Iiyama

Travel Guide

A river flowing through a valley with a bridge, houses, and lush greenery.
A highway with a blue sign indicating route 38, surrounded by lush green hills and a clear sky.
Photo by 小石川人晃 (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)
A field of yellow flowers, a lake, and trees in the background.
Photo by Hiroaki Kaneko (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)
A mountainous landscape with dense forests and a valley below.
Photo by 690 Noda (Creative Commons Attribution 3.0)
A wooden cabin with a sloped roof surrounded by a grassy field and dense trees.
Photo by kiwa dokokano (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)

Where to stay in Iiyama

Find the best Iiyama areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Iiyama
Learn more about Iiyama
A snowy ski slope with a ski lift, trees, and mountains in the background.

Madarao Mountain Resort

You'll enjoy the museums and ski areas in Madarao Mountain Resort. You might want to make time for a stop at Madarao Kogen Ski Resort or Tangram Ski Circus.

A clear river with rocks and trees, a mountain in the background, and a clear sky.

Shizuma

While Shizuma might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Madarao Kogen Ski Resort and Tangram Ski Circus.

Kijima

Though Kijima might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Mayumi Takahashi Doll Museum and Kijimadaira Ski Area.

A traditional Japanese castle with multiple tiers, surrounded by a moat and reflecting in the water.

Nosakada

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Nosakada and surrounding area, you can visit Mayumi Takahashi Doll Museum and Kijimadaira Ski Area.

Hotel JAL City Nagano

Hotel JAL City Nagano

3 out of 5
1221, Toigosho-machi Nagano Nagano-ken
$69 nightly
The price is $76 total per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
$76 total
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Stay at this hotel in Nagano. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Kitano Cultural Center and Gondo Shopping ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Staff were not helpful in providing direction for parking. Staff English were poor. Room is extremely small, no place to put luggage except on the flooring next to bathroom door"

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2026

Hotel JAL City Nagano
Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa

Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
1372-1 Nishiterao Matsushiro Nagano Nagano-ken
$88 nightly
The price is $97 total per night from Sep 30 to Oct 1
$97 total
Sep 30 - Oct 1
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Nagano. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Matsushiro Castle and Masuo Ikeda Museum ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (810 reviews)
"Good breakfast choices, friendly and helpful staff . Laundry facility available."

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2026

Mercure Nagano Matsushiro Resort & Spa
Toyoko Inn Nagano-eki Higashi-guchi

Toyoko Inn Nagano-eki Higashi-guchi

3 out of 5
2137 Kurita Nagano Nagano
$59 nightly
The price is $66 total per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
$66 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
Stay at this hotel in Nagano. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (636 reviews)
"The room was spotless clean. The breakfast was very good as well. The hotel is close to train station. On the top floor was lounge with view on Nagano."

Reviewed on Sep 1, 2026

Toyoko Inn Nagano-eki Higashi-guchi
See all 627 properties in Iiyama
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Madarao Private Ski Lodge | Sleeps 18 | 50m to Slopes

Madarao Private Ski Lodge | Sleeps 18 | 50m to Slopes

Nagano Iiyama
Stay at this chalet in Iiyama. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Madarao Kogen Ski Resort and Madarao Kogen Picture Book Art Museum are located ...
Madarao Private Ski Lodge | Sleeps 18 | 50m to Slopes
Rental Lodge WHITE RABBIT Madarao kogen Cottage ALICE

Rental Lodge WHITE RABBIT Madarao kogen Cottage ALICE

3 out of 5
Madaraokogen 11492-337 Iiyama Nagano
Stay at this cottage in Iiyama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Madarao Kogen Ski Resort and Madarao Kogen Picture Book Art ...
Rental Lodge WHITE RABBIT Madarao kogen Cottage ALICE
Rental Lodge WHITE RABBIT Madarao kogen Cottage MIDORINO KAZE

Rental Lodge WHITE RABBIT Madarao kogen Cottage MIDORINO KAZE

3 out of 5
Madaraokogen, 11492-372 Iiyama Nagano
Stay at this cottage in Iiyama. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Madarao Kogen Ski Resort and Madarao Kogen Picture Book Art ...
Rental Lodge WHITE RABBIT Madarao kogen Cottage MIDORINO KAZE
See all properties in Iiyama
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Iiyama attractions

A snowy mountain landscape with evergreen trees.

Madarao Kogen Ski Resort

8.8/10 (39 reviews)
Hit the slopes in Madarao Mountain Resort with a visit to Madarao Kogen Ski Resort. Discover the hot springs and mountain views in this culturally rich area.
See properties

Things to do

Snow Monkey Park Soba Lunch and Shibu Onsen Tour

Snow Monkey Park, Soba Lunch and Shibu Onsen Tour

$76
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Snow Monkey Park, Soba Lunch and Shibu Onsen Tour
Nagano Private Two Day Tour

Nagano Private Two Day Tour

$947
per adult
Nagano Private Two Day Tour
Full-Day Private Nagano Tour: Zenkoji Temple, Obuse, Jigokudani Monkey Park

Private Nagano 1-Day Tour:Snow Monkeys,Zenko-ji,Obuse,Sake,Onsen

$610
per adult
Private Nagano 1-Day Tour:Snow Monkeys,Zenko-ji,Obuse,Sake,Onsen
Snow Monkey Zenko Ji Temple Private Day Tour by Car From Tokyo

Snow Monkey Zenko Ji Temple Private Day Tour by Car From Tokyo

$806
per traveler
Snow Monkey Zenko Ji Temple Private Day Tour by Car From Tokyo
Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee

Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee

$778
per adult
Private Snow Monkey Tour - Conveniently Resort Hop and Sightsee
Full Day Snow Monkey Park Tour to-and-from Nagano Station

Full Day Snow Monkey Park Tour to-and-from Nagano

$701
per traveler
Full Day Snow Monkey Park Tour to-and-from Nagano
See all activities in Iiyama

Frequently asked questions

Is Iiyama worth visiting?
Iiyama is worth visiting for its unique cultural attractions, such as the Mayumi Takahashi Doll Museum, and the scenic beauty of Kitaryu Lake. Travelers can easily reach these highlights and explore the area, thanks to convenient train access.
When is the best time to visit Iiyama?
The best time to visit Iiyama is from May through September. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the cooler and snowy months of December through March are a good option, offering a different experience for winter activities.
What is Iiyama known for?
Iiyama is known for the Mayumi Takahashi Doll Museum, which showcases intricate doll art. Travelers can also visit Kitaryu Lake for scenic views and explore the Madarao Kogen Picture Book Art Museum, offering unique cultural experiences in this Japanese city.
What is a good itinerary length for Iiyama?
A good itinerary length for Iiyama is two to three days to explore key highlights like the Mayumi Takahashi Doll Museum, Kitaryu Lake, and Madarao Kogen Picture Book Art Museum. An extended stay of three to four days allows for a more relaxed pace, enjoying the natural beauty around Kitaryu Lake and deeper dives into the museums.
How do you get around Iiyama?
Iiyama is primarily served by train, with Iiyama Station providing access for travelers. This makes it convenient for arriving and departing. For getting around locally or reaching areas not covered by train, rideshare services are also available, offering flexibility for your journeys.
What are the top things to do in and around Iiyama?
Iiyama offers travelers a mix of cultural museums, serene lakes, and natural parks to explore:


How do I plan a trip to Iiyama?
Plan your Iiyama trip by booking flights and places to stay. Secure activities like visiting the Mayumi Takahashi Doll Museum, Kitaryu Lake, and Madarao Kogen Picture Book Art Museum. You can arrive by train, and a rental car is useful for exploring. Always pair outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Iiyama?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Iiyama by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Iiyama with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Iiyama trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Iiyama?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Iiyama can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Iiyama trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Iiyama trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Iiyama trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Iiyama trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Iiyama?
If it's your first trip to Iiyama, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Iiyama hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Iiyama hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Iiyama

A garden with purple wisteria hanging from trees, surrounded by people and colorful flowers.

Nakano

A serene landscape with cherry blossoms reflecting on a calm body of water, a traditional Japanese pagoda, and a hill with a small shrine.

Joetsu

A mountainous landscape with a lake surrounded by dense forests and autumn-colored foliage.

Myoko

A snowy ski resort with a large inflatable character, ski lifts, and a mountain backdrop.

Nozawaonsen

Explore a world of travel with Expedia