Iizuna Highlands, also known as Iizuna Kogen, is a scenic highland area in the Imoi district of Nagano City. Located at elevations of approximately 800 to 1,200 meters, the area stretches across the foothills of the sacred Mount Iizuna to the southeast.
With its forests, wetlands, lakes, mountains, cultural heritage, and outdoor facilities, Iizuna Highlands is one of the area’s most diverse destinations for nature and recreation. Visitors can enjoy hiking and sightseeing in warmer months, while winter brings opportunities for snow sports.
The area around Mount Iizuna is ideal for hiking, mountain walks, and experiencing the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred peak. The Ichinotorii area marks an important entrance toward Togakushi Shrine. In the past, numerous temple lodgings stood here, and the area served as an important center of Shugendo mountain asceticism.
During winter, the ski resort area becomes a popular destination for snow sports. Facilities such as the former Iizuna Kogen Ski Area and Highland Hall Iizuna have supported skiing and other winter activities, with terrain suitable for a range of abilities.
The sports area includes spacious grounds and the Bobsleigh and Luge Park. During the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, Iizuna Highlands hosted bobsleigh and luge competitions.
The Olympic facilities continue to be associated with sports and training, allowing visitors to experience a part of Nagano’s Olympic legacy.
Centered around Lake Ozahoshi, this area combines lakeside scenery with the Iizuna Highlands Campground and the beautiful Otani Wetland. Seasonal plants and wild birds can be observed here, making the area particularly appealing for families and visitors looking for a relaxing outdoor experience.
Several bodies of water, including Lake Iizuna, Lake Oike, and Sakayatani Wetland, are scattered throughout this part of the highlands. The quiet waters and surrounding forests create an ideal setting for hiking, canoeing, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the mountains.
The landscape of Iizuna Highlands has been shaped not only by nature but also by generations of human activity. For centuries, people regularly burned sections of the grassland and used them for grazing and gathering grass, creating a distinctive semi-natural landscape.
Until the Edo period, much of the area was managed as common land shared by local communities. From the Meiji period onward, privately owned forests and grasslands were also used for collecting grass and other resources.
After World War II, much of the grassland and oak forest was gradually converted into plantations of Japanese larch. At the same time, the development of vacation homes, golf courses, and other recreational facilities changed the way the highlands were used.
These developments reflected the region’s economic growth while also transforming the traditional landscape of Iizuna Highlands.
Access to the highlands improved dramatically in 1964, when the Togakushi Bird Line opened. The scenic road made it much easier for visitors from the Tokyo metropolitan area and other parts of Japan to reach the region.
Iizuna Highlands subsequently became increasingly popular as a place for recreation, summer retreats, and escaping the heat of the cities.
The 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics brought international attention to Iizuna Highlands. The area hosted official competitions in freestyle skiing, bobsleigh, and luge.
Infrastructure around the highlands was improved in connection with the Games, and several facilities remain as part of Nagano’s Olympic legacy. Today, visitors can enjoy the same mountain environment that welcomed athletes from around the world.
Mount Iizuna is a sacred mountain known for both hiking and religious traditions. Its trails offer opportunities to experience the forests and mountain landscapes of northern Nagano.
The highlands and surrounding area have long been associated with winter sports, including skiing and snowboarding. Nearby ski resorts provide another reason to visit during the snowy season.
Lake Ozahoshi is one of the area’s most recognizable natural landmarks. Its calm waters and forested surroundings make it a pleasant destination for walking, photography, and outdoor recreation.
Otani Wetland, Sakayatani Wetland, Lake Iizuna, and Lake Oike offer different perspectives on the natural environment of the highlands. Depending on the season, visitors can encounter wildflowers, wetland vegetation, birds, and changing mountain scenery.
The area also includes the Iizuna Highlands Campground, Shokudo no Mori outdoor facilities, and other recreational areas. Hiking, camping, nature observation, and family-friendly outdoor activities can all be enjoyed in the highland environment.
The Ichinotorii area provides a connection with the religious history of the Togakushi region. Visitors can also seek out historic architecture such as the former Daniel Norman residence, adding a cultural dimension to a visit to the highlands.
Iizuna Highlands is approximately 30 minutes by car from central Nagano City. The Togakushi Bird Line and Asakawa Loop Line provide scenic routes into the highlands, allowing the journey itself to become part of the sightseeing experience.
Passenger cars can use routes including Nagano City Road Ozahoshiike-Nishitaka Line, including the Nanamagari section, and the Togakushi Bird Line.
Some sections have restrictions for large freight vehicles and certain medium-sized vehicles, so drivers should check road conditions and vehicle restrictions before traveling.
Another approach from the Nagano Prefectural Government area is via Nagano Prefectural Route 399, National Route 406, Nagano-Togakushi Line, and Iizuna Highlands-Imoi Line.
Iizuna Highlands is a destination where mountain nature, traditional culture, outdoor recreation, and modern sporting history come together. Its forests and wetlands offer peaceful scenery, while Mount Iizuna provides a deeper connection with the religious traditions of northern Nagano.
The area also preserves traces of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, making it possible to combine outdoor exploration with an understanding of the region’s international sporting heritage.
Whether you visit for hiking in summer, colorful autumn scenery, winter sports, camping, wildlife observation, or simply a refreshing escape into the mountains, Iizuna Highlands offers a wide variety of ways to experience the natural beauty of Shinshu.