The Battles of Kawanakajima
The Legendary Encounter Between Two Great Warlords
The name Kawanakajima is closely associated with a series of conflicts fought between the forces of Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin during the Sengoku period. The most famous was the Fourth Battle of Kawanakajima, also known as the Battle of Hachimanbara, fought in 1561.
The area around the present-day park is traditionally identified as the location where the Takeda forces established their main camp during this battle.
According to one of Japan’s most famous Sengoku-era legends, Uesugi Kenshin descended from Mount Saijo, crossed the Chikuma River, and launched a surprise attack on the Takeda army. Kenshin is said to have personally ridden into the Takeda camp and attacked Takeda Shingen with his sword.
The dramatic image of the two warlords facing each other has been passed down through generations and has become one of the most famous stories associated with Japan’s Sengoku history.
Where Did the Actual Battle Take Place?
The Battlefield Was Larger Than the Present Park
Although the present-day park is traditionally associated with the Battle of Hachimanbara, the main area where the two armies are believed to have engaged in intense fighting was approximately 2 to 3 kilometers west of the park.
The area around what is now Minami-Nagano Sports Park, home to the Olympic Memorial Stadium, is traditionally associated with the main fighting. Takeda commander Yamamoto Kansuke is said to have died in the battle, and his grave is located across the Chikuma River.
A place-name meaning “battlefield” also remains in the surrounding area, providing another reminder of the historical significance of this region.
Highlights of the Park
Hachiman Shrine and the Mounds
Within the park stands Hachiman Shrine, where the Takeda forces are traditionally said to have gathered after the battle to assess the outcome and celebrate their victory.
The grounds also contain two mounds traditionally believed to have been used for burying the heads of enemy warriors killed during the battle. Another burial mound, known as Ipponsugi no Tsukayama, lies outside the park among the apple orchards to the west.
The Shingen and Kenshin Statue
One of the park’s most recognizable sights is a bronze statue depicting the legendary encounter between Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen.
The park also contains a stone monument commemorating the famous story of the “Three Sword Strikes and Seven Sword Strikes”. Originally located across the pond in front of the museum, the monument was later moved to the grounds of Hachiman Shrine.
A Green Space for the Local Community
History and Recreation in One Park
The park was developed on a large area that was once farmland. Today, lawns, trees, ponds, landscaped hills, gazebos, and an outdoor stage create a welcoming environment for both visitors and local residents.
A bronze statue of Sakuma Zozan, the famous late-Edo scholar and reformer from Matsushiro, can also be found within the park.
Because the site combines historical monuments with open green spaces, it can be enjoyed by families, history enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a relaxing stop between visits to Nagano’s major attractions.
Nagano City Museum
Discover More About the Region’s History and Nature
The Nagano City Museum opened within the park on September 23, 1981. Its exhibitions introduce the history, culture, natural environment, and development of the Nagano region.
Combining a visit to the museum with a walk around the battlefield park provides a deeper understanding of the landscape and historical events associated with Kawanakajima.
Autumn Festivals and Fireworks
A Lively Seasonal Event
In early October, a local festival is held on a Saturday, bringing together residents and visitors for a lively celebration.
Food stalls and other vendors line the area, while a fireworks display is held in the evening. The event attracts many visitors and offers a lively contrast to the quiet historical atmosphere of the battlefield during the rest of the year.
Easy Access from Nagano
Conveniently Located Along a Major Tourist Route
Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Park is located along a major road connecting Nagano Interchange and Zenkoji Temple. It is also served by bus routes linking major sightseeing areas in Nagano City, making the park relatively easy to visit without a car.
By Bus
From Nagano Station, served by JR and Nagano Electric Railway, take Alpico Kotsu Bus Route 30 and get off at the Kawanakajima Battlefield bus stop.
The park can also be reached from Matsushiro Station using the same bus network.
Visitors arriving from Tokyo can also take the highway bus service between Shinjuku and Nagano and get off at the Kawanakajima Battlefield bus stop.
By Car
The park is approximately 3 minutes by car from the Nagano Interchange on the Joshin-etsu Expressway, making it particularly convenient for travelers exploring Nagano by car.
Historic Sites Around Kawanakajima
Explore the Battlefield Beyond the Park
The wider Kawanakajima area contains numerous places connected with the battles and the people who fought there.
Taikyoji Temple: Associated with the grave of Takeda Nobushige, Shingen’s younger brother and one of the most important commanders of the Takeda army.
Grave of Yamamoto Kansuke: Traditionally associated with the famous Takeda strategist who is said to have died during the Fourth Battle of Kawanakajima.
Grave of Morozumi Bungo-no-kami: A historic memorial associated with a Takeda commander.
Grave of Kuwayama Shigemi: Another site connected with the people involved in the Kawanakajima campaigns.
Juodo Hall: A historic religious site in the battlefield area.
Dōai Bridge: One of the places associated with the historical landscape surrounding Kawanakajima.
Ipponsugi no Tsukayama: A traditional burial mound located among the apple orchards west of the park.
Chikuma River: The river played an important geographical role in the movements of both armies during the Kawanakajima campaigns.
Experience the History of Kawanakajima
Kawanakajima Battlefield Historic Park is more than a monument to an ancient battle. It is a place where history, local culture, nature, and everyday life come together.
The legendary confrontation between Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin has made Kawanakajima one of the best-known places associated with Japan’s Sengoku period. At the same time, the landscaped park, museum, seasonal events, and surrounding historic sites make it an accessible destination for modern travelers.
For visitors exploring Nagano, a walk through the park offers a chance to stand in a landscape shaped by one of the most famous conflicts in Japanese history and to discover the stories of the warriors, communities, and traditions that remain connected to Kawanakajima today.