Major city · Japan
Iiyama飯山市
Spend one day in Iiyama: arrive by Hokuriku Shinkansen (≈1 h 45 min from Tokyo) and explore the historic temple area and nearby ski resorts.
Iiyama is a small city in Nagano Prefecture, reachable in under two hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen. Its main attractions – traditional temples, a historic downtown and easy access to ski areas – fit comfortably into a half‑day to full‑day visit. One night is enough for a relaxed schedule; longer stays are only for dedicated ski trips.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- JPY
- Best months
- Dec–Mar, Apr–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat, rain), Golden Week
- Airport
- MMJ
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 5
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- Japan ↗IC cards (ICOCA/Suica) are topped up with cash at station machines.
- Japan ↗Smoking while walking is banned in most city centres; use designated areas.
- Japan ↗Shinkansen bags 160–250 cm (L+W+H) need a seat reserved with the oversized-baggage area.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Iiyama110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Iiyama, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Cities are increasingly cashless; temples, small restaurants and some lodging taxes still want cash.Japan-wide
- SIM or eSIMData-only eSIMs are the easy route: buy before you fly; voice SIMs need a residence card.Japan-wide
- Tap waterSafe from the tap everywhere; stations and parks have fountains.Japan-wide
- TippingRestaurants and bars: No tip; staff will chase you to return money left on the table.Japan-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 100 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Japan-wide
- SafetyIiyama is a low‑crime town; main risks are winter road conditions and occasional bus delays.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree, clean public toilets in stations, parks and konbini; paper goes in the toilet.Japan-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 119 fire and ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMuseums close on Mondays (Tuesday when Monday is a holiday); many family restaurants close one weekday, often Tuesday or Wednesday…Japan-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMMJ Matsumoto Airport (Nearest regional airport, 60 km (37 mi) north; connect via bus or train to Nagano then Iiyama.).MMJ Matsumoto Airport (Nearest regional airport, 37 mi (60 km) north; connect via bus or train to Nagano then Iiyama.).
- Getting aroundShinkansen to Iiyama Station; city loop bus “Nanohana” runs 6 times daily (first 8:35, last 15:25).Shinkansen to Iiyama Station; city loop bus “Nanohana” runs 6 times daily (first 8:35 AM, last 3:25 PM).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at café¥300–¥500 (≈ US$3–4)
- Metro or bus rideLocal bus ride¥210–¥340 (≈ US$2–3)
- Budget bedGuesthouse or small inn, a night, per person¥3,500 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedRyokan (incl. dinner), a night, per person¥13,000 (≈ US$90)
- High-end bedRyokan (incl. dinner), a night, per person¥20,000 (≈ US$140)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ¥6,000 (≈ US$45) · Mid ¥12,000 (≈ US$85) · High ¥20,000 (≈ US$140)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MMJ Matsumoto Airport (Nearest regional airport, 60 km (37 mi) north; connect via bus or train to Nagano then Iiyama.)MMJ Matsumoto Airport (Nearest regional airport, 37 mi (60 km) north; connect via bus or train to Nagano then Iiyama.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Feb
Best
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Mar
Best
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jul
Care
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Aug
Care
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Nov
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Dec
Best
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: Sep–Oct, Dec–Jun. Mixed: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jan (−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C) low), wettest Jul (13 rain days), driest Feb (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Iiyama: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
7 rd
Feb
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
6 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
8 rd
Apr
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
9 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
10 rd
Jun
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
12 rd
Jul
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
13 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
12 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
10 rd
Oct
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Nov
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
7 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Shinkansen to Iiyama Station; city loop bus “Nanohana” runs 6 times daily (first 8:35, last 15:25). Walking is easiest for the historic core; taxis available.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Nozawa Onsen (ski)
goDoor to door: ≈1 h total
Bus from Iiyama Station, about 30 min
Winter ski season; check lift status.
Togari Onsen (hot springs)
goDoor to door: ≈1 h
Bus 40 min from Iiyama Station
Open year‑round.
Nagano City
cautionDoor to door: ≈1 h
JR Hokuriku Shinkansen or local train, 45 min
Good for museum visits; requires extra travel time.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Iiyama Station area
Convenient for Shinkansen arrivals; several small inns and guesthouses within 5 min walk.
Downtown Iiyama
Traditional ryokan and boutique hotels near temples; 10 min walk from station.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ¥6,000–9,000 (≈ US$45–65) excl. bed
- Mid
- ¥9,000–15,000 (≈ US$65–110) excl. bed
- High
- ¥15,000 (≈ US$110)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse or small inn2 × 1 night × ¥5,000 | ¥10,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × ¥12,000 | ¥24,000 |
| Shinkansen Tokyo → Iiyama (reserved seat)2 × ¥8,630 · check | ¥17,260 |
| Nanohana city‑loop bus day pass2 × ¥500 · check | ¥1,000 |
| eSIM data (1 week)2 × ¥2,500 · check | ¥5,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ¥5,730 |
| Trip total≈ ¥31,500 per person per day, bed included | ¥62,990≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in yen; flights and rail passes excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at café | ¥300–¥500 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Pastry at Patisserie Hirano | ¥400–¥800 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Bento box | ¥600–¥1,200 (≈ US$5–9) |
| Local bus ride | ¥210–¥340 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Shinkansen ticket (Tokyo → Iiyama) | ¥8,630 (≈ US$60) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Shinkansen stops are every 1–2 hours; plan around the timetable.
- Bus schedule may vary in winter; check latest times on the tourist site.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire and ambulance
- 119
Pocket card
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Iiyama飯山市
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire and ambulance119
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Tokyo → Iiyama Shinkansen: about ¥8,630 (≈ US$60), 1 h 45 min
- Nanohana city bus day pass: ≈¥500
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Iiyama. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Mar, Apr–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat, rain), Golden Week · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Shinkansen‑to‑Iiyama ticket (¥8,630 from Tokyo) – JR Pass valid.
- Nanohana bus day‑pass (check price).
- eSIM data plan for navigation (see /topics/esim-for-travel-how-it-works-and-how-to-set-it-up).
Sources
Ask about Iiyama
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