Iiyama is situated in the far north of Nagano prefecture. Iiyama city represents Japan’s typical hometown because of its nostalgic scenery depicted in songs like “Furusato” and “Oborozukiyo”. The city is characterized by the region’s rich natural landscape, a unique history and culture, a sense of tradition and the feeling of kindness. With elegant streets lined with temples, deep forests and highlands, the area is full of charming attractions. The new Iiyama station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Bullet Train) line connecting Nagano city and Kanazawa city opened in the spring of 2015. This means that Iiyama is now easily and efficiently accessible from anywhere in Japan. We hope to see you in Iiyama.

Iiyama is a village of green rice paddies and snow huts. With clear spring water and vast expanses of cultivated fields, this area offers an opportunity to experience Japan’s simple rural life. The symbol of Shinanodaira, Mt. Kuroiwa is home to both the Gifu butterfly and the rare Hime-gifu butterfly. The mountain has been designated as the nationally protected habitat, and appeared in Meiji-era writer and poet Toson Shimazaki’s “Sketch of the Chikuma River.” With thousands of dogtooth violet flowers blooming in the spring and the endless fields of snow interrupted only by snow huts in winter, Shinanodaira is a great place to experience the full variety of seasonal change.