Iiyama Snow Hut Village is located just outside of Iiyama city in the northern most part of Nagano prefecture,
where there is abundant snowfall in the winter.
The village is open for around one month, from the end of January to the end of February, and is made up of over 15 to 20 huts created from snow.
At night the huts are illuminated by lanterns, creating a beautiful fairytale-like atmosphere that is perfect for family, friends, and lovers alike.
For a limited time you can enjoy a piping hot bowl of Noroshi Nabe (Hot Pot), served with locally grown Iiyama rice-balls inside our Snow Hut Village Restaurant. The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner, and bookings are essential. Please contact us for reservations either via phone or by filling in the attached form. Our reception is open from the first of December, and bookings can be made until midday two business days in advance.
Noroshi Nabe is a hot pot made with a Nagano Miso base and filled to the brim with Bok Choy and other tasty locally grown vegetables. It also contains Iiyama's specialty 'Miyuki Pork' and popular local mushrooms such as honshimeji, enoki, and king trumpet. The name Noroshi Nabe originates from the Sengoku Period (1467-1603AD) when Daimyo Uesugi Kenshin established signal fires (Noroshi) on nearby Mt Kuroiwa.
In the middle of the broad, white snowscape of the Snow Hut village stands the bright red tori gate of the Snow Hut Shinto Shrine. The snow hut is a genuine shrine that houses a sacred object, a divine rope known as a Shimenawa used to ward off evil, and an offering box. You don't need a reservation to enter the shrine, so please feel free to visit any time.
When making a reservation for the Snow Hut Village Restaurant, please use the application form and refer to this availability guide.
Bookings can be made until midday two business days in advance.
We will confirm the availability of huts on the dates you have selected in the reply email.
We appreciate your understanding.
〇:Empty (Over 6)、△:Partially full (Under 5)、✕:Full、－:Closed
Bus Timetable Iiyama Sta － Shinanodaira (Restaurant Kamakura Village)
The village is a 25 minute drive from the Joshinestu Iiyama Interchange.
Those using car navigation systems should input the following address:
807-2 Kotobuki Iiyama shi Nagano
Those coming on the expressway can find more information here.
Every year on the second weekend of February, The Snow Hut Village hosts a festival featuring live music, snow games, mochi cake pounding, snowmobile rides, hut making, and snow shoe walks, among other fun activities. At night there is a fireworks display, and the night sky above the village lights up with all kinds of beautiful fireworks, including colour changing peony fireworks and waterfall fireworks.
Madarao Kogen Heights Ski Resort is famous for its powder snow, and offers 5 uncompacted snow runs and 10 tree runs, as well as a free ride park for beginner to intermediate skiers, a kids park, snow mobile and snow rafting tours, and family friendly runs that make Madarao Kogen the perfect resort for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Staying in the Madarao Kogen Hotel will give you the chance to enjoy relaxing in the hot springs after a day on the slopes .
Togari Onsen Ski Resort is located on the outskirts of Iiyama city at the foot of the mountains and surrounded by woodlands, with stunning views of the wide Chikuma river. The 70 minshukus and ryokans (Japanese Inns), and two day use hot springs create a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere around Togari Onsen. There are three slope areas, with both compacted and powder slope runs to choose from, which can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to experts.
This resort is located near the heart shaped Lake Hokuryu. With stunning views, ample courses for beginner and intermediate skiers, and close to Iiyama Hokuryu Hot Springs, this resort is perfect for families looking for a place to relax. It is elevated 200 meters over the lake, and its slope with the greatest incline is 40 degrees. There is also an area just for snowboarders! From advanced level skiers, to kids and seniors, Iiyama Hokuryu Onsen has slopes that everyone can enjoy.
Thanks to Iiyama's abundant snowfall, snow shoe activities can be enjoyed from mid December all the way until early April.
There are many different areas around Madarao Kogen Heights
and Nabekura Kogen Heights where you can enjoy snow shoe activities.
When the snow is heavy enough you may even be able to go walking over Nozomi Lake at Madarao Kogen Heights!
Nabekura Kogen Heights' Mori no Ie offers many different course options for trying out snow shoe walking.
We also offer guided tours tailored to your ability and fitness level,
so come and enjoy the beautiful snowscape of Iiyama that cannot be seen anywhere else!
