Since the Sanada Clan’s forces at Ueda Castle twice repelled the might of the Tokugawa Clan’s army in the Warring States Period (late 16th century), the castle is sometimes known as furakujo, which literally means “castle that never fails.”
In this spirit, students who will take a high school or university entrance examination often come here to pray for some extra luck and a good result.
The shrine is also well known as a great spot for photos.
There is also the legendary “Sanada Well” at the back of the precincts.