Travelling to Madarao, Japan

Bullet Train

Quickest way to get to Madarao Ski Resort and affordable for those with JR rail passes. There's 3 connections, but they're well synchronized.

1. Catch the Skylinner service to Ueno Train Station or slightly loner for those who have a JR Rail pass is to catch the Narita Express to Tokyo station and then connect with the bullet train to Iliyama station.
2. Transfer through to the Shinkansen terminals marked with green train symbol and catch the Asama Shinkansen. The Asuma bullet trains generally runs every 30 minutes during the day. 
3. At Ilyama Station, proceed to the bus and taxi pick up zone and find bus stop to Madarao ski resort.

This bus leaves every 60 minutes from 8:45 to 21:20 and costs 700 yen. Please check with the Nagaden website for updated times and info. Please remember that the last departing bus to Madarao Ski Resort from Iliyama station is at 9:20pm but if arriving after that time you can catch a taxi to the property for about 5,000 yen. 

Nagano Snow Shuttle

The Snow Shuttle has four departures from Narita Airport every day at 9:30am, 12:45pm, 3:30pm & 8:30pm from December 18th to March 12th but some services run between 26th December and 23rd February.

The Snow Shuttle has three departures from Haneda Airport every day being 7:30am, 1:30pm and 4:15Pm from between December 21st to March 1st.

This is a door to door service like the Chuo shared taxi but can take longer if waiting for delayed flights and dropping many guests off at their hotels. Those wanting the easiest travel option for a small amount extra you should consider the Chuo shared taxi which will generally be quicker. 

We can make the reservation for you and arrange a late night check in simply provide us the names of those travelling with you and your flight number.

Shared Taxi

Hassle Free transfer to Madarao Ski resort.

Although not the cheapest option a shared taxi will meet you at the airport and drop you directly in Madarao Ski resort. Convenient for families with children as it saves you from navigating around train stations and lugging your luggage around. Prices are set per person and no discount is provided if a return ticket is purchased. Bookings do need to be made as early as possible in the winter time. View their website for more info.

Driving from Tokyo to Madarao

Route Option #1 - South and West part of Tokyo

1. Take the Chuo Expressway to the Okaya Junction and then turn onto the Nagano Expressway following the signs to Nagano.
   
   
2. At Nagano switch to the Nagano Expressway and continue on the highway and take the Exit number 16 for Toyota & Ilyama there has recently been a small Nozawa Onsen sign added to the bottom of the existing sign. Upon exiting the toll gates continue straight at the next set up lights and continue following the Madarao signs up the mountain to the ski resort.

Route Option #2 - North and East Tokyo

1. Take the Kanetsu Expressway to the Fujioka Junction and then turn onto the Joshinetsu Expressway following the Nagano signs.
   
   
2. At Nagano switch to the Nagano Expressway and continue on the highway and take the Exit number 16 for Toyota & Ilyama there has recently been a small Nozawa Onsen sign added to the bottom of the existing sign. Upon exiting the toll gates continue straight at the next set up lights and continue following the Madarao signs up the mountain to the ski resort.