[Director Mamoru Hosoda] Summer Wars Nagano Prefecture

Masterpiece anime film “Summer Wars” directed by Mamoru Hosoda is a work set against the beautiful scenery of Shinshu, centered around Ueda City in Nagano Prefecture. In this article, we provide comprehensive information on filming locations, access methods, and recommended pilgrimage routes for fans who want to visit the sacred sites featured in the film.

The Relationship Between Summer Wars and Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture

“Summer Wars” is a full-length anime film directed by Mamoru Hosoda released in 2009, depicting a story where Kenji Koiso, a high school student who visits the countryside of Nagano during summer vacation, faces a crisis in the virtual world OZ alongside his senior Natsuki Shinohara.

Why Ueda City Became the Stage

Director Mamoru Hosoda selected Ueda City, with its natural environment rich in Shinshu and historic townscapes, when depicting the scenery of Japan’s traditional large families. Ueda City is also known as a place connected to the Sanada clan, making it a perfect setting for the Jinnai family’s samurai bloodline depicted in the film.

The film’s art director, Yoji Takeshige, actually conducted research around Ueda City, and the background artwork of the film was created based on the landscapes and buildings he found. Therefore, many of the landscapes appearing in the film are modeled after real locations.

Major Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots

1. Ueda Castle Ruins Park

Scenes in the Film
The film’s opening shows Kenji and Natsuki heading to Ueda by train, and the castle appears throughout the story as a symbol of Ueda.

Highlights

• The megastone called Sanada Stone
• Restored turret gate
• Cherry blossom viewing spot that becomes the venue for Senbonzakura Festival in spring
• Historic sites related to Sanada Yukimura

Access
About 12 minutes on foot from Ueda Station, or by bus to “Ueda Castle Ruins Park Entrance”

Address
Nino-maru, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture

Admission Fee
Free for the park (paid admission for Ueda Castle Ruins Museum)

2. Ueda Electric Railway Bessho Line

Scenes in the Film
This is the model for the train Kenji and Natsuki use when traveling from Ueda Station to the Jinnai home. The retro vehicles are depicted impressively.

Highlights

• Peaceful scenery out the windows characteristic of local lines
• Retro vehicles such as the round-window train (5000 series)
• Picturesque route running through farmland

Recommended Travel Section
Approximately 30 minutes from Ueda Station to the terminus Bessho Onsen Station. The Yagisawa Station and Bessho Onsen Station along the way also evoke the film’s atmosphere.

Fare
Ueda Station to Bessho Onsen Station: 590 yen for adults (one way)

3. Historic Houses Area That Became the Model for the Jinnai Family Home

The exterior and surrounding environment of the Jinnai family, which is the central stage of the film, are created by combining multiple locations within Ueda City. While there is no specific single house that served as the model, the following areas are said to have been referenced.

Shioda Plain (Shioda Daira) Area
A basin that spreads across the southeastern part of Ueda City, also called “the Kamakura of Shinshu.” With old houses and farmland scattered throughout, this area is said to be the most similar to the atmosphere around the Jinnai family home depicted in the film.

• Settlements near Maeyama Temple
• Area near Ikushima Tarushima Shrine
• Rural scenery along the road to Bessho Onsen

Characteristics

• Landscape surrounded by vast farmland and mountains
• Traditional Japanese houses scattered throughout
• Scenery similar to the mountain range visible from the veranda depicted in the film

4. Bessho Onsen Hot Spring Town

Scenes in the Film
While not appearing directly, it is a tourist destination in Ueda City where you can feel the film’s atmosphere.

Highlights

• One of the oldest hot springs in Shinshu
• Kitamuki Kannon Hall
• National Treasure octagonal three-tiered pagoda of Anraku Temple
• Retro hot spring town atmosphere

Access
Get off at Bessho Onsen Station on the Ueda Electric Railway Bessho Line

5. Ueda Station Area

Scenes in the Film
Ueda Station serves as the model for the station where Kenji and Natsuki arrive.

Highlights

• Statue of Sanada Yukimura at the station plaza
• Tourist information center (sacred site pilgrimage maps available)
• Souvenir shops

Service for Sacred Site Pilgrims
The Ueda Station tourism information center sometimes distributes sacred site pilgrimage maps for Summer Wars (availability varies depending on inventory).

6. Ikushima Tarushima Shrine

Connection to the Film
This is a major historic shrine in Ueda City that is said to have been referenced for the Jinnai family’s household altar and Shinto elements.

Highlights

• Main hall built to appear floating on a pond (important cultural property)
• Precious cultural assets including Takeda Shingen’s oath documents
• Mystical atmosphere in the temple grounds

Access
About 25 minutes by bus from Ueda Station, 5-minute walk from “Shimonogo” stop

Address
701 Shimonogo Chuike-nishi, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture

7. Maeyama Temple

Connection to the Film
A historic temple in the Shioda Plain area, and the surrounding scenery is said to have been referenced for the film.

Highlights

• Three-tiered pagoda (important cultural property nationally) famous as an unfinished tower
• Peaceful mountain village scenery
• Notable autumn foliage spot

Access
About 10 minutes by taxi from Bessho Onsen Station on the Ueda Electric Railway Bessho Line

Recommended Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses

Day Trip Course (approximately 6-8 hours)

9:00 Arrival at Ueda Station

• Obtain a sacred site pilgrimage map at the tourist information center
• Take commemorative photos around the station

9:30 Ueda Castle Ruins Park

• Time required: approximately 1 hour
• Stroll through the castle ruins and feel the film’s atmosphere

11:00 Move by Ueda Electric Railway Bessho Line

• Approximately 30 minutes from Ueda Station to Bessho Onsen Station
• Enjoy farmland scenery from the train windows

11:30 Lunch at Bessho Onsen

• Time required: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
• Explore the hot spring town and enjoy lunch

13:30 Tour Shioda Plain Area

• Rental car or taxi recommended
• Visit Maeyama Temple and Ikushima Tarushima Shrine
• Drive through farmland scenery
• Time required: approximately 2-3 hours

16:30 Purchase souvenirs around Ueda Station

• Shinshu soba, Sanada goods, etc.

17:30 Depart from Ueda Station

1 Night 2 Days Full Experience Course

Day 1

• Morning: Arrive at Ueda Station, explore Ueda Castle Ruins Park
• Afternoon: Travel to Bessho Onsen by Ueda Electric Railway Bessho Line
• Evening: Explore Bessho Onsen town, visit Kitamuki Kannon
• Night: Stay at Bessho Onsen

Day 2

• Morning: View the national treasure octagonal three-tiered pagoda at Anraku Temple
• Afternoon: Thoroughly explore the Shioda Plain area
• Evening: Shopping around Ueda Station

Access Information

From Tokyo Area

By Shinkansen

• Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Tokyo Station to Ueda Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen
• Fare: 5,390 yen for unreserved seats, 6,110 yen for reserved seats (standard period)

By Highway Bus

• Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes from Shinjuku to Ueda
• Fare: approximately 3,000 yen one way (varies by company)

By Car

• Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes via Kan’etsu Expressway and Joshin’etsu Expressway
• Get off at Ueda Sugadaira IC and head to the city center

From Nagoya Area

By Train

• Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes from Nagoya via Chuo Main Line and Shinonoi Line
• Or approximately 3 hours from Nagoya on the Hokuriku Shinkansen (via Kanazawa)

By Car

• Approximately 3 hours via Chuo Expressway and Nagano Expressway

From Osaka Area

By Train

• Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes from Shin-Osaka on the Hokuriku Shinkansen (via Kanazawa)

By Car

• Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes via Meishin Expressway and Chuo Expressway

Local Transportation Methods

Ueda Electric Railway Bessho Line

This local railway could be called an essential item for sacred site pilgrimages. Purchase a one-day free pass (1,200 yen) and you can ride on and off as many times as you like.

Rental Car

To efficiently explore the Shioda Plain area, a rental car is most convenient. There are multiple rental car companies around Ueda Station.

Price Guide

• Light vehicles: 5,000 yen per day and up
• Compact cars: 6,000 yen per day and up

Rental Bicycle

Rental bicycles are available around Ueda Station and Bessho Onsen Station. On fine days, enjoying the farmland scenery by bicycle is also recommended.

Price Guide

• Regular bicycle: 500 yen to 1,000 yen per day
• Electric-assist bicycle: 1,500 yen to 2,000 yen per day

Taxi

Taxi is also an option when traveling with multiple people or when you want to make effective use of time. A taxi stand is available at Ueda Station.

Ways to Enjoy Sacred Site Pilgrimage and Etiquette

Photography Tips

Recommended Photography Spots

1. Ueda Electric Railway Bessho Line vehicles (from the platform)
2. Turret gate of Ueda Castle Ruins
3. Farmland scenery of Shioda Plain (especially during rice ear season)
4. Hot spring town of Bessho Onsen

Photography Precautions

• Do not enter private land without permission
• Be considerate so as not to trouble residents
• Take photos in places that won’t obstruct traffic
• Confirm the surrounding situation before using tripods

Sacred Site Pilgrimage Etiquette

Rules to Follow

1. Do not approach or photograph private land or houses
2. Always take trash away with you
3. Do not make loud noise
4. Do not forget to greet local people
5. Be careful not to interfere with farm work

Contribution to the Community

• Use local restaurants and eating establishments
• Purchase souvenirs at local shops
• Use hot spring facilities

By following this etiquette, you can help maintain an environment where sacred site pilgrimages can continue in the future.

Best Seasons and Clothing

Spring (March to May)

Characteristics

• Peak bloom of Ueda Castle’s thousand cherry blossoms (mid-April)
• Temperatures rising, pleasant season

Clothing
Bring something to put on as mornings and evenings are cool. Long-sleeved shirts are comfortable during the day.

Summer (June to August)

Characteristics

• The season depicted as the film’s stage
• Vast lush green farmland spreads out
• Events such as Ueda Wasshoi held

Clothing
Strong sunlight makes a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen essential. However, the higher elevation means it is not as hot as Tokyo.

Precautions
While the August Obon period matches the film’s setting, tourist facilities require early reservations as visitor numbers increase.

Autumn (September to November)

Characteristics

• Golden rice ears are beautiful (September)
• Autumn foliage is at its best (late October to early November)
• Pleasant climate

Clothing
Long sleeves during the day, and a light jacket or cardigan useful for mornings and evenings.

Winter (December to February)

Characteristics

• Snow-covered Ueda Castle is beautiful
• Fewer tourists, allowing quiet pilgrimage
• Hot springs are particularly pleasant

Clothing
Proper winter clothing is necessary. Since snow may accumulate, choose shoes with good traction.

Precautions
Road surfaces may freeze, so when using a rental car, confirm that winter tires are installed.

Accommodation Information

Bessho Onsen Inns

Characteristics

• Enjoy Shinshu’s oldest hot spring
• Ideal base for sacred site pilgrimage
• Diverse options from long-established inns to affordable accommodations

Price Range
One night with two meals: approximately 10,000 to 30,000 yen

Recommended Points
You can enjoy relaxing hot springs while feeling the film’s atmosphere.

Ueda City Center Business Hotels

Characteristics

• Close to Ueda Station for convenient access
• Reasonable prices
• Dining areas nearby

Price Range
Room only: approximately 5,000 to 8,000 yen

Recommended Points
Ideal for those wanting to reduce costs or enjoy the Ueda city area in the evening.

Guest Houses and Minshuku

Characteristics

• Homey atmosphere
• Enjoy interaction with local people
• Easy to use for solo travelers

Price Range
Room only: 3,000 yen and up, one night with two meals: 6,000 yen and up

Dining Information

Shinshu Soba

Nagano Prefecture, including Ueda City, is famous for soba noodles. When visiting for sacred site pilgrimage, be sure to taste authentic Shinshu soba.

Recommended Restaurants

• Long-established soba shops in Ueda city center
• Soba restaurants near Bessho Onsen
• Hand-made soba shops in the Shioda Plain area

Specialty Dishes

• Zaru soba (soba in a colander)
• Tororo soba (soba with mountain yam)
• Kurumi soba (soba with walnuts)

Shinshu Beef

High-quality beef from Nagano Prefecture. Enjoy it in various preparations including grilled, steak, and hot pot.

Oyaki

A Nagano Prefecture regional dish where vegetables or wild vegetables are wrapped in wheat flour dough and grilled (or steamed). Can be purchased around Ueda Station and tourist areas.

Local Sake

Shinshu is famous as a sake production region. There are multiple sake breweries around Ueda City where you can enjoy local sake.

Famous Brands

• Sanada Rokumonsen
• Iwashimizu

Popular as souvenirs.

Bessho Onsen Specialties

Hot Spring Buns
A standard sweet in the hot spring town. Perfect for eating while walking around.

Hot Spring Eggs
Hot spring eggs made using the heat of the hot spring have a delicious creamy texture.

Souvenir Information

Summer Wars Related Goods

Summer Wars sacred site pilgrimage-related goods are sometimes sold at Ueda Station and the tourism information center (varies by period).

• Original postcards
• Sacred site pilgrimage maps
• Collaboration goods

Shinshu Standard Souvenirs

Shinshu Soba
Dried noodles and fresh soba are popular souvenirs.

Nozawana Pickles
Representative pickled vegetables of Nagano Prefecture.

Apple-Related Products

• Apple juice
• Apple jam
• Apple pie

Oyaki
Frozen oyaki are popular souvenirs as they are easy to take home.

Sanada Goods
As a place connected to Sanada Yukimura, goods featuring the Sanada Ten Braves and Rokumonsen (six coins) are abundant.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Sanada Clan History Museum

Location
2984-1 Motohara, Sanada-cho, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture

Highlights
A museum where you can learn the history of three generations of the Sanada clan. It has become a popular tourist attraction due to the influence of the historical drama “Sanada Maru.”

Access
About 40 minutes by bus from Ueda Station

Bijigahara Highland

Characteristics
A highland with elevations around 2,000 meters offering 360-degree panoramic views. Cool even in summer, ideal for hiking.

Access
About 1 hour by car from Ueda city center

Karuizawa

Characteristics
A popular resort destination about 1 hour by car from Ueda City. Many tourists visit this together with the sacred site pilgrimage.

Access
About 40 minutes by Shinano Railway from Ueda Station to Karuizawa Station

Event Information

Ueda Wasshoi (late July)

Ueda City’s largest summer festival features dance parades and floats parading through the city streets. An event where you can feel the summer atmosphere of the film.

Ueda Castle Senbonzakura Festival (early to mid-April)

Held when the cherry blossoms at Ueda Castle Ruins Park are in full bloom. The nighttime illumination of cherry blossoms is beautiful, attracting many tourists.

Bessho Onsen Dake-no-yu Festival (early June)

A traditional festival of Bessho Onsen where a religious ceremony is performed to offer the hot spring water to a shrine.

Sanada Festival (late April)

A festival honoring the Sanada clan featuring samurai processions and reenactments of battles.

Information Useful for Sacred Site Pilgrimage

Tourism Information Center

Ueda City Tourism Association Building
Address: 2-8-4 Ote, Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture
Phone: 0268-23-5408
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00

Summer Wars sacred site pilgrimage maps and Ueda City tourism pamphlets are available.

Wi-Fi Environment

Free Wi-Fi is available at Ueda Station and major tourist facilities. However, the signal is weak in rural areas like the Shioda Plain, so it is recommended to download maps in advance.

Restroom Information

Restrooms are available at major tourist attractions, stations, and convenience stores. When touring the farmland area, it is recommended to use restrooms before heading out.

ATMs and Currency Exchange

ATMs at convenience stores and banks are available around Ueda Station and in the city center. Since ATMs are scarce around Bessho Onsen and the Shioda Plain area, it is advisable to prepare cash in advance.

Medical Institutions

Ueda city center has general hospitals and clinics. In case of emergency, consult the front desk of your accommodation or the tourism information center.

History of Sacred Site Pilgrimage and Ueda City’s Initiatives

Since the release of “Summer Wars,” many anime fans have visited Ueda City for sacred site pilgrimages. Ueda City welcomes this movement and supports sacred site pilgrimages as part of tourism promotion.

Ueda City’s Initiatives

• Creating and distributing sacred site pilgrimage maps
• Providing information at tourism information centers
• Hosting Summer Wars-related events (irregular)
• Promoting anime tourism

Economic Effects

Anime sacred site pilgrimages greatly contribute to tourism promotion in regional cities. In Ueda City, visits by Summer Wars fans have brought economic benefits to the accommodation, dining, and retail industries.

Sacred Sites of Other Mamoru Hosoda Works

Other works by director Mamoru Hosoda are also modeled after real locations. Some fans visit these sites together with the Summer Wars sacred site pilgrimage.

“The Girl Who Leapt Through Time”

Set in Tokyo (Shimokitazawa, Kunitachi City, etc.).

“Wolf Children Ame and Yuki”

Kamishio Town in Toyama Prefecture is the main stage.

“The Boy and The Beast”

Tokyo’s Shibuya is one of the settings.

Summary: How to Maximize Enjoyment of Summer Wars Sacred Site Pilgrimage

A Summer Wars sacred site pilgrimage is a precious opportunity to actually experience the world of the film. The beautiful nature of Ueda City in Nagano Prefecture, historic townscapes, and encounters with warm-hearted people make the pilgrimage all the more special.

Key Points for a Successful Sacred Site Pilgrimage

1. Prepare Thoroughly Beforehand

Make a list of places you want to visit by rewatching the film.

1. Plan with Plenty of Time

Since Ueda City has many attractions, an itinerary of at least 1 night and 2 days is recommended.

1. Enjoy Local Culture

In addition to sacred site pilgrimage, enjoy Shinshu’s food, hot springs, and history.

1. Follow Etiquette

Be mindful of local residents and engage in respectful behavior.

1. Choose Your Season Carefully

While summer, the same season as the film, is nice, spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage are also recommended.

1. Share on Social Media

Share your experience on social media to enjoy interaction with other fans (but be careful about personal information).

Spend a special time immersed in the world of Summer Wars in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, which served as the film’s stage. It will surely become an unforgettable memory.

Ueda City is not only the stage for the film but also a city with diverse charm including history connected to the Sanada clan, beautiful nature, and hot springs. We hope that through sacred site pilgrimage, you discover the deep appeal of this region.

Thank you, and have a wonderful trip!