Located on the plateau above JR Iiyama Station Madarao Kogen is the 5th main resort in the Shinshu Nagano Area.

Consisting of Madarao Kogen and Tangram Ski Circus resorts, the progressive management of these resorts has seen visitor numbers increase noticeably over the past few seasons.

After several years of hard financial times, Madarao Kogen Resort has seen a major infusion of foreign investment and plans to develop the resort further. One of the first resorts in Japan to tap into the side country market, strategic tree culling allows most levels of ability to enjoy the off-piste slopes within the resorts boundaries.

Trangram Ski Circus had followed suit and is more open to tree skiing than it has been in the past.

Both resorts can be done individually, but it is worth getting the combined lift pass to explore area fully.

Being located between Nozawa Onsen and Myoko Kogen, it is an ideal base to settle yourself in, an make day trips to these other resorts.

Ski In / Ski Out accommodation is available at both resorts, at hotels operated by the resorts themselves, as well as a variety of accommodation a short distance from the lifts.

It is best to stay within walking distance of the slopes (or have a host who is prepared to shuttle you) as there is no day or night shuttle services in the area. 

Madarao Kogen does not have any local taxi services either.

To order a taxi you will be need to call one up form Iiyama Station. Iyama Kanko Hire and Nagano Kotsu Taxi both operate out of Iiyama Station.

It takes about 30 minutes for a taxi to get to you in winter.

There are no ATM or money changing facilities in the greater Madarao Kogen area. The closest ATM to Madarao Kogen is on route 97, about 15 km (25 minutes by car) in Iiyama city, where there are both Lawson and Seven Eleven Convenience Stores.

The post office in Iiyama also has an International ATM , however hours a limited, with closing times of 7:00PM on weekdays, and 5:00PM on weekends and public holidays.

It pays to carry enough cash for you entire time in Madarao Kogen from the time you leave the airport

Madarao Kogen does not have Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Pharmacies, a Post Office or Rental Car Service.

But you will find all these in Iiyama City, about 20-30 minutes’ drive away. In fact, whatever Madarao Kogen lacks in services, they can all be found in Iiyama.

Rental Cars will solve many access issues, and can be rented from Iiyama Station, where 2 outlets operate. Advanced bookings are recommended, as the supply of cars on site is limited. The 2 outlets are Eki Renta-Car, and Nissan Renta-Car. It is essential to have an international driver’s license (and no amount of arguing will change this) , and it also pays to remember that you can only drive a 9 seater car on a standard international license, so the Hiace Vans and Caravan Vans cannot be used unless you have a heavy vehicle certification.

There is Tourist Information available via the Madarao Kogen Tourist association located in the Yama-no-Ie building. Hours are 9:00am to 5:00PM.

Rental equipment can be arranged by your accommodation. Let them know in advance if you need gear.

There are no hospitals or clinics in Madarao Kogen. In case of ambulance evacuation, patients will be transfers to either Iiyama Red Cross Hospital (30 minutes), Hokushin General Hospital (35 minutes), or Nagano Shimin Hospital (45-50 minutes). Often ambulance staff on site will not be able to tell where they are headed until after they depart the scene, as they will be in constant contact with the hospitals and will be directed to the hospital with the best facilities to cope with the current situation.

There is also a emergency helicopter for extreme cases, which generally transport patients to Nagano Red Cross Hospital, a 10 minute flight from Madarao.

For other health related issues, no requiring emergency services, the closest hospital is Iiyama Red Cross Hospital, located 5 minutes walk from JR Iiyama Station.
It is open Weekdays only from 8:30am. The level of English spoken by the doctors varies, but they all should be able to conduct a basic assessment and explain the diagnosis to you.