Iiyama Station

Last Updated:September 17, 2024

Openned in 2015, Iiyama Station is a relatively new addition to the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line which runs from Tokyo to Kanazawa, via Nagano. Iiyama is the nearest major station to Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort and Madarao Mountain Resort. Two of the most popular resorts in Nagano, Iiyama Station is an important transit point enroute to both destinations. On this page you will find the following information:

— Train Lines / Services Running to Iiyama Station

— Rail Passes Covering Travel to Iiyama

— Purchasing & Activating a JR Pass

— Bus Services Running to Iiyama Station

— Tourist Information, Activity Center & ATM

— Japan Ski Resorts: Everything You Need to Know

— 25 Things to Do Around Nozawa Onsen & Where to Stay

— 25 Things to Do Around Mardaro & Where to Stay

— Book With Us! Nagano’s No.1 Tour & Charter Operator

Iiyama Station is small and basic to navigate. Split over two levels, the ground-floor include the tourist information center, a convenience store, a waiting area and toilets, and car rental outside the South Exit. Access to all train lines is via the second floor which also has a small café.Most international visitors coming to and from Iiyama Station do so on their way to the nearby ski resorts of Nozawa Onsen, Madarao / Tangaram and Togari Onsen. As a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line, visitors can come to Iiyama directly from Tokyo and then switch to bus lines (as detailed below) onto Nozawa or Madarao, or onward local train to Togari.

ased in Nagano, we are the region’s No.1 tour and charter operator offering both group and private tours to the park along with the option of just transport and/or accommodation. Our vehicles and drivers are all fully certified and our guides are all locally-based. For more information, scroll to the bottom of the page.

TRAIN LINES / SERVICES RUNNING TO IIYAMA STATION

Two train lines service Iiyama: the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line and the local Iiyama Line. Of those, the Hokuriku Shinkansen and Hokuriku Main Line will be of most interest to international visitors:

HOKURIKU SHINKANSEN

Running from Tokyo Station to Tsuruga Station, the Hokuriku Shinkansen stops at the following stations:

Tokyo / Ueno / Omiya / Kumagaya / Honjo-Waseda / Takasaki / Annaka-Haruna / Karuizawa / Sakudaira / Ueda / Nagano / Iiyama / Joetsu-Myoko / Itoigawa / Kurobe-Unazukionsen / Toyama / Shin-Takaoka / Kanazawa / Komatsu / Kaga Onsen / Awara Onsen / Fukui / Echizen Takefu / Tsuruga

There are four different services on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line – the Kagayaki, Hakutaka, Asama and Tsurugi. It is important to note that the Hakutaka is the only service that stops at Iiyama Station. If Iiyama is your intended destination, you must therefore us the Hakutaka. From Tokyo Station, the Hakutaka takes between 100 to 110 minutes to reach Iiyama (depending on the specific train use choose) and costs JPY8250 one-way. It takes approximately 75 minutes / JPY6710 to reach Iiyama from Kanazawa Station.For visitors already in Nagano City, Iiyama Station is the next stop heading north on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. It takes only 11 minutes and costs JPY1390 from Nagano Station.

To see the daily train schedule, please refer to our ‘Hokuriku Shinkansen Line Timetable’ page.

IIYAMA LINE

Iiyama Station is also serviced by the local Iiyama Line. The line connects to Nagano Station – via Toyono Station – and then runs the 19.2km route to Iiyama. From Iiyama, the line continues north all the way to Echigo-Kawaguchi Station in Niigata. Enroute, it stops at Togari-Nozawaonsen Station, the nearest station Togari Onsen Ski Resort. Using the Iiyama Line, it takes 45 minutes / JPY550 to reach Iiyama Station from Nagano Station, or 57 minutes / JPY730 to reach Togari-Nozawaonsen Station from Nagano Station From Iiyama Station to Togari-Nozawaonsen Station takes only 11 minutes /JPY210 for visitors transferring from the Hokuriku Line to the Iiyama Line.

All services listed above are covered by all three Japan Rail passes.

RAIL PASSES COVERING TRAVEL TO IIYAMA

There is no escaping the fact that travel using the shinkansen and other rapid services is expensive. Given the speed and distances covered by these trains, travelers should think of them much like taking a flight, with tickets accordingly priced. International visitors to Japan have the option of purchasing one of several passes which allow for unlimited use of the Hokuriku along with other services:

JAPAN RAIL (JR) PASS

Covering all 9 shinkansen lines in Japan and many other train services, the JR Pass is a great option for visitors planning to use the shinkansen more than a handful of times and/or travel large distances. Travelers have the option of 7, 14 and 21-day passes covering either Ordinary or Ordinary and Green Cars. The JR Pass allows for use of any service on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line at no additional cost but noting that should holders wish to have a reserved seat, they are still required to book a seat at the ticket office (at no additional cost).

JAPAN RAIL (JR) EAST PASS / NAGANO & NIIGATA

This pass covers the Hokuriku and Joetsu Shinkansen lines serving Nagano and Niigata, along with other regional services. There is only one option of pass, covering 5 days of use within a 14-day period from its date of activation. Notably cheaper than the JR Pass, this is a great option for visitors staying within Nagano and Niigata. Much like the JR Pass, it allows for use of any service on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line at no additional cost but noting that should holders wish to have a reserved seat, they are still required to book a seat at the ticket office (at no additional cost).

HOKURIKU ARCH PASS

Valid for 7 consecutive days from date of activation, the Hokuriku Arch Pass covers train services from Tokyo – including trains from both Narita and Haneda Airports – to Nagano and Kanazawa and then onto Kyoto, Osaka and Kansai Airport. For many international visitors, this pass covers the majority of their intended destinations as the they follow the most popular tourist route from Tokyo to Kanazawa and onto Kyoto and Osaka. Notably cheaper than the full JR Pass, the Hokuriku Arch Pass offers fantastic convenience and savings.

PURCHASING & ACTIVATING A JR PASS

Passes can be purchased via the official website or via a JR-affiliated overseas sales office. Once you have completed payment, you will receive an exchange order. This is a proof of payment and looks almost like a flight ticket with your personal details, type of pass, and validity (three months from the date of issue). It is important to note that the exchange order is not your actual pass and will need to be exchanged for your pass once in Japan. Whatever you do, do not lose the exchange order and prioritise exchanging it for your pass when you arrive.

The Japan Rail passes listed above are valid for travel to and from Iiyama Station. Before using a pass, it must first be exchanged/activated. It is important to note that JR passes cannot be exchanged/activated at Iiyama. Exchanging/activating the pass can however be done at numerous offices located at airports – including Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Chubu Centrair International Airport and Kansai International Airport – and major train stations throughout Japan. If you have the time, we recommend activating your pass while at the airport. Otherwise, passes can also be activated at these stations on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line: Tokyo Station / Nagano Station / Kanazawa Station.

To exchange/activate your pass you will need your exchange order and passport. Make sure you allow adequate time to exchange and activate your pass if you are intending to use it on the same day or do so a day or two before you plan to start using it (you can always nominate a later activation date). Once you have your activated pass you are free to ride however you can’t insert your pass into the ticket gates. Simply walk through the side booth (permanently attended by station staff) and show your pass. You will be waved through and you can make your way to the platform.

BUS SERVICES RUNNING TO IIYAMA STATION

From the station, several bus lines connect Iiyama to the Jigokudani Monkey Park and nearby ski resorts:

JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK

In winter, the Nagaden Shiga Kogen Express bus operates twice daily to the Jigokudani Monkey Park. One service a day also heads to Nozawa Onsen:

The return schedule is as follows:

A one-way ticket is JPY1000 paid directly to the driver.

NOZAWA ONSEN SNOW RESORT

The popular ski resort of Nozawa Onsen can be reached using an express bus or local bus from Iiyama Station. The Nozawa Onsen Liner runs directly from Iiyama Station to the resort, ending at the Chuo Bus Terminal in the middle of Nozawa. It takes 25 minutes and costs JPY600 per adult / JPY300 per child – paid directly to the driver:

From Nozawa to Iiyama Station, the following schedule operates in winter:

Alternatively, the Nagaden Nozawa Line also connects the station to the resort via Kijima – near Kijimadaira Ski Resort – taking just over 40 minutes to reach Nozawa and costing JPY700 per adult / JPY350 per child one-way:

The following schedule operates from Nozawa Grand Hotel:

MADARAO MOUNTAIN RESORT

Known for its powder bowls and tree runs, Madarao Mountain Resort is another popular resort in winter. Nagaden operates the following buses from the station to the resort, with a couple of services each day also connecting to Nozawa Onsen and Tangaram – a resort which connects to Madarao. A one-way journey from Iiyama to Madarao takes approximately 30 minutes and costs JPY700 per adult / JPY350 per child:

The following services return from Madarao to Iiyama Station:

Please note, that two services a day connect Madarao and Nozawa Onsen in winter. Often referred to as the ‘NoToMa Express Line’, the service from Madaro to Nozawa – or in the opposite direction – will costs JPY1200 per adult / JPY600 per child.

Outside of winter, the Nagaden Madarao Bus only operates during Golden Week (May 2 to 6) and the summer holiday (July 23 to August 31) at the same cost of JPY700 per adult / JPY350 per child:

Three buses return to Iiyama Station each time at the following times:

If you want to visit Madarao outside of those dates, taxis are available at Iiyama Station. All bus services and taxis operate outside the station’s Chikumagawa/Main Exit – it is a small station, so you really can’t miss it. For further information about using Nagaden’s local buses, please refer to our ‘Nagaden Local Bus’ page.

TOURIST INFORMATION, ACTIVITY CENTER & ATM

The station’s Tourist Information Center is located on the ground-floor. Open every day from 08:30 until 18:00, staff can general enquiries, transport enquiries, timetables and maps, accommodation bookings and luggage storage and delivery.English-speaking staff are usually available to assist. Located next to the Tourist Information Center, the Shinetsu-Shizenkyo Activity Center (SSAC) provides a range of rental gear bicycles and outdoor equipment including walking boots, clothing, backpacks, tents and camping gear. In winter, specialist gear is also available. The SSAC is also open every day from 08:30 to 18:00.

The News Day convenience store inside the station has an ATM. Alternatively, there is a 7-11 located around 3-minutes walk from the Main Exit. Open 24 hours a day, 7-11 ATMs are your best bet when using international cards. Should the News Day be closed or their ATM doesn’t accept your card, head over to the 7-11 and you should be fine.

JAPAN SKI RESORTS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Did you know that Nozawa and Madarao is just a couple of the more than eighty ski resorts in Nagano and more than five hundred in Japan? Needless to say, when you choose Nagano for your winter getaway you are spoiled for choice! Our ‘Japan Ski Resorts’ page has everything you need to know to start planning your ski and snowboard adventure including: LATEST NEWS & DEALS, THE BEST RESORTS IN NAGANO & JAPAN, FAQs and of course OUR SKI PACKAGES, ACCOMMODATION, TRANSPORT & TOURS.

25 THINGS TO DO AROUND NOZAWA & WHERE TO STAY

One of the most popular ski resorts in Japan, Nozawa Onsen has a big reputation for epic powder, awesome terrain and energetic nightlife. But Nozawa is also one of Nagano’s most historic villages… Long before Nozawa Onsen was a snow resort, it was famous for the healing powers of its thermal water and as a place of refuge. With a history stretching back more than 1000 years, Nozawa is one of Japan’s most famous ‘onsen’ (natural hot spring) towns, a legacy that lives on today in its free public hot springs, quaint streets and rural backbone. Our ’25 Things To Do Around Nozawa & Where To Stay’ page has some great information about what’s on offer all-year-round including accommodation listings.

25 THINGS TO DO AROUND MADARAO & WHERE TO STAY

Located within easy reach of Iiyama Station and nearby Nozawa Onsen, Madarao is another of the region’s best ski resort. Madarano Mountain Resort is small but has a legion of fans who flock there each winter to enjoy its powder bowls, tree zones and backcountry. Outside of winter, efforts by local residents are transforming Madarao into an attractive all-year-round destination offering an escape from the city, especially in summer when it enjoys a notably cooler climate than Tokyo. For tips and suggestions of what’s on offer, including accommodation listings, see our ’25 Things To Do Around Madarao & Where To Stay’ page.

BOOK WITH US! NAGANO’S NO.1 TOUR & CHARTER OPERATOR

Snow Monkey Resorts is Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator. We have the local knowledge of where and when to go, to help you discover and enjoy the region’s many ski resorts and other fantastic destinations and activities. For guests wanting to access the resorts in the comfort of their own transport, we can arrange a private tour or charter customised to fit your needs, starting and ending at any destination including from/to Nagano Station and any resort in the region.

Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.

We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of that experience and help you discover even more!

Why choose us?

Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Japan.