[For Elementary School Students] Nagano Prefecture Local Quiz! Three-Choice Questions to Enjoy Learning About History and Nature

Ueda Castle

This is the castle built by Sanada Masayuki, the father of Sanada Yukimura. It is known for having been defended by a small force even when Tokugawa’s large army attacked. For that reason, it became famous as the “strong Sanada castle.” Today it has been developed as a park, and in spring beautiful cherry blossoms bloom. As a place where you can feel history, it is an important landmark of Ueda City visited by many people.

fuji

Nagano Prefecture, with its cool climate and large temperature differences between day and night, is a place where sweet and delicious apples grow. Among them, the “Fuji” variety is produced in abundance. Fuji apples are characterized by a crisp texture and strong sweetness. Their bright red, beautiful color also makes them popular as gifts.

Yamamoto Kansuke

He was a figure who distinguished himself as Takeda Shingen’s military strategist, making major contributions to battlefield tactics and fortifications. In particular, he excelled at maneuvering troops and devising defensive measures, using his wisdom to gain the upper hand in war. A strategist like Kansuke played a crucial role among samurai, often determining victory or defeat. He is an indispensable figure when studying the history of Nagano Prefecture.

Crow Castle

Matsumoto Castle is a very magnificent castle with an exterior covered in black boards. Because its black appearance looks like a black crow, it is called “Karasu-jō,” or “Crow Castle.” Matsumoto Castle is characterized by its black, powerful presence. It is a very rare castle that remains much as it was in the past and has been designated a National Treasure. It is an important historical building that represents Nagano Prefecture.

A ritual of burning a giant wooden tower

Villagers join forces to build a large shrine hall out of wood and set it ablaze with torches. The flames soar high into the sky, making it a very hot and powerful festival. It is held to pray for children to grow up healthy and for families’ good health and safety. This is a valiant, traditional event conducted in the snow.

yam (Japanese mountain yam)

In the mountainous areas of Nagano Prefecture, the cool climate and clean water are put to use to cultivate plenty of yams. When peeled, yams have a sticky texture and have long been popular for their health benefits, to the point of being called “the grip of longevity.” Because they aid digestion and help build strength, they have been prized as a longevity food.