Tourist Attractions in Iiyama City! 10 Selections Showcasing the Charm of Japan’s Traditional Scenery

Iiyama City is located in the northernmost part of Nagano Prefecture and has a population of about 20,000. It is the least populated city in Nagano Prefecture and is situated in one of Japan’s most renowned heavy snowfall areas, making it well-known for winter sports. Additionally, Iiyama is one of the cities that symbolize Japan's traditional scenery. With its beautiful flowers, rice fields, rivers, and other scenic landscapes, Iiyama is filled with attractions that captivate visitors.
With the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, access from the Tokyo metropolitan area to Iiyama has greatly improved. When you visit Iiyama City, which has now become more accessible, you will surely be greeted by breathtaking scenery and experiences that will refresh your heart. In this article, we will introduce the tourist attractions of Iiyama City, Nagano Prefecture.

1. Iiyama Station Tourist Exchange Center

Iiyama Station, which serves both the Hokuriku Shinkansen and the JR Iiyama Line, is home to the Iiyama Station Tourist Exchange Center. If you're visiting Iiyama, your first stop should be the Iiyama Station Tourist Exchange Center.
At the Shin’etsu Shizenkyo Iiyama Station Tourist Information Center, you can find information about accommodations such as hotels and hot springs, festivals, major tourist attractions, and recommended sightseeing routes in Iiyama City and nine surrounding municipalities. Since this region is surrounded by beautiful nature, the best sightseeing spots may change depending on the weather and season. By visiting this tourist information center, you can get up-to-date details that will help you make the most of your trip to Iiyama.
The "Panorama Terrace", where you can enjoy coffee and local craft beer, is also highly recommended. Additionally, the Shin’etsu Shizenkyo Activity Center, which provides information on outdoor activities, offers rental bicycles, including E-BIKES and mountain bikes.

2. Roadside Station "Hana-no-Eki Chikumagawa"

A must-visit spot when sightseeing in Iiyama is Roadside Station "Hana-no-Eki Chikumagawa". Here, you can find tourist information and highlights about Iiyama and its surroundings. The best way to get local information is by checking directly at the location, and this roadside station is the perfect place to stay updated on events and activities.
Another highlight of this roadside station is the opportunity to buy Iiyama’s specialty products and agricultural goods at very reasonable prices. The direct sales shop offers freshly harvested vegetables and fruits, allowing you to enjoy the natural flavors and nutritional richness of Iiyama’s produce. Because of its popularity among both locals and visitors, we recommend arriving early if you want to purchase fresh goods.
Additionally, the souvenir shop offers a variety of Iiyama-exclusive gifts, including special perfumes and dried flowers made from Iiyama's beautiful wildflowers—perfect souvenirs to remember your trip. If you get hungry, the restaurant serves delicious dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients from Iiyama.
This roadside station is filled with exciting discoveries and is a must-visit attraction in Iiyama.

3. Iiyama Castle Ruins Park

Iiyama Castle Ruins Park is a historical landmark located in the center of Iiyama City. It is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, and in spring, the park is covered with beautiful cherry blossoms during the "Iiyama Castle Ruins Cherry Blossom Festival".
Historically, Iiyama was the site of fierce battles between the famous warlords Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin during the Battle of Kawanakajima. Uesugi Kenshin, who ruled Echigo (modern-day Niigata Prefecture), built Iiyama Castle as a strategic base to counter Takeda Shingen's expansion from Kai Province (modern-day Yamanashi Prefecture). This castle became the center of intense conflicts between the Takeda and Uesugi forces. Thanks to its strong defenses, including moats and stone walls, Iiyama Castle successfully resisted the Takeda army’s assaults for over ten years.

As time passed, the castle changed hands multiple times, and unfortunately, most of its structures were destroyed during the chaos at the end of the Edo period. However, the moats and stone walls still remain, preserving the atmosphere of the samurai era. If you're visiting Iiyama, this is a must-see historical site.

4. Fukushima Tanada no Sato and Amida Hall

About 6 km northeast of central Iiyama City, in the Fukushima district, lies a vast expanse of terraced rice fields known as "Fukushima Tanada no Sato." Rice cultivation requires clean flowing water, and here, the pure water of Nagano produces delicious rice.
The terraced fields in Fukushima have a gentle slope, with each tier carefully maintained with stone walls, preserving the traditional rural landscape of Japan.

Overlooking these stunning rice terraces stands the Amida Hall. Though it appears to be an ancient structure, this hall was actually built as a movie set. Positioned against the breathtaking backdrop of the rice terraces, the modest Amida Hall exudes a quiet charm.
While the hall offers a picturesque view in every season, spring is the most enchanting time to visit, when rapeseed flowers bloom in abundance. With the snow-capped Myoko Mountains in the background, the vivid yellow flowers create a breathtaking scene, evoking a sense of joy and appreciation for life itself. A hidden gem of Iiyama, this spot is highly recommended for visitors.

5. Iiyama Nanohana Festival

The Iiyama Nanohana Festival is a springtime event where visitors can admire the breathtaking rapeseed flowers while enjoying various activities. Held annually over three days during Japan’s Golden Week in May, the festival features a rice cake pounding event, an orienteering quiz, a music festival celebrating traditional songs, and performances of taiko drumming and dance.
The vast fields of bright yellow rapeseed flowers are so stunning that visitors are left speechless.
Scenes like this were once common in Japan. Looking at the rapeseed fields while reminiscing about the landscapes familiar to past generations might give you a new perspective on their beauty.

6. JR Iiyama Line

The JR Iiyama Line is a local railway connecting Nagano City in Nagano Prefecture to Nagaoka City in Niigata Prefecture, spanning approximately 100 km. Running mostly through mountainous terrain, it serves as an essential mode of transportation for local residents commuting for work and school.
The true charm of the JR Iiyama Line lies in its scenic views. The railway runs alongside the Chikuma River, the longest river in Japan, offering picturesque rural landscapes.

The winter scenery is particularly breathtaking. The northern Nagano and Niigata regions, through which the line runs, are among Japan’s heaviest snowfall areas. As the train moves through the softly falling snow, the atmosphere becomes increasingly nostalgic at dusk. The next morning, under clear blue skies, the train traverses a pristine white snowfield, creating an otherworldly scene.
In single-car sections, the endless railway tracks stretching ahead and behind create a mesmerizing sight. Even non-train enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by the changing landscapes outside the train windows. A ride on the JR Iiyama Line is a must for visitors to Iiyama.

7. Madarao Kogen Ski Resort

Madarao Kogen Ski Resort is a snow resort located about 30 minutes by shuttle bus from JR Iiyama Station. Situated on the border of Nagano and Niigata Prefectures, this area is one of Japan’s top heavy snowfall regions, offering plenty of snow and powder conditions for skiers and snowboarders. The resort has more than 30 courses and over 10 lifts, catering to all levels—from family-friendly slopes for toddlers to advanced runs for experienced skiers.
For beginners who are new to snowboarding, the “Beginner’s Border Course” is highly recommended. The resort even offers free beginner lessons from instructors. In addition, there are expert-only courses, adventure courses for families, and a variety of trails to keep visitors entertained.
There are also dedicated courses for kids, including exclusive ski and snowboard areas, as well as a snow play area. An indoor playroom is available, ensuring children have a great time.
With the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Iiyama, access from Tokyo and Osaka has become much more convenient. This is a must-visit destination for winter tourism in Iiyama.

8. Mayumi Takahashi Doll Museum

If you’re looking for something heartwarming, why not visit the Mayumi Takahashi Doll Museum? This museum is located about a 20-minute walk from Iiyama Station.
Mayumi Takahashi is a doll artist living in Iiyama, known for her unique handmade dolls that exude warmth and nostalgia. Many visitors find themselves saying, “This doll looks just like my grandma!”
Opened in 2010, the museum has become a popular tourist attraction. Iiyama’s rural charm blends perfectly with the heartwarming expressions of Takahashi’s dolls. These dolls remind us of the simple and human aspects of life that we sometimes forget in our modern world.
Each exhibit in the museum tells a story—whether it’s a doll enjoying a drink, an elderly couple having a conversation, or people commuting to work or school. Observing these dolls with a bit of imagination can make you feel as if you’re part of their world.
There’s also a souvenir shop where you can take home a special doll as a keepsake. This is a must-visit spot when touring Iiyama.

9. Kamakura Village Restaurant

Iiyama is famous for its heavy snowfall, and the “Kamakura Village Restaurant” takes full advantage of this winter wonderland. Here, visitors can enjoy a traditional hot pot meal inside an igloo (kamakura), making for a truly unique and delicious experience.
The featured dish is Noroshi Nabe, a traditional hot pot dish from Iiyama. It consists of locally sourced branded pork, mushrooms such as enoki and eryngii, and fresh vegetables like cabbage, all cooked in a rich miso-based broth. The name “Noroshi Nabe” comes from the beacon towers built on Kuroiwa Mountain by the famous warlord Kenshin Uesugi during battles in ancient times.
Eating a warm hot pot inside a kamakura is a rare and unforgettable experience. Not only is the food delicious, but the ambiance makes for an incredible memory. Children will love it too, making it an ideal family-friendly activity.
Reservations are required, so it’s best to plan and book in advance. There are also snack plans for a quick bite and accommodation plans that include lodging at a nearby ryokan along with skiing activities.

10. Abe Paper Mill

Iiyama is also known for its traditional papermaking. The origins of this craft trace back to the Edo period when papermaking techniques were brought from Mino Province (present-day Gifu Prefecture). For over 300 years, Iiyama has been renowned as a center of Japanese washi paper production. Abe Paper Mill is a great spot where tourists can experience the art of traditional papermaking.
At this workshop, you can try your hand at making washi paper and postcards. Beginners may find it challenging to create even, consistent sheets, but that's part of the charm—each piece is a unique, one-of-a-kind souvenir. You can even send a postcard made from your handmade washi to a loved one! Since you're visiting Iiyama, take the opportunity to challenge yourself with something new and create lasting memories.

◎ Summary of Iiyama's Tourist Attractions

We’ve introduced some of the best sightseeing spots in Iiyama, Nagano Prefecture. As a region on the border between Nagano and Niigata, it is one of Japan’s snowiest areas, often associated primarily with ski resorts. However, as we've seen, Iiyama’s charm extends far beyond winter sports.
With its nostalgic rural landscapes and heartwarming atmosphere, Iiyama is a place where visitors can truly relax. We encourage you to take your time and fully enjoy what the town has to offer. Encounters with the kind-hearted locals and the area's stunning scenery will surely refresh and inspire you. Be sure to visit Iiyama and create unforgettable memories!

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

Search

Customer Support

Manage Reservation(s)

Tourist Attractions in Iiyama City! 10 Selections Showcasing the Charm of Japan’s Traditional Scenery