Iiyama (飯山市, Iiyama-shi?) is a city located in Nagano, Japan. It markets itself as "Japan's Hometown".
The city was founded on August 1, 1954. As of 2008, the city has an estimated population of 23,969 and the density of 118 persons per km². The total area is 202.32 km². The Chikuma River (the longest river in Japan) runs through the centre of the area and becomes known as the Shinano River when it passes into Niigata Prefecture. Contrary to a popular misconception[citation needed], the city has no relationships with the TV and electronics manufacturer Iiyama.
There are many well known ski resorts in the area. These include Nozawa Onsen, Madarao Sympathique, Madarao Kogen, Tangram Ski Circus, Togari Onsen, Shinanodaira, Iiyama Kokusai and Hokuryuko
Iiyama also hosts a number of popular festivals such as the Iiyama Snow Festival in mid-February, Iiyama Dontokoi in August, as well as the Newport Jazz Festival each summer in Madarao.
Media related to Iiyama, Nagano at Wikimedia Commons