Nice to meet you! This is the Iijima Town Tourism Association. Iijimamachi, Kamiina County, Nagano Prefecture is a town of about 8,900 people located in the center of the Inadani Valley in southern Nagano Prefecture. To the west lies the Central Alps and to the east the Southern Alps, making it a town where you can see two mountain ranges. On the Cool Japan video channel, we will share recommended and up-to-date information about Iijima Town in Nagano Prefecture, so please stay tuned! ◇◇What is Iijima Town, Nagano Prefecture? Iijima Town is home to two nationally famous fireworks makers. In spring there is the Senninzuka Water Fireworks Festival, summer brings event fireworks, in September–October there are weekly votive fireworks, and on New Year’s Day there is the New Year's Eve Fireworks Festival. Fireworks are a familiar presence in the lives of Iijima residents throughout the year. Also, straw work (wara-zaiku) has been passed down through generations as a traditional craft. Straw work made in Iijima Town is famous nationwide and contributes to making sumo wrestling ring straw bales and ceremonial shimenawa ropes for well-known shrines. In recent years Iijima Town has attracted attention as a comfortable place to live, and the number of people moving here has increased. ◇◇Tourist attractions in Iijima Town, Nagano Prefecture [Mt. Karakasa] This 1,542-meter mountain had two trails developed in 2013. From the lookout and the summit you can enjoy spectacular views of the Southern Alps. [Campsites in Iijima Town] Iijima Town has three campsites, so choose the one that fits your plans and enjoy. ・Senninzuka Park Campsite Located in the Shichikubo district, this nature park offers camping, SUP, fishing, trekking, and many activities to enjoy the rich outdoors. ・Inaka no Kaze Campsite Experience farm activities and beetle hunting to fully feel the great outdoors. ・Yodagiri Park Campsite This site also has sports facilities such as tennis courts and a pool. The natural spring in the park, Kosumo no Mizu, was selected as one of Shinshu’s 15 notable and secret waters. [Roadside Station Hana-no-Sato Iijima] Fresh local vegetables line the stalls, and you can also enjoy meals. You can take in sweeping views of the Central Alps and the Southern Alps. [Roadside Station Tagirino Sato] This roadside station offers many products showcasing Iijima Town’s natural bounty, letting you feel the charm of Minami Shinshu Iijima Town. The takeout soft serve ice cream is very popular. ◇◇Local specialties of Iijima Town, Nagano Prefecture Alps Salmon, large rainbow trout raised in alpine spring water, is richly flavored and superbly fatty. The town also has many soba restaurants where you can enjoy authentic hand-made soba. ◇◇Festivals and events in Iijima Town, Nagano Prefecture [Shinshu Ijima Wind Road Wind Chime Festival] In 2023 this event set a Guinness World Record for the largest number of displayed wind chimes. Ten thousand wind chimes created a cool, ringing sound across the venue. Many food stalls line the site, and a special stage features guests selected each year to match the festival’s concept. [Iijima Town Rice Bale Marathon] In this rice-producing town, a marathon carrying rice bales is held. The 2023 event marked the 11th running and, as usual, registration fills up immediately when applications open, making it a very popular event. ◇◇Recommended information about Iijima Town, Nagano Prefecture Iijima Town offers stunning natural beauty, a rich history, and warm local events that make it an appealing destination. Please come and enjoy a relaxing time in Iijima Town. We will continue to share tourism information about Iijima Town on this account, so please follow us.