A Perfect Day in the Snow: Iiyama City's Enchanting Snowscape
As winter wraps Iiyama City in its pristine white blanket, the whole valley transforms into a magical wonderland, offering a plethora of activities for snow seekers.
Update:2024/01/24
As winter wraps Iiyama City in its pristine white blanket, the whole valley transforms into a magical wonderland, offering a plethora of activities for snow seekers. From the adrenaline-pumping fatbike snow park Yukichari Snow Ride to the cozy snug of an igloo restaurant at Kamakura Village, and the exhilarating ski slopes of Togari Onsen and Madarao Kogen, Iiyama is a winter destination like no other.
Yukichari: As Easy as Riding a Fatbike!
For those seeking an adrenaline rush amidst the snow-clad landscape, Yukichari Snow Ride is the perfect destination. This snow bike park at Togari Onsen Snow Resort offers an exhilarating experience that anyone can try, day or night! Fatbikes, equipped with wide, sturdy tires designed for snowy terrain, provide a new way to explore the winter landscape.
Access
Yukichari Snow Ride is 25 minutes by car from Toyota-Iiyama Interchange, or 19 minutes by bus from JR Iiyama Station.
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・Experience the thrill of winter in a whole new way at Yukichari Snow Ride
Kamakura Village: Dine in a Candlelit Igloo
For a dining experience like no other, head to Kamakura Village. This truly unique restaurant, only open from the end of January to the end of February each year, captures the essence of winter by offering diners the chance to savor a delicious hot pot nabe inside traditional Japanese snow huts, called kamakura.
Access
Kamakura Village Restaurant is 18 minutes by car from Toyota-Iiyama Interchange, or 12 minutes by bus from JR Iiyama Station.
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Togari Onsen and Madarao Kogen: Twin Peaks of Ski Excitement
Iiyama City boasts not one but two ski resorts, each with its own distinct appeal. Togari Onsen Ski Resort is a paradise for skiers and boarders of all levels, offering a diverse range of slopes and stunning panoramic views. The village is renowned for the hospitality of its family-run Minshuku Japanese inns, where the locals will welcome you to enjoy their homemade cuisine and you can enjoy soaking in a hot spring bath at the end of a hard day on the slopes.
On the other hand, Madarao Mountain Resort, known for its powder snow and tree run courses, is a haven for powder hounds and adventurous skiers alike. The resort's unique policy of allowing tree skiing across a majority of its courses adds a thrilling dimension to the skiing experience, making it a must-visit destination for adventuresome skiers and snowboarders.
Access
Togari Onsen Snow Resort is 19 minutes by car from Toyota-Iiyama Interchange, or 34 minutes by bus from JR Iiyama Station.
Madarao Mountain Resort is 17 minutes by car from by car from Toyota-Iiyama Interchange, or 19 minutes by bus from JR Iiyama Station.
Mori-no-ie: Zen and the art of Snowshoeing
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find tranquility in the snow-covered beech forests surrounding Mori-no-ie. Snowshoeing is a serene and easy activity that allows you to explore the beauty of winter at a relaxed pace. Navigate through enchanting snow-laden trails, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and immerse yourself in the peaceful ambience of the forest.
Access
Mori-no-ie is 15 minutes by taxi from JR Togari-Nozawa Onsen station on the JR Iiyama Line. By car: from Toyota-Iiyama Interchange on the Joshin-etsu Expressway, 40 minutes via Route 117./p>
Just 1 hour and 30 minutes on the Hakutaka service of the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo, Iiyama City invites you to find your perfect snow day in Japan.