Ueno Village - 上野村

Location Description:

With approximately 1500 people, Ueno is the smallest village in Gunma. It has been referred to as the most famous village in Japan because of a disastrous event. On August 12, 1985, Japan Airlines Flight 123 crashed in the mountains of Ueno, killing 520 people on board. Miraculously, four people survived. It remains the worst single-aircraft disaster in history. Osutaka-yama, the mountain where the accident took place, can be hiked. There are many shrines and a memorial at the top. The hike takes about 90 minutes.

Ueno Village is also known for its beautiful natural setting. There are a plethora of hiking courses ranging from family-oriented to difficult. The Kanna River runs through Ueno and is a popular spot among fishermen. There are a half dozen waterfalls, and a few good swimming holes along the river. A detailed hiking map (in Japanese) can be obtained at the michi no eki along the main road.

The Uenomura Sky Bridge and caves are also a popular place to visit on a beautiful day. The Sky Bridge is a foot bridge spanning between a beautiful valley near the Fujido Caves. The caves are worth checking out, but be sure to bring an extra layer...it can be chilly.

Location Directions:

by Train
There is no train station in Ueno Village. The nearest train station is in Shimonita, about a 45-minute drive away.

by Car
There are two options:

(1) Shimonita - Nanmoku - Ueno Route: A 3-kilometer long tunnel recently opened allowing relatively quick and easy access to the village. It's about a 90-minute drive from Takasaki.

(2) Fujioka - Kanna-machi - Ueno Route: This route snakes its way up the Kanna River along Route 462/299. It is a beautiful drive, especially around the Onishi Dam area. A huge reservoir of turquoise water begs for your attention as your car slingshots around sharp corners.

Description:
With approximately 1500 people, Ueno is the smallest village in Gunma. It has been referred to as the most famous village in Japan because of a disastrous event. On August 12, 1985, Japan Airlines Flight 123 crashed in the mountains of Ueno, killing 520 people on board. Miraculously, four people survived. It remains the worst single-aircraft disaster in history. Osutaka-yama, the mountain where the accident took place, can be hiked. There are many shrines and a memorial at the top. The hike takes about 90 minutes.
Ueno Village is also known for its beautiful natural setting. There are a plethora of hiking courses ranging from family-oriented to difficult. The Kanna River runs through Ueno and is a popular spot among fishermen. There are a half dozen waterfalls, and a few good swimming holes along the river. A detailed hiking map (in Japanese) can be obtained at the michi no eki along the main road.
The Uenomura Sky Bridge and caves are also a popular place to visit on a beautiful day. The Sky Bridge is a foot bridge spanning between a beautiful valley near the Fujido Caves. The caves are worth checking out, but be sure to bring an extra layer...it can be chilly.

Directions:
by Train
There is no train station in Ueno Village. The nearest train station is in Shimonita, about a 45-minute drive away.
by Car
There are two options:
(1) Shimonita - Nanmoku - Ueno Route: A 3-kilometer long tunnel recently opened allowing relatively quick and easy access to the village. It's about a 90-minute drive from Takasaki.
(2) Fujioka - Kanna-machi - Ueno Route: This route snakes its way up the Kanna River along Route 462/299. It is a beautiful drive, especially around the Onishi Dam area. A huge reservoir of turquoise water begs for your attention as your car slingshots around sharp corners.

Web Address(es) (1):
http://www.uenomura.ne.jp/

Location Web Address 1: