Koh-Shin-Etsu
a region between Kanto and Tokai
In Koh-Shin-Etsu Region, consisting of three prefectures - Niigata, Nagano and Yamanashi, there are beautiful castles, famous temples and some places where visitors could enjoy Hanami ( Sakura Viewing ).
In Sengoku Jidai, the Age of Warring States ( the late 15th century - the end of the 16th century ), there were several famous Sengoku Daimyos ( warring lords ) such as Shingen Takeda, Kenshin Uesugi, Masayuki Sanada and so on. In the region, there remain places related to the Sengoku Daimyos. ( ==> A History of Japan vol.2 Samurai Age )
Matsumoto
Matsumoto City, the second largest city in Nagano Prefecture, is located in the center of Koh-Shin-Etsu region. More than anything, visitors are to enjoy the view of Matsumoto-jo ( right ), one of the most beautiful castles and one of the castles designated National Tresures of Japan.
The city is surrounded by mountains, a few of which are higher than 3,000m. Visitors would enjoy a wonderful mountain view. The former Kaichi School, built in A.D.1876, is beautiful. Also Nakamachi Street is famous for Kura ( traditional warehouses ), some of which are open to the public. Shops along the street offer traditional Japanese handicrafts.
Ueda
Ueda City, located in the north of Nagano Prefecture, used be a castle city, which developed surrounding Ueda-jo castle built by Masayuki Sanada, a famous and popular warring lord in the 16th century. While Ueda-jo castle is popular among the tourists, its site is so beautiful as right in the season of Hanami ( Sakura viewing ).
Near the castle, there is Yanagimachi Street, along which there are traditional buildings and old shops. So the street offers historic landscape while the shops offer souvenirs. Yanagimachi Street was a part of Hokkoku Kaido, which connected the Sea of Japan and Edo ( now Tokyo ) during Tokugawa Period.
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Ueda
Kofu and Koshu
In Kofu City and Koshu City, there are many sites related to Shingen Takeda, who is often said to be the strongest among many Sengoku Daimyo ( Warring Lords ) during Sengoku Jidai ( Age of Warring States ). Among such sites, there are some temples which are so popular in the season of Hanami ( Sakura Viewing ) such as Erin-ji Temple ( right ).
Nagano and Zenko-ji Temple
Nagano, the capital city of Nagano Prefecture, is located in the north of Koh-Shin-Etsu region. Now its population is more than 360 thousands. Nagano had developed as a temple town since Zenko-ji Temple was relocated to its present site in A.D.642. Now Zenko-ji ( right ) is one of the most famous and most popular temples in Japan. The Main Hall of the temple is one of the designated National Treasures of Japan.
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