Lying across the valley from the more famous Nozawa Onsen, Madarao Mountain Resort somewhat lies in the shadow of its better known and larger neighbour but for those that make it there, Madarao offers the magic combination of great powder and open attitude to side and backcountry. 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.
Madarao 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.
1-Day Tour From Myoko & Madarao: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake / December to March
New Tour
(Winter Only) 1-Day Tour From Myoko & Madarao: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyMyokoMadarao
- Pick-up:
- MyokoMadarao
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityMadaraoMyoko
Starting right from Myoko or Madarao—including pickup options at Lotte Arai, Akakura Onsen, and Madarao Kogen—this tour brings you to some of Nagano’s most iconic sights in the comfort of a locally guided day trip. The morning begins with a scenic ride to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where you’ll walk the forest trail into the valley and see the world-famous monkeys soaking in their hot spring. With no barriers separating you from them, it’s one of Japan’s most unique wildlife experiences.
Afterwards, warm up with a hearty winter lunch highlighting Nagano’s seasonal ingredients before heading into Nagano City. There you’ll explore Zenkoji, one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, with your guide explaining its deep history, legends, and cultural importance. The day concludes with a guided sake tasting experience where you can sample Nagano’s celebrated varieties (with non-alcoholic options available).
At the end of the tour, guests will be dropped back at their pickup point in Myoko or Madarao, with the option of disembarking at Nagano Station if continuing onward for travel. This makes it an ideal tour to enjoy as a rest day from the slopes while still making the most of your time in Nagano.
