Iida, the natural beauty of the Japanese Alps

Iida lies on the southern tip of Nagano. It has prospered since olden times as the linchpin of the highway between Tokyo to the east and Kyoto & Osaka to the west. The highway from north to south was also important for travelers heading to Enshu and Matsumoto, and the Tenryu River, which flows north to south through Inaya, would often be crowded with boats. Festivals, art, local cuisine, and ways of speech have been handed down to modern times with the various influences of the east & west, north & south on display.

Living among nature, surrounded by the south Japanese Alps, is one part of the living culture of Iida. In recent years, the city has been selected as a model environmental city, and the local people seek to live in harmony with nature.

Tenryu Gorge Bridge: Introducing Iida's Newest Sightseeing Spot

The strangely shaped rocks and large crags cut by the rapids in the Tenryu Gorge look beautiful in any season, whether framed by the greenery of spring or the autumn leaves.

The Tenryu River Ride is a popular sightseeing activity, and now that the new Tenryu Gorge Bridge has been completed, it is easier than ever to enjoy the scenery of the Tenryu Gorge from above. The Tenryukyo Bridge is designed to accommodate both cars and walkers. On the top cars can drive over the bridge with ease, and below there is an enclosed walkway for foot-travelers, where they can enjoy magnificent views of the Tenryu Gorge and River. There are plans in the future to build a promenade for walking around the Tenryu Gorge.

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Iida's Charms

Famous Cherry Blossom Areas

Iida is known as one of the best cherry blossom spots in Central Japan. Many cherry trees are over 300 years old. Cherry blossom guides are also available. The timing of cherry blossom blooming varies from year to year, but it typically occurs around late March. Even the tourists are in full bloom during the cherry blossom season.

Fruit Picking

The area is also known for growing fruit, and apples are the symbol of the city. Between winter and spring, you can pick strawberries, and between autumn and winter, apples. Fruit picking can be enjoyed nearly all year round.

A Myriad of Natural Adventures

Iida is blessed with nature, surrounded by mountains in the center of the southern Alps of Japan. Many sightseeing programs are available that will immerse you in the rich nature of Iida. Try out the rapids with Tenryu River rafting, or mountain climbing & trekking and take in the breathtaking views of the mountain range.

Main Cultural Facilities

Iida Art Museum

The Iida City Museum of Art is located at the site of the Ninomaru of Iida Castle and strikes a remarkable figure with the mountains of the Southern Alps as the backdrop. Works by Hishida Shunsō, a Japanese painter native to the area, are part of the collection at the museum. There is also an attached facility that acts as a memorial hall for Kunio Yanagita, a famous folk scholar. Attached facilities include a memorial hall for Kunio Yanagida, a well-known folk scholar associated with Iida.

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Kawamoto Kihachiro Puppet Museum, Iida City

Here, the puppets of Kihachiro Kawamoto are on display. Kihachiro Kawamoto was an animator and puppet designer, known for works such as the puppets in NHK's Romance of the Three Kingdoms. The Iida Puppet Theater Festival is held every year to celebrate the history of puppetry in Iida, and this museum is a representation of old tradition living on in modern times.

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A Cornucopia of Local Cuisine

Wrap-up

Iida is a fascinating city, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Japanese Alps, with a culture that combines the charms of north, south, east and western Japan.