Ueno Castle

The Ueno Castle is one of the many castles which have been reconstructed in Japan in the twentieth century. The castle was originally built by Takatora Todo who was a renowned commander belonging to the warring States period. The castle was destroyed with time but certain portions of the castle like the inner moat and stone walls have been reconstructed in 1935.

The good thing about the reconstruction is that wood has been used instead of concrete thus lending an authentic feel to the whole structure.
The castle has loads of weapons and artefacts belonging to Todo the commander who had built the castle in the first place. Several color ceiling pictures to the tune of about 46 by several artists including Daikan Yokoyama are present in the castle which is famous for its inner moat and rock wall.

How to reach there and when to go

The castle is located in Ueno Park and is a short distance away from the Ueno Shi station; the castle is open all round the year for general public except during the fag end of the year December 29-31.

Other attractions

Iga no Sato Moku Moku Tezukuri Farm is a place where you can be at peace with nature and enjoy the various agro based products like ham, sausage, local beers, pasta, baked pastries, Japanese sweets and bread. On the other hand Notun Moku Moku Onsen lets you be at the cradle of nature by letting you enjoy the hot springs or take a dip in the semi hidden bath and simultaneously viewing the Iga Mountains.

If you are interested in some action and adventure then you can check out the Ninja Museum of Iga Ryu which though looks like a normal thatched house has lot of surprises thrown into it. The best part of the museum is that you will be guided by a female ninja who explains the place in detail.

Places to stay around Ueno castle

The best place to stay while visiting the Ueno castle is the Ueno Frex hotel which has a number of banquet halls and a variety of restaurants where you can satisfy your gastronomical demands. The hotel provides a parking space of about 200 vehicles so that you can easily park your vehicle and gets that well deserved break from your sight seeing.