Iide Village 飯豊町
In the heart of the Dewa region
Located at the source of the Mogami River in southwestern Yamagata Prefecture, the village of Iide has a population of just under 8,000. The daily life of this mountain hamlet is organized around agriculture and is punctuated by well-marked seasons: thick snow coat in winter, flower fields in spring.
The Iide region
Between forest and mountain
Iide is made up of 84% of forests and mountains. The main industry of the city is agriculture, with particular focus on the production of rice, tomatoes, flowers (lilies), ferns and asparagus. In addition, Yamagata Prefecture is the main production area for Yonezawa beef, about 40% of it is produced in Yidezawa. There are many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, picking wild vegetables, swimming and snowmobiling in winter. Don't miss the Dondendaira lily garden and the Nakatsuga fern fields!
Mountain baths
In the mountains of Iide spring, discover the hot springs of Yu no sawa. This privileged setting, in the heart of nature, offers a uniquely relaxing experience. Wild vegetables and mushrooms also benefit from the rich soil of the mountain. Don't miss the chance to taste regional cuisine made with local products! The specialties of the city also include doburoku, a kind of regional rice alcohol similar to nigorizake.
Yu no sawa
Snowy winters and summer s in bloom
Iide and its surroundings is one of the areas where snow falls in abundance once the winter comes. The city is also dotted with hostels and popular hotels, and natural hot springs: Akayu Onsen, Onogawa Onsen, Hakubo Onsen, Kamiyama Onsen... In spring, from early April to early May, white skunk cabbage (Lysichiton camtschatcensis) blooms in the marshy areas of Iide. From late May to late June, the many fields of ferns (warabi) offer a refreshing nature excursion.
To discover : Dewa sanzan, the three sacred mountains of Yamagata
"Slow village" hotel in Iide
Asian skunk cabbage (Lysichiton camtschatcensis)
Rice paddies in Iide
The garden with Dondendaira lilies in Iide
Access: 3341 Oaza Hagyu, Nishiokitama-gun, Iide-cho, Yamagata-ken 999-0602. Phone: +81 (0) 238-78-5587. Adult price: 600 yen; Free for children.
The garden is open in June, from 9:00 to 17:00.
Fields of ferns from Nakatsugawa to Iide
