Sasado Castle Ruins: Explore the Hidden Charm of Shinano's Mountain Castle

A Fortress at the Mountain Summit, Breathing History

The Sasado Castle Ruins stand between the mountains of Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture. Built by the Muraga clan of Shinano, this mountain castle still retains remnants of its former majesty. Situated at the summit at an altitude of 693 meters, the castle ruins invite visitors into the Sengoku period of medieval Japan.

Delving into the Castle’s Ingenious Design

The key feature of Sasado Castle is its high defensibility. The stone walls surrounding the main enclosure, the multiple layers of moats, and the cleverly arranged sections of the castle. These elements create a compact yet strong fortress. Especially noteworthy is the triple moat behind the main enclosure, which showcases the lord’s unwavering determination towards defense.

A Climb Steeped in Historical Romance

Access to the castle ruins is from the Muraga Minakami Shrine or Muraga Hot Spring “Sasara-no-Yu” at the foot of the mountain. A 20-minute climb marked by the Sanada family's banner leads to the summit. Though there are steep slopes along the way, ropes are installed to support hikers.

A Stage of Emotional Intertwinement of Stunning Views and History

Standing at the main enclosure, you are greeted with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. The buried stone structures and terraced remains along the ridgeline create a distinctive