city, Nagano ken (prefecture), Honshu, Japan. It lies along the Chikuma River. Ueda was a castle town during the Tokugawa period (1603–1867) and later became a centre of silk manufacturing and the site of the Sericultural Professional School. The city's silk industry declined during the mid-20th century, and synthetic textiles, processed foods, and electrical appliances are now produced. Served by a railway and highway, Ueda is a gateway to such tourist areas as the hot springs of Bessho and the skiing resort of Sugadaira. The castle remains contain a museum, and Ueda houses the Buddhist Shinano-Kokubun Shrine. Pop. (2005) 163,651.