Iida

Iida is a commercial center in southern Nagano Prefecture and spreads across a valley area with fruit orchards and industrial zones. The settlement sits surrounded by forested hills and distributes residential neighborhoods, parks and shopping streets across the plain along a river.

The settlement grew from a castle town during the Edo period and officially received city status in 1937. A large fire in 1947 destroyed much of the built area and led to reconstruction with wider streets and new structures.

The annual puppetry festival draws theater groups from across the country and continues a performance tradition that started in 1979. The multi-week event turns public squares and small stages into venues with rotating performances and workshops for young and old alike.

Connection to larger cities is via the Chuo Expressway and the JR Tokai Iida Line, with regional trains running multiple times daily. Buses link the different districts to each other and bring passengers to shopping centers and administrative buildings downtown.

Local artisans preserve the tradition of mizuhiki and craft decorative knots from twisted paper cords for ceremonial gift wrapping. The fine cords come in many colors and are shaped into geometric patterns or stylized figures that express good fortune and respect.