Iiyama, Mountain city in northern Nagano, Japan
Iiyama is a mountain city in northern Nagano Prefecture that spreads across hilly terrain cut through by the Chikuma River. Dense forests blanket the surrounding slopes and shape the overall character of the landscape.
The area served as a feudal domain centered on Iiyama Castle during the Edo period before evolving over centuries. The city took its current form in the 1950s following municipal mergers in the postwar era.
Buddhist Altar Street showcases traditional woodworking through specialized shops where craftspeople create religious furniture by hand using methods passed down for generations. Walking through this area, you see skilled artisans at work and notice the distinctive carved details that distinguish these pieces from mass-produced items.
The Hokuriku Shinkansen provides fast connections to larger cities and makes it easy to arrive and depart. Electric bikes available at the station help you explore local attractions at your own pace and reach nearby areas without hassle.
Each February the town hosts the Kamakura Snow Hut Festival, where snow domes are lit up to create a magical winter scene. Inside these temporary structures, visitors can eat hot pot dishes while surrounded by snow and glowing light.
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