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Overview
Madarao Mountain Resort is located between Nozawa Onsen and Myoko Kogen in northern Nagano Prefecture, although the border to Niigata is right at the front door of the resort and some ski runs cross both prefectures. Mount Madarao stands 1382m tall and Madarao Mountain resort combines with Tangram Ski Circus on an all mountain pass. The All Mountain Pass offers 46 generous ski runs both on and off piste for all abilities and 20 ski lift. The resort has become known as "Madapow" by foreigners due to its frequent falls of light Japanese powder snow which can be up to 15 metres a year while a base of 3 to 4 metres in normal at Madarao every winter.
Madarao can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to experts! If you are keen to try out different ski resorts, other resorts in Nagano and Niigata can be visited for the day with a paid shuttle.
Back country tours, snow shoe tours, snow rafting and indoor rock climbing are available at Madarao as well as English ski lessons available as group and private, book before you come to ensure availability as instructors are limited; also why not try unique soba making and Japanese ceramic courses on offer at Madarao Kogen resort visitor centre.
Madarao Kogen Hotel and Tangram Resort offer onsens, restaurants and bars while Madarao Kogen village offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, izakayas and bars which is only a small walk from the Madarao Kogen Hotel.
Featured Accommodations
Adventures & Attractions
Our recommended resort highlights.
Madarao Hot Spring
Natural hot spring water, 600m deep, soothes muscle aches and fatigue. Ideal for post-activity relaxation.
Madarao Kogen Restaurants and Bars
Madarao Kogen is quieter but offers a few cozy restaurants and bars. Try Tomikura Soba, local buckwheat noodles with wild burdock leaves.
Madarao Kogen Kids Park
Madarao Kids Park offers sleds, snow tubes, and a Japanese igloo. Enjoy the Snow Fun Corner and easy Snow Escalator for all ages.
Madarao Kogen Back Country
Explore untouched powder and off-piste routes with guided backcountry tours, perfect for adventure seekers.
Madarao Snowshoe Tours
Explore Madarao's winter wonderland on a snowshoe tour! Enjoy scenic trails, fresh powder and serene landscapes, perfect for all skill levels.
Madarao Snowmobile Tour
Rev up for adventure with snowmobile tours at Madarao and Tangram! Explore thrilling trails, race through fresh powder and breathtaking views.
Madarao Snow Rafting
Experience a true thrill of snow rafting at Madarao. Get pulled by a snowmobile as your glide through the snow for fun winter adventure.
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Take a scenic 20-30 min forest walk to see over 200 wild snow monkeys soaking in hot springs at the Jigokudani Park, a unique winter experience!
Myoko Kogen Ski Resort
Myoko offers deep powder, varied terrain and a mix of runs for all levels. Enjoy stunning views, tree skiing and a vibrant apres-ski scene.
Shiga Kogen Ski Resort
Shiga Kogen is Japan's largest ski aea, offering diverse terrain, long runs and pristine powder. Perfect for all levels with stunning views.
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort
Nozawa Onsen offers epic powder, long runs and a charming village with natural hot springs - perfect for a true Japanese winter experience.
- How to Reach Madarao Kogen
- Resorts & City Guide
By Air
Access via Narita or Haneda Airports. Niigata Airport serves Asian hubs, while Toyama Airport handles domestic flights.
By Train
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Iiyama Station (1 hr 45 mins from Tokyo), then a shuttle bus to Madarao and Tangram resorts.
By Car
Driving takes over 4 hours from Tokyo or Osaka. Cars can be hired from Nagano, Toyama, or Niigata with toll roads making access easier.
By Bus
Nagano Snow Shuttle offers multiple daily transfers to Madarao Kogen Hotel and links with other Nagano and Niigata resorts.
By Private Transfer
Private or VIP transfers are available from Narita, Haneda, and Nagano, as well as other resorts in Nagano or Niigata.
