To this day the best fruit I have ever had was grown on Japanese soil. Ueda is home to some of the very best fruit farms and orchards on the planet. From apples to strawberries, to cherries and grapes, the variety and flavor offered in Nagano is unparalleled. Visiting these family-operated farms is a must for families, couples, and anyone who wants to sample Japanese agriculture at its finest. Don't forget to also grab some juice and jam for later!Chris <U.S.A>

Fruit Picking

Agricultural products made in fertile soil and cool weather are fresh, secure, and safe. Growing fruits is also active and you can pick grapes, apples, cherries, and strawberries during their harvest seasons.

Higashiyama Kanko Noen (Tourist Farm)

Fruit picking: Grapes - Sept thru Oct, Apples - Sept thru Nov, Strawberries - Jan thru June

Official Site (Japanese)

Access from Ueda Sta

  • 30 min by taxi, or 40 min on foot from Daigaku-mae Station on the Ueda Dentetsu Line

Silk Weaving – Watch and Try

Ueda used to be the center of silkworm culture industry in Japan. Even today, you can watch and try silk weaving, and buy silk souvenirs such as kimono, bags, and purses.

Koiwai Silk Studio

小岩井紬工房

Hours 9:00 - 17:00
Closed Irregular (Actual weaving can be observed from Tue. to Thu., 9:00 - 15:00)
Admission Free to observe (the vase mat weaving workshop is ¥2,500, and reservations are required for groups of over 10 people)
Official Site (Japanese)

Access from Ueda Sta

  • Get off at Nishi-Ueda Station, and 5 min on foot

Fujimoto Silk Weaving Workshop

藤本つむぎ工房

Hours 10:00 - 18:00
Closed Irregular
Admission Observation is free (up to 20 people, reservations required). Vase mat weaving workshops are available (up to 3 people per session, reservations required)

Access from Ueda Sta

  • 15 min on foot

Kimono Wearing

Traditional kimono rentals and a walk through Ueda’s castle town.

Yutakaya Kimono Rentals

ゆたかや

No outfit is better suited for strolling through Ueda’s castle town than a kimono. Choose your own kimono, obi, sandals, and other accessories, and feel the excellence, beauty, and comfort of Ueda silk. Our kimonos are one-size-fits-all. Clothing for men is also available.
* Must reserve by 5 pm the day before your visit.
* Please wear an undershirt with a wide, open collar. If you visit in winter, we recommend layering with warming garments such as Heattech, etc.
* Price: ¥4,000

Hours 10:00 - 18:00 (Please return kimonos between 10 am and 6 pm. If returned by 5 pm the next day: +¥500)
Closed July & August (instead, yukata rentals are offered for ¥3,780 in summer)

Access from Ueda Sta

  • 7 min on foot