Iiyama Winter Wonderland
Enjoy a family vacation or workcation off the beaten path
Nagano is well known as a destination for winter fun, thanks to its role as host of the 1998 Winter Olympics. As a result of that global prominence, a high number of visitors chart course for the beautiful, snowy landscape where those Winter Games were held. The area is home to many excellent ski resorts, such as Nozawa Onsen and Ikurao Kogen—conveniently located near Iiyama Station—where you can enjoy powder just two hours from Tokyo.
Madarao Mountain Resort
Snowy fun for the whole family awaits at the largest of Iiyama’s resorts. At an altitude of 1,350 meters—just shy of the 1,382-meter peak of Mount Madarao—this resort boasts 29 courses accessible via 16 lifts. The Madarao Mountain Hotel, with its Japanese and Western-style accommodations, is a great base from which to venture into the snow. Ski lessons with English-speaking instructors, backcountry tours, and a play area with a wide sledding run where can frolic in the snow kids provide something for all skill levels. And for those looking to escape the city but still get remote work done in a relaxing and inspiring atmosphere, the Madarao Mountain Resort is a great choice for a workcation.
Togari Onsen Snow Resort
Nestled in the Sekita mountain range bordering Nagano and Niigata Prefectures, Togari Onsen Snow Resort is smaller and has fewer runs but offers something unique: Japan’s only snowbike park. If plunging down the slopes on a fat-tired mountain bike sounds like just the sort of exhilarating experience you need after so many months at home, this is the destination for you. Three distinct slopes, reserved exclusively for cyclists, offer options for riders of all abilities. There’s a simple slalom skills course with limited moguls, a technical course with narrow trails and groves, and an 800-meter downhill slope. For kids, there is also Snow Strider Park, where those not ready for a snowbike can ride a strider, a bicycle without pedals designed for children.
Nabekura Kogen Heights Mori-no-Ie
Away from the slopes you’ll find another enchanting experience on the Madarao Plateau, in Iiyama City. A collection of cottages nestled in the beautiful beech forest are available for rent and can accommodate groups of five to seven. With fully equipped kitchens, wood-burning stoves or space heaters, and Japanese and Western-style lodging, these cottages are ideal for a tranquil and safe getaway that puts you back in touch with nature. Snowshoe through the beautiful forest and along streams, or take a night hike in the snow and enjoy the moonlight and starry skies. Numerous pensions can also be found around Madarao. With private rooms and shared dining and bath facilities, most are family run and offer great hospitality and home-cooked meals.
Iiyama Kamakura Village
Another ethereal experience to be had is evening dining in a kamakura, a traditional domed hut made of snow. Each winter, from late January to late February, 20 of these huts are built to form the makeshift Iiyama Kamakura Village. Originally a place to worship the gods, the kamakura is today used as a place to savor nabe (hot pot), a Japanese dish of local vegetables, mushrooms, and pork that will warm you up as you relax in the snowy paradise.
During the day, you can enjoy activities such as sledding and riding a snowmobile.
Book Your Trip
Ready for a winter experience you won’t soon forget? Whether for a family vacation or a productive workcation, Iiyama Tabi-Tabi plans make arranging your trip simple. Several one- and two-night itineraries are available that include the activities described here. Just book your choice and let our friendly staff handle the rest. All you have to do is relax and enjoy a winter holiday.
Access
Take the Hakutaka on the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Iiyama Station. The journey takes about 110 minutes and costs about ¥8,250.
