Nestled in the Iiyama region of northern Nagano, these resorts are located in one of the snowiest parts of the prefecture, making them ideal for powder lovers and those seeking a quieter, more local alternative to the larger resorts. The area is easily accessible via the Hokuriku Shinkansen, with Iiyama Station just a short ride from Tokyo and within convenient reach of each resort.
While winter brings deep snow and excellent conditions for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and onsen visits, the Iiyama region is also a year-round destination. In spring and summer, enjoy lush mountain landscapes, rice terraces, hiking trails, cycling routes, and river activities—all set against the peaceful backdrop of rural Nagano.
Where to Stay in Madarao, Kijimadaira, and Ryuoo?
Madarao is a compact but popular resort with a good range of accommodation to choose from. In this section we provide information about accommodation in the following areas:
MADARAO AREA – IIYAMA STATION AREA – NOZAWA ONSEN AREA – RYUOO AREA
Madarao has plenty of accommodation to choose from, mostly ski lodges dotted across the resort with several options providing direct access to the ski runs. The compact size of Madarao and spread of lodges, restaurants and bars might remind some Australian visitors of Australian ski resorts. The quality of the lodges and guesthouses varies with many previously Japanese-owned businesses being bought-up by foreign owners in recent years. Some of these are owned from overseas and operated by seasonal staff, which can affect the quality of your stay so it’s a good idea to check the reviews and look for a lodge or guesthouse operated by an owner living on-site.
MADARAO AREA
Madarao Mountain Resort is a relatively compact resort with a small, spread-out village. Madarao Kogen Hotel is the largest accommodation in the resort, located in a central and convenient location and offering a large range of services including in-house restaurants, rental and childcare services. There are a couple of other large hotel in the resort but the majority of accommodation is small, often family-run lodges. Often family-run and very welcoming, visiting Madarao is most popular in winter when its ski resort draws both Japanese and international visitors, while through spring, summer and autumn it is increasingly becoming well-known for its hiking, mountain-biking and autumn leaves. For accommodation listings, see our ‘Madarao Area’ hotel page.
(Winter Only) 1-Day Tour From Myoko & Madarao: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake
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RYUOO AREA
Located within a 30 minute drive from Iiyama station, Ryuoo Ski Park sits in the Kita-Shiga Kogen area, a region known for its impressive vertical terrain, deep powder, and panoramic mountain views. The resort is especially popular with snowboarders and advanced skiers thanks to its long gondola and off-piste zones, while still offering gentle slopes for beginners at the base. Ryuoo is also home to the famous SORA terrace—a mountaintop observation deck renowned for its stunning sea of clouds view, making it a year-round sightseeing destination in addition to a great winter getaway.
T Hotel Ryuoo
T Hotel Ryuoo is a modern, full-service hotel offering a relaxing and luxurious base for your winter getaway. Located at the entrance of Ryuoo Ski Park in the scenic Kita-Shiga Kogen area, the hotel combines the thrill of the mountains with the ease and comfort of well-appointed accommodations. Guests can enjoy spacious Western-style rooms and suites—ideal for solo travelers, couples, families, or groups—each designed to exceed expectations in both style and comfort.
To make your stay even more convenient, T Hotel Ryuoo offers a complimentary shuttle service from Iiyama Station, ensuring smooth access from the Hokuriku Shinkansen line. Whether you're here to ski, relax in the snow-covered landscape, or explore the region, the hotel’s attentive service, excellent in-house dining, and proximity to outdoor activities make it a perfect winter base in northern Nagano.
IIYAMA STATION AREA
Many visitors to Madarao will move to and from the resort using the Hokuriku Shinkansen via Iiyama Station. Around 15 to 30 minutes drive from the resort – depending on the weather and road conditions - Iiyama is a quiet rural town most often used as a transit point to Madarao and nearby Nozawa Onsen. Iiyama has few accommodation options therefore unless you have a strong reason to stay in the vicinity of the station, you will be much better served to look for accommodation in Madarao. For accommodation listings, see our ‘Iiyama Station Area’ hotel page.
NOZAWA ONSEN AREA
Nozawa Onsen is one of Japan’s most popular ski resorts, located only 45 to 60 minutes drive from Madarao. As such, you can choose to stay in Nozawa and visit Madarao as a daytrip. Nozawa Onsen village offers a wide-range of accommodation options including large hotels, traditional ‘ryokan’ (guesthouses), private accommodation and budget/basic ski lodges. As one of Nagano’s most popular resorts, accommodation is likely to be fully-booked on weekends and holidays through winter so make sure to plan ahead or aim for weekdays, when the resort should be notably less crowded. For detailed information including links to accommodation listings, see our 'Nozawa Onsen Area' hotel page.
(Winter Only) 1-Day Tour From Nozawa Onsen: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake
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25 Best Things to do around Madarao
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 Around Madarao’ page.
Book with Us! Nagano’s No.1 Tour & Charter Operator
Snow Monkey Resorts is Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator. We have the local knowledge of where and when to go, to help you discover and enjoy the region’s many ski resorts and other fantastic destinations and activities. For guests wanting to access the resorts in the comfort of their own transport, we can arrange a private tour or charter customised to fit your needs, starting and ending at any destination including from/to Nagano Station and any resort in the region.
Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.
We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of that experience and help you discover even more!
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Nagano.
Got a question about visiting Madarao? Click on the INQURY button below or contact us and let’s get planning together!