A Little Kyoto in the Snowy Region
Situated in the far north of Nagano Prefecture, Iiyama city is Japan's eternal home town, where nostalgic scenery depicted in songs can still be found. A master of Japanese literature, Toson Shimazaki called it as “A Little Kyoto in the Snowy Region” as many Buddhist temples are scattered around the city. Amidst the region's rich natural landscape, a unique history and culture, sense of tradition, and kindness has flourished. With elegant streets lined with temples, deep forests and highlands, and specialty produce each season, the area is full of charming attractions.
Shinshu Iiyama is known as “Little Kyoto” for its many temples and shrines, which visitors can enjoy while walking around the city. Iiyama City also has some of the heaviest snowfall in the world. The city offers a way of life and natural scenery available only in snow country, including the giant beech trees of Mt. Nabekura and the Chikumagawa (also known as the Shinanogawa), Japan’s longest river. This gorgeous natural landscape represents Japan’s “original hometown scenery,” which fascinates visitors. Many other historical attractions are connected by a nice walking path. The serene Chikuma River, seasonal flowers and plants, and Iiyama’s historical artifacts all welcome visitors.
Clear water from melted snow and a climate with four distinct seasons enrich the Iiyama landscape throughout the year. Agricultural products like Iiyama rice, mushrooms and green asparagus are also valued throughout Japan for their high quality. Visitors can also try sasazushi (sushi on a leaf), eaten by the troops of Kenshin Uesugi (Warring States period warlord) during battle, and Tomikura soba, known as “rare soba” for its use of leaves from the Japanese oyamabokchi plant.
Shinshu Iiyama is known as “Little Kyoto” for its many temples and shrines, which visitors can enjoy while walking around the city. Iiyama City also has some of the heaviest snowfall in the world. The city offers a way of life and natural scenery available only in snow country, including the giant beech trees of Mt. Nabekura and the Chikumagawa (also known as the Shinanogawa), Japan’s longest river. This gorgeous natural landscape represents Japan’s “original hometown scenery,” which fascinates visitors. Many other historical attractions are connected by a nice walking path. The serene Chikuma River, seasonal flowers and plants, and Iiyama’s historical artifacts all welcome visitors.
Clear water from melted snow and a climate with four distinct seasons enrich the Iiyama landscape throughout the year. Agricultural products like Iiyama rice, mushrooms and green asparagus are also valued throughout Japan for their high quality. Visitors can also try sasazushi (sushi on a leaf), eaten by the troops of Kenshin Uesugi (Warring States period warlord) during battle, and Tomikura soba, known as “rare soba” for its use of leaves from the Japanese oyamabokchi plant.
