When are you open?
We open for the Japanese winter ski season which is usually mid-late December through to mid-March, depending on snow conditions. See our bookings page for dates and availability.

Getting here:

• From Haneda Airport: If you arrive in Haneda Airport, you'll need to transfer to Tokyo Station, which will require a transfer between lines, or you can just catch a taxi directly. The travel time either way is about 30 minutes. Once you arrive at Tokyo Station, catch a Shinkansen (bullet train) to Iiyama. There will be several routes offered, but the Hokuriku Line is the fastest. Purchasing Shinkansen tickets from the automatic ticket booths is made easier by the English language option, or you can prebook here. Your carriage, car and seat number will be listed on your ticket.

• From Narita Airport: Catch the Express Train to Ueno Station (approximately 1 hour) and then a Shinkansen to Iiyama. There will be several routes offered, but the Hokuriku Line is the fastest. Purchasing Shinkansen tickets from the automatic ticket booths is made easier by the English language option, or you can prebook here. Your carriage, car and seat number will be listed on your ticket.

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Once at Iiyama Station, catch the bus to Madarao (Madarao Kogen) from Bus Stop #1 and we will collect you from the bus stop when you arrive in Madarao. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes. The Iiyama Tourist Bureau can help you with tickets and other information. Send us a message when you leave Iiyama and we will be waiting for you. The 2024-2025 community bus timetable can be found here and the express service here.

 

One travel tip that we use to great advantage is Google Maps — type in your departure and destination, and details of train/bus lines, platforms, and departure times will be displayed. Japan’s electronic transport signage is also English-language friendly, and the train station staff are always happy to help.

 

Nagano Snow Shuttle offers a direct bus from Haneda or Narita Airport to Madarao if you prefer this option.

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Luggage:

If you don’t want to drag your luggage around, consider sending it directly from the airport to Yama Lodge, or wherever you are staying in Tokyo. Offering same-day delivery (cut-off times apply) pack what you need in a small backpack and have Black Cat (Yamato Transport) do the rest. Black Cat can also arrange for your luggage to be collected at the lodge and sent to the airport for your return trip.

What is the snow like?
In a word, powdery. One might go so far as to say, Japow, or even Madapow! At Madarao Mountain Resort, 60% of the courses are ungroomed. The snow can be variable year-to-year, but if you want to check out data from past seasons, the Madarao snow history can be found here and a map of the resort runs here.

 

Yama Lodge is 100m from the ski runs, where you can strap in and ski/board down to the main lifts. On your return at the end of the day, if there has been a good dumping of snow it is possible to ski down the road to the lodge, otherwise it is a short walk. The local council clears the roads on a regular basis for the safety of drivers.

Ski or snowboard hire?
There are several places to hire gear on the mountain, including Volts, Ski Hire Madarao, Miyuki Snowsports, Shirakaba Rentals and Chill Madarao. We offer complimentary transfers to the rental place of your choice to pick up and drop off your gear, but these need to be booked in advance. If you are after lessons, check out Action Snowsports.

Can I use credit card or smart payments when at Madarao Mountain Resort?
We recommend you bring cash, because at the time of writing there are no ATM's in Madarao and a lot of places only accept physical currency. However, more and more places are accepting contactless forms of payment and we will keep this space updated as we know more.
 
What about avalanches?
We've all seen avalanche footage on social media, and for those who stay on groomed runs, it is not so much of a concern. But, for those who want to venture into backcountry, it is essential that you are prepared. The Japan Avalanche Network has some great information on the best way to keep you safe without compromising your time in the snow. 

Do you offer tours?
Tours, no, but we do offer a concierge service to take you to other lodges or resorts. This is a drop-off and pick-up service only and must be booked in advance. Please see reception for prices and availability.

 

If you are looking for something non-snow related, you might like to do a Snow Monkey tour. Tours operate throughout January 2025 and include a return transfer to the Jigokudani Monkey Park (Snow Monkey entrance fee not included). Bookings and more details here.

What are your onsens like?

We have two onsens at the lodge, each with an indoor and outdoor hot bath. We book these on a private basis per room, in 45-minute time-slots between 3pm and 9pm. Information on how to use our onsens can be viewed here.

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Do you offer a shuttle service?

We offer complimentary pick up and drop off to and from the Madarao Mountain bus stop. Approximately two weeks prior your arrival we will be in touch to discuss your travel plans so we can work our vehicle roster. 

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We also offer a shuttle service between your ski-hire shop and the lodge, but again, this has to be discussed in advance for the purposes of our vehicle roster.

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Our dinner shuttle service runs strictly between the hours of 5pm and 9pm. Outside these hours you can make use of our umbrellas while walking to ward off any snow.

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Unfortunately, due to limited vehicles, rostering and commitments to other guests, we cannot offer any other shuttle services that are non-emergency in nature. If you are tired, stop in at one of the fabulous food places on the mountain and rest, then ski back to the lodge at your leisure.

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Do you have on-site parking?
Yes, but it is limited. Please let us know beforehand if you are arriving by car and we will reserve a place for you.

 

Child policy?
Yama Lodge welcomes children, but we do not supply cots or highchairs; we recommend you bring your own travel accessories if your child requires them. Children 5-years and under will receive a 50% discount on the nightly per-person rate if staying in the same room as two full-rate paying adults. This discount can only be applied to bookings made through email contact and is not available to bookings made online or through third-party websites. If you are a single parent travelling with small children, please contact us by email to discuss options.

What about dietary requirements?
Yama Lodge offers a complimentary continental breakfast with chef's choice of hot option and while we will do our absolute best to accommodate your dietary or allergy requests, please let us know in advance as sometimes it isn't easy to change the menus at short notice and we really want you to have a great start to the day.

What are lunch and dinner options?
There are plenty of places to eat lunch while you are on the mountain. If you are having a lodge day, we have a complimentary all-day tea and coffee station with a few snacks for your munching pleasure. The 2024-25 Madarao Restaurant and Shop guide contains a useful walking map and can be found here.

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While we don't offer dinner at the lodge, we can certainly help you with transfers to one of the many restaurants in the village if you don't want to walk in the dark. Transfers are complimentary but must be booked at reception, and are strictly between the hours of 5pm and 9pm. Outside these hours you will need to walk back to the lodge or take a taxi. ​

 

*Yama Lodge Madarao is not affiliated with any third party links from this webpage.