Summer Wars
Mamoru Hosoda's film (2009): Kenji, a shy math whiz, accompanies Natsuki to her family's large house in Ueda (Nagano) just as an attack on the virtual world OZ endangers the planet. The sprawling Jinnouchi family is inspired by the Sanada clan, and the historic city of Ueda —the director's wife's hometown— is faithfully portrayed.
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Ueda Castle Ruins Parkthe Jinnouchi gate
location
The Sanada clan's castle, whose Higashi-Koguchi Yagura gate inspired the imposing entrance to the Jinnouchi residence that greets visitors in the film.
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Ueda Stationarriving in Ueda
location
The station where Kenji and Natsuki arrive in the city at the start of their summer. The starting point of the trip to the family house.
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Bessho Onsen Station (Bessho Line)the round-window train
location
Terminus of the Ueda Railway's Bessho Line, whose distinctive round-window "Marumado" trains appear on the protagonists' journey to the family house.
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Bessho Onsenthe hot-spring town
location
The historic hot-spring town on the outskirts of Ueda embodies the quiet rural Nagano summer the film breathes. A fitting end to the pilgrimage.
Source & evidence
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