Madarao-Tangram
Japan's tree skiing birthplace. Two mountains. One pass.
Ski Area Guide
About Madarao-Tangram
Madarao-Tangram is where Japan's tree skiing revolution began - two interconnected resorts offering the country's most extensive official glades, where you can graduate from nervous first turns through birch trees to full-send powder lines all in one trip. It's the anti-Niseko: fewer crowds, lower prices, and more untouched snow waiting in the trees.
“This is where Japanese powder locals bring their families when they want to escape the international circus - multi-generational groups sharing tree runs, ski instructors who actually remember your name, and that rare mountain vibe where teenagers willingly hang out with their parents after discovering the karaoke rooms. Weekdays feel like having a private mountain; weekends bring manageable crowds who know how to ski.”
What Sets It Apart
Japan's most extensive network of official, managed tree runs - over 60% ungroomed terrain designed specifically for building off-piste confidence.
Best For
- ✓Intermediate skiers ready for tree skiing without the terror - these glades are managed and graded for skill building
- ✓Families who want genuine powder culture and onsen experience without navigating language barriers during meltdowns
- ✓Powder hunters who prefer sleeping in over 6am alarm clocks - lighter crowds mean fresh tracks last until lunch
- ✓Groups mixing serious skiers with beginners - interconnected mountains offer everything from groomed cruisers to deep tree runs
Skip If
- ✗You need extensive groomed black runs - the challenge here is all in the trees and bumps
- ✗You panic without English everywhere - this caters primarily to Japanese families with limited international infrastructure
- ✗You want buzzy apres-ski scene - the nightlife peaks at karaoke and onsen soaking
- ✗You're on a tight single-day schedule - the magic here requires time to explore both mountains
Beyond the Slopes
The Local Experience
Where to Eat
Limited but authentic - expect hearty mountain food at reasonable prices rather than resort dining variety, with most options closing early by international standards.
Onsen Culture
Tangram's on-site hot springs offer the full Japanese experience with indoor and outdoor baths, plus family-friendly facilities that make the cultural introduction stress-free.
Most onsens in Madarao-Tangram require removing shoes at the entrance, washing thoroughly before entering the bath, and keeping towels out of the water. Tattoos may be an issue at some traditional establishments.
After Dark
Karaoke rooms and onsen soaking are the evening entertainment - this isn't a party destination but perfect for families who want genuine cultural experiences.
Madarao-Tangram offers everything from cozy izakayas to international bars. Most spots stay open until late, making it easy to swap powder stories over local sake or imported craft beers.
Which Resort
Is For You?
Madarao is the powder playground for tree skiing progression, while Tangram delivers the complete Japanese family resort experience with superior amenities. The interconnection at the summit means you get both worlds, but your base choice determines your evening vibe.
For a 4+ day trip, base at Tangram for the amenities and family peace-of-mind, but plan full days at Madarao when powder conditions are prime - the interconnection makes resort-hopping seamless once you're on the mountain.
Where To Stay
Accommodation clusters around each resort base, with Tangram offering true ski-in/ski-out luxury while Madarao provides more budget-conscious options. The driving distance between bases makes your lodging choice your evening commitment.
Accommodation Zones
Budget Smart
Madarao Base Area - simpler accommodations at lower prices with direct mountain access, perfect for powder-focused trips where you're only sleeping and skiing
Go Big
Tangram Madarao Tokyu Resort - genuine ski-in/ski-out with onsen, pool, and family amenities that justify the splurge for multi-generational groups
Mountain Pass covers both Madarao Kogen and Tangram Ski Circus with unlimited lift access and the crucial summit interconnection
All-Mountain Pass
Mountain Pass covers both Madarao Kogen and Tangram Ski Circus with unlimited lift access and the crucial summit interconnection
Single Resort Tickets
Single-resort tickets only make sense for half-day visits or if weather prevents using the interconnection - the pass pays off quickly when exploring both mountains
Buy your pass online before arrival to skip ticket office lines. Most passes can be activated at automated gates using a QR code.
Individual Resorts
Ski Resorts in Madarao-Tangram
Madarao Mountain
Madarao is where powder hunters go when they want Japan's most official tree runs without the attitude - this place has more sanctioned tree skiing than any other resort in the country, and they actually encourage it. The lifts are ancient and the base facilities feel like 1995, but when you're floating through perfectly spaced birch trees in knee-deep 'Madapow,' you won't give a damn about the dated infrastructure.
Tangram Ski Circus
Tangram Ski Circus is the family-friendly answer to Nozawa Onsen's party scene - all the powder and onsen experience, but with karaoke rooms and a pool where your kids won't get lost. This is ski-in/ski-out done right: genuine tree runs, an on-site hot spring, and staff so helpful they'll remember your boot size by day two.
Continue Exploring
Other Regions
Hokkaido
The North Sector
Nagano
The Japanese Alps
Niigata
Snow Country
Tohoku
The Powder Frontier
Akita
Budget Powder Paradise
Aomori
Honshu's Deepest Powder
Fukushima
Hidden Powder Sanctuary
Gunma
Tokyo's Secret Powder Stash
Iwate
Tohoku's Powder Secret
Yamagata
Snow Monsters & Onsen
Yamanashi
Ski With Mt. Fuji