Madarao Kogen – Nagano’s Hidden Gem
Perched above Iiyama Station in northern Nagano, Madarao Kogen is one of the Shinshu region’s standout ski destinations, made up of two interconnected resorts: Madarao Mountain Resort and Tangram Ski Circus. Together, they offer a relaxed atmosphere, excellent snow quality, and some of the best tree skiing in Japan.
Madarao is widely regarded as a pioneer of side-country and tree skiing, with carefully managed glades that were intentionally thinned to create natural powder playgrounds accessible directly from the lifts. Tangram Ski Circus has followed suit in recent years, expanding its own gladed terrain and making the combined area a favorite for powder hunters who want off-piste-style skiing without long hikes.
Each resort can be enjoyed independently, but a combined lift pass unlocks the full Madarao–Tangram network, giving you access to a broad mix of groomed cruisers, playful tree runs, and powder stashes—ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers, while still offering beginner-friendly slopes.
Location & Base for Exploring
Madarao Kogen sits between two of Japan’s most famous ski regions: Nozawa Onsen and Myoko Kogen. This central positioning makes it an excellent base for travelers who want to explore multiple resorts during their stay.
From Madarao, day trips to both Nozawa Onsen and Myoko Kogen are straightforward, allowing you to mix classic onsen-town charm, big interconnected ski areas, and Madarao’s legendary tree skiing—all in one trip.
Accommodation & Village Atmosphere
Both Madarao Mountain Resort and Tangram Ski Circus offer ski-in/ski-out hotels, along with a selection of lodges, pensions, and guesthouses in the surrounding area. The vibe is friendly and international, with a growing number of cafes, bars, and restaurants catering to overseas visitors, while still retaining a laid-back, mountain-town feel.
Recent foreign investment has injected new energy into the area, with ongoing and planned developments aimed at improving accommodation, dining options, and overall resort infrastructure—good news for future visitors.
Why Choose Madarao Kogen?
- Renowned tree skiing and powder terrain
- Two connected resorts with one lift pass
- Easy access from Iiyama Station
- Great base for visiting Nozawa Onsen and Myoko Kogen
- Relaxed, uncrowded alternative to larger mega-resorts
Nagano Snow Shuttle Pick-Up Points in Madarao Kogen
To make your arrival and departure as smooth as possible, Nagano Snow Shuttle offers convenient pick-ups and drop-offs at two key locations in the Madarao area:
- Madarao Kogen Hotel (Madarao Mountain Resort side)
- Tangram Ski Circus
These centrally located stops cover the majority of ski-in/ski-out hotels and nearby accommodations, allowing most guests to walk to the pickup point without needing local taxis or buses.
Whether you’re staying slopeside at Madarao Mountain Resort or at Tangram Ski Circus, you can step out of your accommodation and straight onto our shuttle—simple, efficient, and luggage-friendly.
One resort, two pickup points, zero hassle. Just the way a ski transfer should be.