Iijima(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For nature enthusiasts, Iida Town Forest Hot Spring Inn is a must-stay option nestled in the quiet woods beside the Shinano River. This eco-friendly ryokan blends traditional Japanese architecture with sustainable design, featuring tatami rooms, wooden beams, and private onsen baths with mountain views. Guests can enjoy morning walks along the Shinano River Trail, spot native birds like the Japanese White-eye, and participate in seasonal activities such as maple leaf picking during the Iida Autumn Festival.

Alternatively, consider Shinano Riverside Cabins, a secluded cluster of timber lodges offering stargazing decks and guided foraging tours led by local elders. The property emphasizes kitchen garden cuisine, using organic vegetables from their own farm to prepare dishes like Nagano buckwheat soba noodles and Yukigiku tea. Located just 10 minutes from Iida Shrine, this area is perfect for travelers seeking authentic rural experiences and deep cultural immersion in Nagano’s heritage.

The most scenic area for accommodation in Iida Town is the Shinano Riverfront Zone, where hotels overlook the winding river framed by lush forests and seasonal cherry blossoms or autumn leaves. Staying here means waking up to panoramic views of the Shinano River Valley, with easy access to riverside walking trails and hidden waterfalls. The Iida Forest Hot Spring Inn sits right on the bank, offering private onsen pools with direct river views and an open-air bath under the stars.

This region also hosts the annual Shinano River Lantern Festival, where hundreds of handcrafted paper lanterns float down the river at dusk—many hotels offer special dinner packages with lantern-lit dining on the veranda. For those seeking tranquility, the Riverbank Eco-Lodges provide minimalist cabins built with reclaimed wood, designed to blend into the landscape while maximizing natural light and ventilation. The area’s proximity to Iida Shrine and ancient farming terraces makes it ideal for travelers who value both beauty and cultural depth.

Visitors to Iida Town can immerse themselves in authentic local traditions through several unique experiences. The Ancient Path Hiking Tour follows the historic Iida Kaido, a centuries-old trail used by merchants transporting salt and textiles. Along the route, guides share stories of mountain spirits (Yama-no-Kami) and explain how villagers once relied on these paths for survival.

Seasonal agricultural activities are deeply woven into daily life: in spring, guests can join rice planting ceremonies using traditional bamboo rakes and ox-drawn plows; summer brings field concerts performed by local folk singers beneath rice paddies; autumn features natural dye workshops, where participants harvest maple leaves to create indigo fabric. In winter, the Snowfire Gathering invites travelers to gather around outdoor hearths, sipping warm mochi sake and enjoying roasted chestnut buns while listening to storytelling under the stars.

The annual Iida Festival showcases lion dances, live weaving demonstrations, and a bustling street market selling regional specialties like Nagano buckwheat dumplings and mountain herb tea, offering a true taste of rural Nagano heritage.

Yes, several hotels in Iida Town provide complimentary shuttle services, particularly between the Iida Station and key accommodations. For example, Iida Town Forest Hot Spring Inn operates two daily shuttles—at 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM—each lasting about 12 minutes, ideal for guests arriving by train or joining guided excursions. These electric minivans are privately operated by the inn and limited to six passengers per trip, ensuring comfort and privacy.

Meanwhile, Shinano Riverside Cabins does not offer scheduled shuttles but allows guests to book private transfers for ¥300 per person (one-way), which is highly recommended during peak seasons like the Autumn Festival when demand surges. Given the narrow mountain roads and limited taxi availability, pre-HopeGoo is essential.

Most hotels also provide free parking, with some offering additional perks like luggage handling and on-site storage lockers, making them ideal for travelers seeking convenience and seamless access to the town’s cultural and natural attractions.

Hot spring hotels in Iida Town stand out for their commitment to nature healing and local harmony. At Iida Town Forest Hot Spring Inn, the mineral-rich waters originate from a 300-meter-deep aquifer, packed with calcium and magnesium—ideal for skin hydration and joint relief. The open-air onsen features floor-to-ceiling glass walls and wooden beams, allowing guests to soak while gazing at the Shinano River mist and distant mountain ranges.

A highlight is the seasonal themed baths: in spring, the "Cherry Blossom Bath" floats fresh sakura petals across the surface; in autumn, the "Maple Leaf Soak" fills the pool with naturally fallen foliage, creating a poetic ambiance. All baths use only natural water with no chemical additives, and water quality is tested daily for safety.

Some hotels also offer onsen education sessions led by experienced female bath attendants, explaining geological origins and traditional remedies. They pair this with herbal massage treatments and medicinal teas, enhancing relaxation. Guests may even join nighttime onsen meditation circles, sitting quietly in a forest courtyard listening to flowing water—a profound way to reconnect with nature's rhythm.

Top-rated restaurants in Iida Town emphasize local ingredients and traditional craftsmanship. Start with Iida Dining House, located near Iida Shrine, known for its Nagano Koshihikari rice bowls served with freshly harvested vegetables from nearby farms. Must-try dishes include Iida-style buckwheat noodles infused with wild herbs and char-grilled chicken thighs with a crispy, savory crust.

Another standout is Shinano Riverside Teahouse, a rustic wooden eatery by the river offering a freshwater fish set menu. The head chef uses age-old smoking techniques to prepare Shinano River trout, served with local plum sauce and wild green onions. On weekends, they host Farmer’s Table Dinners, where local growers and chefs collaborate on themed meals, sharing stories behind each ingredient.

During the annual Iida Festival, don’t miss the street food stalls serving chestnut mochi, red bean rice cakes, and wild vegetable tempura—each bite tells a story of land, labor, and legacy. These eateries aren’t just about flavor; they embody Iida Town’s philosophy that food is culture.