Kakuma Gorge : 角間渓谷
Mythical Ninja Training Ground – the Sarutobi Boulders
Eastern Nagano
Description
According to legend, the famous lord of Ueda Castle, Sanada Yukimura, had a group of trusted ninja bodyguards known as the Ten Braves. Chief among them was Sarutobi Sasuke, with ‘saru’ meaning monkey, and ‘tobi’ to jump or leap. In the hills above eastern Ueda is the rugged Kakuma Gorge, home to a hot spring inn and a temple carved into the base of a cliff, as well as a myriad of mythical places such as the Ogre Fortress and the Sarutobi Boulders. The latter is said to be where the famed ninja Sarutobi Sasuke trained to perfect his acrobatic climbing and leaping skills.\r\nAcross the Kakuma River from the Iwayakan (onsen ryokan) base, a steep set of stone stairs climbs to the Iwaya Kannon, a temple astoundingly carved into the solid rock at the base of an imposing cliff. From there, a path follows a precipitous ridge to a pair of massive boulders separated by a narrow gap. A sign proudly proclaims this to be where Sarutobi Sasuke, one of the Sanada 10 Braves, worked to acquire his ninja techniques. One can imagine Sarutobi defying gravity by bracing his arms and legs against the boulders to climb up the crevice, sort of like ninja parkour.
Details
Access / Location
- By Train
- From Ueda Station(JR Hokuriku(Nagano) Shinkansen), take the Sanada Line Bus to Sanada Bus Stop, then 3.4 km walk. Or by taxi, approximately 30 minutes.
- By Car
- From Ueda Sugadaira IC, 20 minutes via Route 144
- Address
- Sanadamachi Osa, Ueda 386-2201
Nearby Attractions
Sightseeing Spots
- Yamaga Shrine : Important Junction for the Sanada Ninja
- Nonou Graveyard : The Final Resting Ground of the Lady Ninjas
- Unno-juku Post Town : Post Town with Distinctive Architecture and Beautiful Streetscape
- Yanagi-Machi Post Town : The Past Meets the Present in Ueda City’s Historical Post Town
- Ikenami Shotaro Sanada Taiheiki Museum Ninnindo : Sanada ninja’s mission and duty are introduced in a fun picture-story show.
Accommodation
- Sugadaira Kogen Onsen Hotel : Sport (Ski, Rugby) and Relaxation Onsen Resort.
- Takamine Onsen "Lamp Inn" : Romantic “Oil Lamp”-themed inn located at 2000 m featuring a panoramic “Above-the-Clouds” Bath.
- Mountainside Tokiwakan in Komoro : Ride a Cable Car to an Above-The-Clouds Outdoor Onsen Bath.
- Nakadanasou in Komoro : Old-fashioned Inn, Favorite of Shimazaki Toson. A Quiet Retreat for Adults.
- Guesthouse Kura : International Guesthouse in a Renovated Historical House in "Storehouse Town" Suzaka.
Restaurants
- Kokuzo : Natural Yeast Artisan Bread Shop in a 150-Year Old Farmhouse.
- Cafe Levian Table & Tatami-Cafe Eboshi : Artisan Bakery in a Sake Warehouse.
- Teisyaba Garden : Tea Time in a Community Flower Garden.
- Soba Agare-ya : Stone-milled Soba Eaten Around a Hearth.
- Cafe Waraku : Pasta & Pancakes in a 'Kura' Storehouse.
Activities
- Onsen-by-Cable-Car : Ride a Cable Car up to Tokiwakan’s Panorama Onsen Baths.
- Volunteer Guide Tours in Ueda : Have a Volunteer English Guide Show You Ueda's Castle Town!
- Silk Weaving Experience (Ueda Tsumugi) : Sit at a 100-Year Old Loom and Make Your Own Ueda Silk Weaving.
- Zazen Meditation -- With a German Priestess at Horakuan : Practice Zazen Meditation with Guidance in English or German in Suzaka.
- Edo Bento & Gardens at the Tanaka Residence : Eat as a Wealthy Edo-Era Merchant Did with Tanaka House’s Re-Created Edo Bento.
