American woman and continued to work in the United States, but sadly passed away at the age of 37 from pulmonary tuberculosis.
It was very meaningful to learn about the achievements of two generations of father and son, which I had never known before, such as how his second son later became mayor of Edmundston, Maryland, and contributed to the development of the city."
san hsto
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It's often visited in conjunction with Ueda Castle. Public transport options include local buses and trains to Ueda Station, followed by a short walk or taxi ride.
Yes, Ueda City is accessible by train, and the museum is a short distance from the station. Check local bus routes for the most direct access.
From Tokyo, you can take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano and then transfer to a local train to Ueda. The journey offers scenic views of the Japanese countryside.
Information on parking is not widely available, but it's advisable to check with the museum directly or use public parking near Ueda Castle if driving.
Yes, Ueda City is a feasible day trip destination from Nagano or even Matsumoto, allowing you to explore the museum and its surroundings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable at just ¥300 per person, making it an excellent value for the exhibits offered.
Yes, the ¥300 admission ticket typically includes access to both the main museum building and its annex, which features additional exhibits.
Opening hours can vary, especially during special exhibitions. It's recommended to check the official museum website or local listings for the most up-to-date information.
For regular visits, tickets are usually available at the door. However, for special events or exhibitions, advance booking might be recommended.
While the standard admission is already very low, inquire at the ticket counter about potential discounts for students, seniors, or group visits.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Yes, photography is generally allowed for most exhibits, but it's crucial to avoid using flash to protect the artifacts. Always look for signage indicating photography restrictions. :camerawithflash:
Expect to see a range of historical artifacts, including samurai armor, weapons, historical documents, and displays on local history and industries like sericulture.
Yes, the annex of the museum is dedicated to the Sanada family, offering a generous display that includes VR video content.
The museum building is designed to resemble a traditional silkworm room, reflecting the historical importance of sericulture in the Ueda region.
The annex features VR video displays related to the Sanada clan, offering an interactive element to the historical exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself may have limited or no dining facilities. However, the surrounding area of Ueda City, especially near Ueda Castle, offers various restaurants and cafes.
Ueda City offers a range of Japanese cuisine, from local specialties to more common dishes. You can find udon, soba, and other regional favorites.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume outside food in designated areas or picnic spots, rather than inside the museum galleries.
Many Japanese restaurants offer vegetable-based dishes, but it's always a good idea to check menus or ask staff about vegetarian or vegan options.
While specific recommendations vary, exploring local soba noodles or regional specialties in Ueda is a good starting point.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is permitted for most exhibits, but you must refrain from using flash. Always check for specific signage indicating 'no photography' zones. :camerawithflash:
The detailed samurai armor, historical weapons, and the unique architecture of the silkworm room are highly photogenic.
Photography rules for special exhibitions can vary. It's best to confirm with museum staff or check signage upon arrival.
Mornings or weekdays generally have fewer visitors, allowing for more unobstructed shots. Natural light can also be favorable.
Tripods are typically not allowed in museums to avoid obstruction and potential damage. It's advisable to use handheld shots or check with the museum.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the more visual exhibits like the armor and the VR content about the Sanada clan. The museum's unique architecture, modeled after a silkworm room, can also be a fun talking point. Remember that photography is allowed for most exhibits, so encourage kids to capture their favorite pieces.
💰 Budget Travelers
This low cost makes it easy to fit into any itinerary without breaking the bank. Combine your visit with exploring the nearby Ueda Castle, which also has an affordable entrance fee, for a full day of historical discovery on a budget.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
Pay special attention to the detailed accounts of figures like Matsudaira Tadaatsu and the strategic importance of Ueda Castle. The collection of authentic armor and weaponry offers a direct connection to the samurai era, making it a deeply rewarding experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sanada Clan: A Legacy in Ueda
While their territory was smaller compared to contemporaries like Oda Nobunaga or the Takeda clan, the Sanada were renowned for their defensive prowess and strategic alliances. Their history is intertwined with the very fabric of Ueda, making the museum a crucial stop for understanding the region's past.
Beyond the military aspects, the museum also touches upon the broader historical context of the region, including the feudal lords who ruled Ueda, such as the Sengoku and Matsudaira families, providing a layered understanding of the area's development.
Ueda's Sericulture Heritage
While the exhibits on sericulture might be brief compared to other historical displays, their presence highlights a key industry that shaped the local economy and landscape. The prevalence of mulberry fields, essential for silkworms, likely contributed to the region's prosperity.
This architectural choice offers visitors a subtle yet meaningful connection to the area's heritage, reminding them of the diverse industries that have contributed to Ueda's identity over the centuries.
Notable Exhibits and Artifacts
A particularly interesting aspect is the display of items related to Matsudaira Tadaatsu, the last young lord of the Ueda domain. His story, including his engineering career in the United States and contributions to projects like the New York City subway, adds a unique international dimension to the local history.
For fans of historical manga, the museum features items like the armor chest (yoroibitsu) decorated with the same Yongle Tongbao coin seen on Oda Nobunaga's flag, creating a connection for those familiar with the 'Sengoku Gonbei' manga.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit