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We have compiled some useful information to help make your trip to Japan just that little bit easier! Below you will find tips ranging from handling all your luggage to finding the best powder on the slopes!
Madarao Mountain
Madarao Mountain
Tucked away in the mountains of northern Nagano, Madarao is a quiet ski town with incredible snow and a laid-back vibe. The resort is famous for its natural terrain and tree runs, with most of the slopes left ungroomed so you can enjoy fresh powder all day. It’s connected to Tangram Ski Circus, giving you plenty of space to explore without the crowds.
Madarao gets around 10 to 13 meters of snow each winter, and the village has a cozy mix of small bars, family-run lodges, and friendly locals. It’s easy to reach from Tokyo — just hop on the Shinkansen to Iiyama Station, then take a short bus or taxi ride up the mountain. Simple, beautiful, and full of powder.
The Best Ski Spots
The Best Ski Spots
To make the most of your trip make sure to study the mountains map. Click the image of the map to open a PDF of Madarao Mountain. Physical print-outs are also avalible at most accomodations and reastraunts. All mountain owned businesses carry maps e.g. ticket office, The Kogen Hotel, and Heidi's.
Where's What?
Where's What?
Everyone needs to find their way around the village. Click on the map to view a full size version to guide you to all the best places to eat and drink in town. Most accomodations are also noted on this map so you will be able to find your way home at the end of the night.
Luggage Made Easy
Luggage Made Easy
Before you leave the airport look for the "black cat" logo. This is Yamato Transport!
Yamato is a courier service that operates nation wide usually with next day delivery.
All you need to do is bring them any bags you would like to send to your accomodation and they will help you fill out a form and have them on the way asap. This will leave your hands free during your sight seeing around Tokyo if you're there for a few days and also make your travel up to the mountains worry free!
What Train? How Fast?
What Train? How Fast?
The eaisiest way to get to Madarao is via shinkansen.
These leave regularly from Tokyo Station. You need to find the shinkansen ticket machene where you can purchace tickets with cash or a physical card if you have one. Change the language to english and follow the instructions to book a ticket to Iiyama.
After you have gotten your tickets it's time to head up to the platform and grab a bento box and some snacks for the journey! The trip should take just under 2 hours. And if you're traveling to Nozawa Onsen before coming to Madarao you can get off at the same stop!
Stay Connected
Stay Connected
When skiing or just traveling Japan in general, it's important to stay connected to your friends and family incase someone gets lost or you need to look up a map on the fly.
We recommend the travel sim company "Ubigi". Simply download the app, install the e-sim onto your device and select a plan that suits your needs. Data plans start from ¥700 and we even have a discount code you can use to get a further 20% off!!
Discount code: LQMKHTES
Need another excuse to come to Madarao?
Need another excuse to come to Madarao?
Here is a live forecast of the next 6 days of snowfall at Madarao and Tangram. Madarao averages 53cm of snowfall every week with some weeks easily doubling that average.
Still need a hand?
Still need a hand?
If theres any other info that you would like to know, please shoot us through an email on info@kamoshikasnowsports.com with any questions big or small!
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