Iizuna Town is located in Kamiminochi District in northern Nagano Prefecture and is part of the Hokushin region. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and highland landscapes, the town offers a chance to experience the changing scenery of Japan’s four distinct seasons.
Iizuna is also one of Japan’s major apple-producing areas. Its apples are part of the celebrated Shinshu apple tradition, with high-quality fruit from Nagano widely enjoyed throughout Japan.
Agriculture is the main industry in Iizuna Town, with apple cultivation playing a particularly important role. The town accounts for approximately 1.28% of Japan’s total apple shipments, and its apples are highly regarded for both flavor and quality.
Local farmers are also developing creative ways to make use of regional resources. Some apple growers have converted former school buildings into facilities for producing cider, a Japanese-style apple alcoholic beverage, creating new products while preserving local facilities.
In addition to apples, the area produces grapes, peaches, pears, and other fruit. The highland areas at elevations of around 900 meters are especially suitable for growing cool-climate vegetables such as lettuce and cabbage.
Since the 1990s, tourism farms have also been introduced, while locally produced agricultural products have been transformed into jams, wine, and other processed foods. These products are sold not only at farm stands and direct-sales outlets in Iizuna but also at department stores and other retailers inside and outside Nagano Prefecture.
Shopping areas have developed along National Route 18 in the Fukasawa district, around Mure-juku on the historic Hokkoku Kaido route, and near Mure Station on the Shinano Railway Kita-Shinano Line. Small independent shops can also be found throughout the town, continuing a tradition of commerce closely connected with local residents.
Several factories also operate in Iizuna, contributing to the town’s regional economy alongside agriculture and tourism.
Iizuna Town offers a diverse combination of natural scenery, history, culture, and outdoor activities. One of the main centers of tourism is Iizuna Resort, where visitors can enjoy different activities throughout the year.
Iizuna Kogen, also known as Iizuna Higashi Kogen, is a popular highland area where visitors can enjoy hiking, nature walks, and mountain scenery in a cool and comfortable climate.
In winter, Iizuna Resort Ski Area opens its slopes for skiing and snow activities. Its approachable atmosphere makes it popular with families and beginners as well as more experienced winter-sports enthusiasts.
The Iizuna Kogen Golf Course provides another way to enjoy the surrounding natural environment, allowing golfers to play among the forests and mountain scenery.
Visitors can relax at Mure Onsen Tengu-no-Yakata, a local hot spring facility. The area also features scenic destinations such as Lake Reisenji and Sakaya Wetland, where peaceful landscapes change beautifully with the seasons.
These natural attractions are ideal for travelers who want to slow down and enjoy the fresh highland air, forests, lakes, and seasonal scenery of northern Nagano.
Spring brings a spectacular display of flowers to Iizuna. At Mure Water Lily Garden, visitors can see beautiful colonies of Asian skunk cabbage, known in Japanese as mizubasho.
The town is also home to several notable cherry trees. Jizokubo’s Oyamazakura and Sodenoyama’s Weeping Cherry Tree are both designated as Natural Monuments of Nagano Prefecture. When these magnificent trees bloom, the surrounding areas become popular destinations for enjoying Japan’s traditional spring scenery.
History enthusiasts can explore the old streets of Mure-juku, a former post town along the historic Hokkoku Kaido. Several castle ruins, including Imokawa Castle, also known as Wakamiya Castle, Hanami Castle, and Yatsutsutsu Castle, offer glimpses into the region’s medieval history.
Archaeological and cultural sites can also be found throughout the town, including Koshinzuka Kofun, an ancient burial mound. Other notable cultural assets include the Sanmon Gate and Nio statues of Bakuo-ji Temple and the Bushu-Kashu Dochu Sakai-hai, a historical boundary marker associated with travel routes of the past.
Iizuna is home to several historic shrines where traditional religious customs continue today. At Mure Shrine, the Onbashira Festival is held once every seven years. The festival is part of a long-standing tradition in which massive sacred pillars are cut, transported, and erected at shrines.
The Imokawa Shrine Autumn Grand Festival and other local celebrations also provide opportunities to experience traditions rooted in the community. These events bring together local residents and visitors and offer a glimpse into the living culture of the town.
Iizuna is known for a variety of processed foods made from locally grown fruit and agricultural products. The town is also home to St. Cousair Winery, a popular destination where visitors can sample and purchase locally produced wines.
For travelers interested in the relationship between agriculture, local history, and apples, the Iizuna Apple Museum offers an accessible introduction to the town’s apple-growing culture. It is a facility that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
Iizuna Town is a destination where beautiful natural landscapes, agriculture, history, and local traditions coexist. From apple orchards and highland vegetables to mountain scenery, hot springs, historic post towns, shrines, and seasonal flowers, the town offers many different ways to experience rural Japan.
A visit can combine outdoor activities with local food, wine, hot spring bathing, and exploration of historical sites. The changing scenery of spring, summer, autumn, and winter gives the town a different character throughout the year.
For travelers looking to discover a quieter side of Nagano beyond its major tourist destinations, Iizuna Town offers an authentic highland experience shaped by nature, agriculture, history, and warm local hospitality.