A convenient stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line running from Tokyo to Kanazawa via Nagano, Iiyama is a quiet rural town most often used as a transit point for visitors heading to nearby Madarao Mountain Resort and Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort. Iiyama and the surrounding area receives a large amount of snow each winter, at which time the town becomes busy with visitors heading to the resorts or staying in town to enjoy the Kamakura Snow Sculpture Festival each February. Visitors in April can also enjoy the cherry blossoms of Iiyama Castle Park and beauty of the ‘nanohana’ flower fields in May. However, Iiyama has few accommodation options therefore unless you have a strong reason to stay in the vicinity of Iiyama Station, you will be much better served to look in nearby Madarao – 15 to 20 minutes drive – or Nozawa Onsen – 20 to 25 minutes drive – for accommodation.