Madarao Mountain Resort, Shinano Travel Guide

4.2 (1369)

Experience the legendary 'Madapow' at Madarao Mountain Resort, a hidden gem in Nagano known for its deep powder and tree runs.

Home
Travel Guides
Japan
Shinano
Madarao Mountain Resort

Madarao Mountain Resort, located in the Iiyama region of Nagano, Japan, is a rising star among ski destinations, celebrated for its abundant powder snow, relaxed atmosphere, and extensive tree runs. Once a popular resort in the 1970s frequented by the royal family, it experienced a quiet period before its resurgence, driven by Western and Japanese guests alike.

A brief summary to Madarao Mountain Resort

Madaraokogen, Iiyama, Madaraokogen, Nagano, 389-2257, JP
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am-4:30 am
Thursday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 8:30 am-4:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Madarao Mountain Resort.

Take advantage of the free daily bus to and from Myoko Kogen and Nozawa Onsen for day trips to experience other resorts.
Explore the authentic town of Iiyama for a taste of local Japanese culture and cuisine.
For the best powder experience, visit during the peak season (January-February) to maximize your chances of experiencing the legendary 'Madapow'.
If you're an advanced skier or snowboarder, consider booking a backcountry tour to explore the untouched powder and 'lost Madarao resorts'.
Exchange currency before arriving in Madarao Kogen, as there are no ATMs available in the area.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Kurohime Kogen

Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen)

Omachi Alpine Museum

Lake Nojiri Naumann Elephant Museum

Kurohime Kogen Snow Park

Explore Madarao Mountain Resort on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Madarao Mountain Resort, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

The most common way to reach Madarao Mountain Resort is via Iiyama Station. From Iiyama Station, take a Nagaden bus towards Madarao Kogen. The bus ride takes approximately 20-30 minutes. The fare is around ¥700 for adults and ¥350 for children. Check the Nagaden website for the most up-to-date bus schedules.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available at Iiyama Station. A taxi ride from Iiyama Station to Madarao Mountain Resort takes approximately 20 minutes. The cost is around ¥2,800-¥3,300, but may vary depending on the location of your accommodation.

Discover more about Madarao Mountain Resort

Madarao Mountain Resort, nestled in the heart of Nagano Prefecture, offers a unique and exhilarating ski experience. Known for its incredible powder snow, affectionately called "Madapow," the resort is a haven for powder enthusiasts and tree skiing aficionados. With an average of 10 to 13 meters of snowfall each season, Madarao boasts a reputation as one of Japan's snowiest destinations.The resort features a diverse terrain with 31 courses and 10 lifts, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Approximately 60% of the courses are ungroomed, providing ample opportunities to enjoy the deep powder. Madarao is also interconnected with the Tangram Ski Circus, offering access to even more slopes and terrain.Beyond the slopes, Madarao offers a laid-back atmosphere with a growing number of Western-friendly accommodations, bars, and restaurants. The nearby town of Iiyama provides a glimpse into authentic Japanese culture, with its charming temples and local cuisine. Madarao's location also makes it an ideal base for exploring other nearby ski resorts such as Nozawa Onsen and Myoko Kogen.Madarao has a fascinating history. It was purpose-built as a ski resort in the 1970s and became popular, especially with the Japanese royal family. After a quiet period, the resort has seen a rebirth, driven by the opening of the Shinkansen (bullet train) station in Iiyama and the renovation of old ski lodges.