This video takes viewers on a detailed walking tour of Ueda City, beginning at Ueda Station (上田駅) in Nagano Prefecture. The creator chooses Ueda as a stopover while traveling toward the Noto Peninsula, providing valuable insights into the ambiance and historical elements of this often-overlooked city. Filmed on a quiet Sunday night, the streets surrounding the station are relatively empty, which allows for an uninterrupted look at the cityscape.

A unique highlight of Ueda is the omnipresent Sanada clan’s crest, the “Rokumonsen” (六文銭), symbolizing six coins. This crest is found throughout the city—including prominently displayed on the station building itself—reminding visitors of Ueda’s historical ties to the famous Sanada samurai family. The walk begins from the Oshiroguchi (Castle Exit) of Ueda Station and proceeds up Tenjin Street, a gently sloping road leading deeper into the city.

The host navigates into an old-fashioned entertainment district that still preserves its strong Showa-era (1926–1989) heritage. Unlike many similar neighborhoods across Japan that have vanished or have been modernized, this entertainment area in Ueda continues to thrive with traditional establishments. The area is characterized by a maze-like network of narrow lanes, retro signage, and the enduring charm of classic izakayas, bars, and eateries.

Ueda (上田市) is not only a historic waypoint within Nagano Prefecture but also a destination full of uniquely Japanese nostalgia. Ueda Station serves as a convenient launch point for exploring the city, and the surrounding district offers an atmospheric look at the Japan of decades past. For visitors intrigued by Japanese history, architecture, or the evocative mood of the Showa period, Ueda’s entertainment quarter is a memorable stop along any Japan itinerary.