How To Get To Madarao – Nagano Ski Resorts Info
The resort of Madarao lies to the northeast of Nagano City, approximately 40KM (1-hour drive) and within easy reach to the northwest of Tokyo, approximately 275KM (3.5-hour drive) or around 2 hours using the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Best known for its ski resort, Madarao is emerging as an all-year-round destination thanks a local push to develop its green season activities including mountain-biking and hiking. On this page you will find the following information:
— Madarao Mountain Resort: The Stats & Facts
— 25 Things to Do Around Madarao & Where to Stay
— Tours & Charters from Madarao
Known for its powder bowls and tree runs, Madarao Mountain Resort is an increasingly popular resort for international visitors. Offering around 30 courses spread over 75 ha of terrain, Madarao is small. But what it lacks in size is made-up for with the fun and freedom of plenty of tree runs and heavy snow, best enjoyed in the resorts snow bowls.
For international visitors, Madarao is most easily reached via Iiyama Station using the Hokuriku Shinkansen line. Shuttle buses operate to and from the station, making the journey to Madarao in 20 to 25-minutes, placing it within easy reach of Nagano City, Tokyo and beyond. As such, the directions below take you as far as Iiyama from where you can take the local bus or taxi onto the resort.
WHERE IS MADARAO?
Located around 40KM or a 1-hour drive to the northeast of Nagano City and 275KM northwest of Tokyo (a 3.5-hour drive), Madarao Mountain Resort is within easy reach thanks to its proximity to Iiyama Station. Iiyama is a stop on the Hokuriku Shikansen line running from Tokyo to Kanazawa via Nagano, making it a convenient way to move to and from Madarao via the station. Local buses and taxis operate from Iiyama Station to Madarao in around 30-minutes, running more frequently in winter given the extra demand by visitors heading to the ski resort. Most famous for its deep snow in winter allowing for some of Nagano’s best off-piste skiing and snowboarding, Madarao is developing into an all-year-round destination as an increasing number of outdoor activities, accommodation and restaurants are popping-up each green season.
HOW TO GET TO MADARAO
Madarao is a relatively small but increasingly popular ski resort within easy reach of Nagano City and Tokyo Station In this section you will find information on how to reach Madarao from the following starting points:
IIYAMA STATION – NAGANO CITY – JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK – KARUIZAWA – TOKYO – NARITA AIRPORT – HANEDA AIRPORT – NOZAWA ONSEN – MYOKO KOGEN – SHIGA KOGEN – HAKUBA – KANAZAWA
We endeavour to keep this information as up-to-date as possible and in recognition that most international visitors will be using the train network to move around Japan, most directions are for using the trains. If there is alternative option i.e. express or local bus, that is notably faster or economical, we also include that information. All times cited below refer to using public transport to reach Madarao. It’s important to note that should you drive yourself or arrange a private charter, the journey time – especially to Madarao from other ski resorts – is likely to be notably shorter – see ‘Book With Us! Nagano’s No.1 Tour & Charter Operator’ below for information about our services including transport to and from the ski resorts of Nagano.
FROM IIYAMA STATION / between 20 to 30 minutes
Nagaden operates the following buses from Iiyama Station to the resort, with a couple of services each day also connecting to Nozawa Onsen and Tangaram – a resort which connects to Madarao. A one-way journey from Iiyama Station to Madarao takes approximately 30 minutes:
The following services return from Madarao to Iiyama Station:
Please note, that two services a day connect Madarao and Nozawa Onsen in winter. This service is often referred to as the ‘NoToMa Express Line’.
Outside of winter, the Nagaden Madarao Bus only operates during Golden Week (May 2 to 6) and the summer holiday (July 23 to August 31).
Three buses return to Iiyama Station each time at the following times:
If you want to visit Madarao outside of those dates, taxis are available at Iiyama Station. All bus services and taxis operate outside the station’s Chikumagawa/Main Exit – it is a small station, so you really can’t miss it. For further information about using Nagaden’s local buses, please refer to our ‘Nagaden Local Bus’ page.
FROM NAGANO CITY / between 45 to 90 minutes (depending on which train you use)
Nagano City is the nearest major city to Madarao and many visitors heading to and from Madarao, will do so via Nagano Station, enroute to Iiyama. The Hokuriku Shinkansen runs from Nagano to Iiyama Station, taking only 11 minutes. There are numerous trains per day. Once at Iiyama, follow the directions above.
Iiyama Station is also serviced by the local Iiyama Line. The line connects to Nagano Station – via Toyono Station – and then runs the 19.2km route to Iiyama. From Iiyama, the line continues north all the way to Echigo-Kawaguchi Station in Niigata. Enroute, it also stops at Togari-Nozawaonsen Station, the nearest station Togari Onsen Ski Resort.
A second option is taking the local Iiyama Line from Nagano to Iiyama, taking approximately 45 minutes and costing JPY550. Once at Iiyama Station, follow the directions above.
FROM THE JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK / between 1 to 2.5 hours (depending on how you make the journey)
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:35 – 17:35 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Hakuba (winter only) |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
For visitors heading to Madarao from the Jigokudani Monkey Park, there is a winter-only direct bus to Iiyama Station, from where you can take a bus or taxi onto Madarao. This is the most convenient way to reach Madarao from the park however there are only two services a day and only during winter. Departing from the park at 12:21 and 14:20, the bus takes around 35-minutes to reach Iiyama. Once there, follow the directions above onto Madarao. For more information, see our ‘From Madarao: How to Get to the Snow Monkey Park’ page.
For most visitors, the service above is not an option meaning that the journey to Madarao needs to be made via Nagano Station. To reach Nagano Station, you have two options: 1. an express bus from the park to Nagano Station or 2. a local bus to Yudanaka Station followed by Nagano Dentetsu train to Nagano.
Bus: the Nagaden Express Bus takes approximately 55 minutes to reach Nagano Station from the park, departing from the stop nearby the Shiga Kogen Roman Museum (at the bottom of Kanbayashi Onsen). Full details can be found at our ‘Nagaden Express Bus’ page.
Train: to access Nagano Station by train, visitors must first head to Yudanaka Station from the monkey park using one of two local bus services. Taking around 15 mins buses depart the park, please refer to our ‘Nagaden Local Bus Timetable’ page for the schedule. Once at Yudanaka Station, take the Nagano Dentetsu Line to Nagano. We recommend using the limited service – 45 min. For further details, please refer to our’ Nagano Dentetsu Line‘ and ‘Nagano Dentetsu Line Timetable‘ page. Once at Nagano Station, follow the directions above.
FROM KARUIZAWA / approx. 70 minutes
A stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line, take the shinkansen from Karuizawa Station to Iiyama Station – 30 minutes – and follow the directions above.
FROM TOKYO / approx. 2.5 hours
There’s a good chance that if you’re coming to Japan for the snow, you’ll be starting your trip from Tokyo. Iiyama Station can be reached directly from Tokyo Station using the Hokuriku Shinkansen, putting Madarao with easy reach of the capital. There are four different services on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line – the Kagayaki, Hakutaka, Asama and Tsurugi. It is important to note that the Hakutaka is the only service that stops at Iiyama Station. If Iiyama is your intended destination, you must therefore us the Hakutaka. From Tokyo Station, the Hakutaka takes between 100 to 110 minutes to reach Iiyama (depending on the specific train use choose). Once at Iiyama, follow the directions above.
FROM NARITA AIRPORT / 3.5+ hours
The Hokuriku Shinkansen can be boarded at both Tokyo Station and Ueno Station – both of which have express train services to Narita Airport. Making stops at Narita Terminal 1 and a joint stop for Terminal 2 & 3, the Narita Express (NEX) takes approximately 55 minutes to travel from Tokyo Station to the airport (depending on the specific service and which terminal you are using).
The NEX also services Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shinagawa and Yokohama Stations. Departing every 30 to 60 minutes, there are numerous services throughout the day. The earliest train from Narita departs at 07:45 with the final service departing at 21:45.
Alternatively, the Keisei Skyliner runs from Narita to Keisei-Ueno Station (adjoining Ueno Station). It takes approximately 40 minutes to reach Ueno Station. The Keisei Skyliner also runs through Nippori Station. Services operate approximately every 50 minutes, with earliest departures from Narita at 08:22 (weekdays) and 08:30 (weekends), and the latest departure at 23:20 (all days). Heading the other direction, the least service departs Keisei-Ueno Station at 05:40 (all days) and latest at 19:00 (all days). Services are more frequent heading to the airport, operating every 20 minutes early in the morning before running every 40 minutes through the day. Once at Tokyo or Ueno, transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Kanazawa, via Iiyama.
FROM HANEDA AIRPORT / 3+ hours
Servicing Haneda Airport, the Tokyo Monorail connects the airport to Tokyo Station via Hamamatsucho Station in around 30 minutes. Overall, Haneda is the busier of the two airports though it handles fewer international flights than Narita. Most international services from Haneda arrive and depart at Terminal 3.
Unlike the NEX – which is primarily used by passengers travelling to and from the Narita Airport – the Tokyo Monorail is used by many people going about their daily lives. It is designed for general commuters and not as comfortable or spacious as the NEX. Navigating your way on and off with luggage at peak hour ca be a little challenging. Nevertheless, the monorail makes the journey to and from Haneda Airport quick and relatively smooth. From Tokyo Station, take the JR Yamanote Line bound for Osaki or JR Keihin-Tohoku/Negishi Line Rapid bound for Ofuna and disembark at Hamamatsucho Station (5 min). At Hamamatsucho, transfer to the Tokyo Monorail bound for Haneda Airport (20 min) – a journey of around 30 minutes
Alternatively, visitors can also use the Keikyu Line to reach the airport. To do so, take the JR Yamanote or JR Keihin-Tohoku Lines from Tokyo Station to Shinagawa Station (10 min) and then transfer to the Keikyu Airport Line Bound for Haneda (20 min). These are conventional train lines. Advanced bookings are not possible. Once at Tokyo Station, transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Kanazawa, via Iiyama.
FROM NOZAWA ONSEN / between 60 to 90 minutes
Nozawa Onsen lies across the valley from Madarao, a 40 to 50-minute drive depending on weather and road conditions. Most people making the journey from Nozawa to Madarao will need to do so via Iiyama Station. Nagaden operates services from Nozawa to Iiyama Station – approximately 30 minutes – with a couple of services each day in winter going onto Madarao. If these options don’t work for you, consider booking a taxi to transfer between resorts.
FROM MYOKO KOGEN / between 45 to 60 minutes
The easiest option to reach Madarao from Myoko Kogen is to take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Joetsu-Myoko Station to Iiyama Station – 12 minutes – at once there, follow the directions above to reach Madarao. Depending on the timing of the train and buses to Madarao from Iiyama Station, the total total journey should take under an hour.
FROM SHIGA KOGEN / between 2 to 3 hours
The easiest option to reach Madarao from Shiga Kogen is to take the Shiga Kogen Express Bus to Nagano Station and from there, follow the directions above onto Madarao. The journey from Shiga Kogen to Nagano takes between 70 to 100-minutes depending on which part of Shiga you are coming from.
FROM HAKUBA / between 1 to 2 hours
The easiest option to reach Madarao from Hakuba is to take the Hakuba Express Bus service to Nagano Station. In winter, there are multiple services each day taking around 75-minutes to make the journey from the Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal to Nagano Station. Once at Nagano Station, follow the directions above onto Madarao.
FROM KANAZAWA / approx. 1.5 hours
As the terminus of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, Kanazawa Station is an easy point from where to reach Iiyama. Services depart frequently throughout the day, taking around 75-minutes to make the journey from Kanazawa to Iiyama. Once at Iiyama, follow the directions above onto Madarao.
MADARAO MOUNTAIN RESORT: THE STATS & FACTS
Madarao is a small resort but one that wins lots of devotees. Blessed with lots of powder and a natural bowl topography, Madarao makes use of both with some fantastic tree runs and fun terrain. Visitors can enjoy the resort by itself or choose to buy an all-mountain pass that also covers the adjoining Tangram Ski Circus. So though small, Madarao Mountain Resort is a lot of fun and when the snow is good, it’s hard to beat. For all the stats, facts and highlights, see our ‘Madarao Mountain Resort’ main page.
25 THINGS TO DO AROUND MADARAO & WHERE TO STAY
Located within easy reach of Nagano City and nearby Nozawa Onsen, Madarao is another of the region’s best ski resort. Madarao Mountain Resort is small but has a legion of fans who flock there each winter to enjoy its powder bowls, tree zones and backcountry. Outside of winter, efforts by local residents are transforming Madarao into an attractive all-year-round destination offering an escape from the city, especially in summer when it enjoys a notably cooler climate than Tokyo. For tips and suggestions of what’s on offer, including accommodation listings, see our ’25 Things To Do In Madarao & Where To Stay’ page.
TOURS AND CHARTERS FROM MADARAO
If you are staying in Madarao for a ski trip, you may end up with a few off days to spend in the area. While Madarao itself doesn’t have much to offer beyond skiing, there a plethora of amazing options for a day out in its immediate surroundings.
Private Tour
| [START FROM NOZAWA/MADARAO] Private Snow Monkey Tour | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 to 17:15 ~ 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Any location in Nozawa Onsen/Madarao Kogen |
| Price | ¥170,300 ~ / group |
With pick up directly from your accommodation in Madarao, or a location of your choice, this private tour is ideal for larger groups, travelers looking for a more tailored experience, or anyone who wants to see the Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani! With a visit to the Monkeys followed by an exquisite Japanese lunch and a stop by the charming town of Obuse and the historic Zenko-ji temple, this tour will show you the highlights of the area and give you a break from skiing for a day.
If the itinerary of the above tour isn’t exactly to your liking, or you aren’t in need of a guide, our private charter service is what you have been looking for. With clean, modern vehicles driven by safe and friendly drivers, we can take you wherever you would like to go around Central Japan, even as far as the international airports in Tokyo or Nagoya. You can even request a guide to make your own private tour. For more information on pricing and availability, please click HERE.
