Want a pro tip to save money? Check the end of this write up :)

What is it?

Each winter, Iiyama Kamakura Village in Nagano Prefecture offers a seasonal experience where visitors can dine inside kamakura—traditional Japanese snow domes. The village is set up annually from late January to late February, depending on snowfall conditions. Alongside igloo dining, a temporary snow shrine dedicated to a water deity is constructed, where visitors can pray for good fortune and abundant snowfall.

Where is it?

The village is located in Iiyama City, about 10 minutes by car or taxi from JR Iiyama Station. The station is accessible via the Hokuriku Shinkansen, with direct trains from Tokyo in about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Reservations are required for dining, while the shrine is open for visitors throughout the event.

Dining Experience:

Guests can enjoy the local specialty, Noroshi Nabe, a hot pot featuring Shinshu miso, locally sourced mushrooms, vegetables, and Iiyama's renowned Miyuki pork. Each reservation includes private use of a kamakura and a Noroshi Nabe hot pot with a rice ball. The hot pot is portioned for approximately two people.

Pricing:

• Lunch:

  • Adults: ¥6,000 per person

  • Children (Elementary School): ¥4,500 per person

  • Preschoolers (0-5 years old): Free

• Dinner:

  • Adults: ¥7,000 per person

  • Children (Elementary School): ¥4,900 per person

  • Preschoolers (0-5 years old): Free

Note: Prices are discounted for reservations made through the official website with credit card payment. Walk-in or phone reservations may have different pricing.

Reservation Details:

• Reservation Start Date: sometime in December through web reservations.

• Reservation Methods: Online reservations are preferred and can be made through the official website. Telephone reservations begin in January. Walk-in reservations are subject to availability and may have different pricing.

Access:

The village is located at 807-2 Kotobuki, Iiyama City, Nagano 389-2418. It's approximately a 15-minute taxi ride from JR Iiyama Station, accessible via the Hokuriku Shinkansen.

For more information and to make reservations, please visit the official website:

MATT PRO TIP!

Want to enjoy the Kamakura igloo experience but don't want to pay so much for a hot pot? Don't do it.

Instead, you can buy food on the day from one of the vendor windows and eat inside an igloo available for anyone to enter. You might need to wait for others to eat or you could just eat outside and enjoy the day. Plus, you can still visit the shrine igloo even if you don't buy anything. Don't be turned off by the expensive hot pot and still enjoy a trip to the Kamakura!