Winter — powder & tree runs
Seasonal winds from the Sea of Japan bring light, dry snow. Ungroomed terrain and tree-run zones have made Madarao a favourite of skiers and snowboarders from around the world.
Madarao Kogen · Nagano
Madarao Kogen
Spread across the border of Nagano and Niigata prefectures at roughly 900–1,382 m, Madarao Kogen is a highland resort cradled by beech forest and wetlands — famed for light powder snow in winter and a cool escape in summer.
Four seasons
Four seasons in Madarao
Spring — thaw & new leaves
From spring skiing in March to fresh green in May — a season of lingering snow and bright young leaves.
Summer — highland cool
Noticeably cooler than the lowlands. Forest walks, wetland trekking and slow afternoons by the lake.
Autumn — golden forest
From October to early November the beech and maple turn gold and crimson. Walk through it in crisp mountain air.
At a glance
At a glance
- Elevation
- approx. 900–1,382 m
- Location
- Iiyama City & Shinano Town, Nagano
- Nearest station
- Iiyama (Hokuriku Shinkansen)
- Best seasons
- Dec–Mar (ski) / Jul–Oct (green)
Access
Getting here
By Shinkansen
About 1 h 40 min from Tokyo Station to Iiyama on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, then about 25 min by car (transfer available as an add-on).
By car
About 20 min from Toyota-Iiyama IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway. Winter tyres or chains are mandatory in winter.
From the airport
From Narita or Haneda, travel to Tokyo Station and take the Shinkansen. From Kanazawa, about 1 h 30 min on the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
Travel times are approximate and vary with weather and road conditions.
Around Madarao
Nearby
01
Nozawa Onsen
A hot-spring village famous for its free public baths. About 40 min by car.
02
Jigokudani Monkey Park
Home of the world-famous bathing snow monkeys. About 1 hour by car.
03
Togakushi
Ancient cedar avenues of Togakushi Shrine and celebrated soba. About 50 min by car.
04
Iiyama town
Known as the 'Little Kyoto of the snow country' for its temples and local food.