February 2023
 
Overall, the accommodation check in with no paperwork/vouchers worked well. No problems or hiccups in either place.
 
Madarao  Kogen Hotel Accommodation was very spacious. Nice buffet breakfast. Onsens were pretty busy but accessible ( mainly due to these being public onsens as well )
 
 
Plus_ having lunch available in Hotel ( public access ) just near ski hire ( in hotel ) . Overall its like the hotel at Grandeco, rambling corridors and hallways that go forever. A bit of walking but not a problem. Although a few stars lower as its showing its age in parts.
 
As far as the town ( not much ) becoming a little Aussie, in a number of businesses are run, or staffed by them. Ski in ( almost ) ski out was great especially for the grandkids we took to learn to ski and that was a bonus for us.
Sayonara till 2024!!
 
 
 
January 31st 2023
 
Pete Madara review.jpg


We have skied at Madarao in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019and now 2023. We have stayed at both Mon Aile Madarao and Madarao Kogen Hotel.

We enjoyed our stay at Madarao Kogen Hotel, although it, like many other Japanese ski hotels is tired and in need of a facelift/refresh. The staff there are very helpful, the buffet food for breakfast and dinner is good value. Though with COVID, there have been sone cut backs. The menu is a bit more limited, and the chocolate fountain is no more. The onsen is also quite good, though there are many good onsens in Japan, the onsens at Arai and Appi Kogen are better. The Skiing is good for a week or so, particularly if you ski off the back of the single chair. Disappointingly, while we were there the double chair to the top was only working on weekends. Would I recommend the resort? Yes, its lots of fun, but not particularly challenging for advanced/expert skiers.

Happy snaps attached.

Cheers

Peter

 
 
 
 
Late Feb 2020
 
Spent 3 nights at Madarao Kogen with our son . Incredible range of ski slopes and highly recommend Aki San’s North Nagano Ski school.
 
Accommodation at Madarao Kogen hotel comfortable and well located.
 
Food at Hotel disappointing ; however there are numerous choices within walking distance . We had a great meal at Smokies the first night and then the following nights ate at Madarao Mountain Lodge which was exceptional - great choice of both Japanese and Western dishes , and their Mad Cow Burger simply the best !
 
Whilst our son was skiing , we enjoyed touring the countryside and enjoyed exploring peaceful Iiyama. Definitely a “Go to” destination for skiers and snowboarders across all levels . “
 
Kind Regards, Alan
 
 
 
 
Mid Jan 2019
 
Thank you for organising our Japan snow trip for us.
The service was excellent and the location the best in town. My sister stayed at the Monaile and found it a pain coming up and down to the Madarao Kogan for lifts and restaurants so the Madarao Kogan was by far the best choice. The rooms were clean but dated, but still had a reasonable amount of room except for the bathroom which was very small. The buffet breakfasts were good, but tended to be the same over second day. Eating options were limited in town so getting the buffet dinners at the hotel was a good idea. The skiing itself was great for everyone and the planned activities great. Location was also great and easy access to liyama and Tangram Ski Circus. The only problem we had was the beds were hard and my wife’s bed was on a slope as it was probably old. Nevertheless, a good experience.
I will contact you mid year about next years snow trip.
Kind regards
Ant 
 
 
 
 
Mid Feb 2018
 
The trip was great!
The only thing is we encountered the Japan holidays, so there were more people during the first 3 days.  But we still had great time there.  Kids love the SAWA course especially.
Thanks for your service.
 
Regards,
Hsiao-Feng
 
 
 
 
 
Early Feb 2018
 
Thank you so much for all your work arranging our trip to Madaro. My kids and I had a great first time ever skiing trip! Madaro is beautiful. All the arrangements went very smoothly.
Thank you so much!
 
Sincerely,
Dylan
 
 
 
 
Early January 2018
 
We had a wonderful trip to Japan, it is an amazing place to travel to. 
 
I unfortunately injured myself on the first day of snowboarding (i thought i had sprained an ankle, but discovered when we returned home that i had actually broken my fibula!)
 
We really enjoy our stay in Madarao it is a brilliant place to take children (we would have loved more snow!) but all the staff at Madaro Kogen and Monaile Resorts are so friendly and helpful. 
The courtesy bus was great taking us between the two resorts. We enjoyed our stay at the resort, they could improve the breakfast buffet and nightly dinner choices. However, we found some funky places to eat in Madarao Village. All in all we had a great stay!

Aki's ski school was amazing! The staff were brilliant with our children, the girls were skiing from the top of the mountain by the second day! Aki's Pub has really good Pizza! Yummo!! 
 
Thank you Hisae for all your assistance in putting our ski holiday package together, you were so efficient and helpful. I have recommended you to other friends and i will keep mentioning your services as you made our ski holiday so easy to plan. We will definitely go back to Japan, the whole family loved it! 
 
Thanks soo much!!
Claire
 
madarao.claire
 
 
 
 Late Feb 2017

I thought your service was excellent, you were always prompt with your responses and able to answer any questions I had. The accommodation was adequate, comfortable and pretty much what I was expecting, the staff at the Hotel were very helpful and a happy to organise anything else we required such as booking other restaurants for dinner. The rooms were always cleaned and beds made up each day. Only criticism would be the lack of drying or hanging space in the room, however it would probably be okay if we didn't have 3 staying in what would normally be a 2 person room. Getting around the resort was a little tricky as the lifts all opened an closed at different times which made it a challenge to always end up getting back to the right side of the mountain to ski home, once we worked out the times it was okay. The resort offered some of the best tree skiing I have ever had and we were lucky with some good snowfalls earlier in the week of our stay. Thank you for organising our booking
 
Kind regards,
Phil.
 
 
 
Late Feb 2017
 
We enjoyed 5 days skiing at Madarao, mid February 2017. Our accommodation was at the Madarao Resort Hotel which was very comfortable. It has a delightful onsen, good buffet breakfast and is well located to the ski lifts. The hotel does need an upgrade but remains clean and adequate for our needs on a ski holiday. There are some nearby restaurants which provide some good dining options for dinner.  Hisae was brilliant with her help in organising our Japanese ski trip and we will be contacting her soon to book our next trip for 2018!
 
Many thanks
Sally

 
 
 
 
 
Mid Feb 2017
 
We had a fabulous skiing trip at Madarao ski resort (mid Feb 2017). The resort was what we expected, a smaller compact place, uncrowded with mostly un-groomed runs, off piste - powder paradise. The Madarao combine with the Tangram resorts catered for skiers and snowboarders, the beginners and advanced (the tree runs were great challenge).We stayed in the Madarao Resort Hotel, a ski in-out accommodation. The hotel wasn’t anything special, but the staff was wonderful. The hotel has a well maintained onsen (again not crowded, definitely a bonus). There is a number of little restaurants - bars within walking distance from the hotel and they delivered tasty japanese food. I would not recommend this place for the people chasing some night life or shopping. This place is definitely for people who want ski or snowboard in powder (without ski patrol chasing them….). It is picturesque environment (the views from the top of the resorts Madarao -Tangram are spectacular.
 
Kat

 
 
 
 
 
 
Mid Feb 2017
 
What a great trip. Fantastic snow. All 3 places we stayed at are amazing. Your organizational skills are to be applauded. Bus transfers to each location was very simple. Madarao Kogen Hotel was a real standout for us. Room 417 remember that number (what a great view – see attached photo).  Chuo Taxis are the way to go – amazing service – on time – every time. Cannot wait to book again for next year. Keep up the great work.
 
Regards
Andrew Bolte

 
 
 
 
 
 
 Mid February 2017
 
Just returned from our 2017 Japanese ski adventure, which was all fabulous. John and I especially loved Madarao and it's resort hotel. We are already thinking about next years ski adventure!!  Thank you so much for your help with our last snow vacation, look forward to organising our next trip with you. 
 
Regards,
Sally Platt

 
 
 
 
Mid January 2017
 
Everything was great as always. Madarao was amazing, excellent snow, accommodation and the onsen is beautiful. Toru was really friendly and helpful!
 
Jodie

 
 

 

 
 
 Mid January 2017
 
We had a great experience thanks and all the accomodation booking etc went perfectly smoothly. Madarao ski resort was a great experience and for me personally probably the best. Madarao Kogen hotel was great and a wonderful safe place for the kids and amazing staff but dinner options around the village are pretty limited and you have to plan well ahead to get into places to get a dinner. The hotel was too expensive for dinner but the breakfasts were great. Your assistance in this trip was fantastic. Thanks so much again.

Guy Rodger

 
 

 

Early January 2017

It was amazing. Very nice staff. Amazing location and very kids friendly! We will come back.

Camille Warnet 

 

 

Early January 2017 This is just a quick note to thank you very much for all your help arranging our Madarao ski holiday.  We had so much fun and everything went smoothly. Your service was very professional and you were so knowledgable and patient about my queries, which you always responded to promptly.  I would have no hesitation in using Japan Snow Accommodation in the future, if the opportunity arises and will recommend your business to friends and family.We had so much fun and hope to return to Madarao next year.

Regards
Tricia

 

 

 

Mid January 2016

We had an amazing holiday in Japan, we are a family of 4 with 2 boys and it was such a great experience for us all. Hisae's suggestions and recommendations with regards to accommodation and which mountains to visit were exactly what we were after, Japanese village culture and awesome snow ! We stayed in Madarao, approx 40 mins from Myoko by car where we stayed at the Madarao Mountain resort , a ski in ski out hotel at the top of the chairlift. The indoor/outdoor onsen at the resort was beautiful and a welcome relief after a day on the mountain. Whilst Madarao is much smaller than Myoko there were a several restaurant choices at the hotel as well as nearby. Snow quality at both the areas we visited was excellent, no crowds and enough English signage to get by. I would highly recommend Madarao Kogen Hotel, we cant wait to go back !

Thanks Hisae :)
Jodie  


 
 
 
 
Late Deecember 2016
 
We had a wonderful trip to Japan. The resort at Madarao Kogen was excellent. We were well looked after and had wonderful snow. I very much appreciate all of your help. Everything was well organised and I appreciated your help with ski lessons etc.
 
Kind Regards
Deanne Day
 
 
 
 
Mid january 2016
 
Firstly I’d like to thank you for the incredible support you provided in organising not only the accomodation but also the ski lessons for both the children and adults. As the ski school got very busy over the weekend, having all of the bookings already made, and paid for, meant that all we had to do was enjoy the time on the snow. The kids lessons were super fun, according to our boys, with the instructors speaking good mid-level english and being very patient with all of the varying levels of ability within the group. Our kids were competently skiing basic runs by the end of day 2 and intermediates by day 5. Our private lesson was also incredibly good value with our instructor, Koji, doing a great job at getting us to the point of being able to independently ski the easier intermediate runs in 3 days. Maderao Kogan Hotel was the perfect introduction to skiing in Japan. The 4 bed western room was perfect for our family of 2 adults and 2 boys aged 10 and 7. The room was relatively small, as most Japanese accomodation is, but was well appointed, clean, and warm. Without at doubt, the onsen, located in the basement of the hotel, was the highlight of the hotel. Being able to soak in the warm water outside, while snow flakes fell on your face was just magic. The breakfast and dinners in the hotel were fairly repetitive, but of a good quality and quantity, with a mix of western and japanese options at ever meal. We had a few dinners at restaurants in the village which were very good too, but for anyone reading this review, I highly recommend you book the day before to ensure they have room for your party. All in all, we can’t say enough good things about Japan Snow Accommodation or Hisae and will definitely be booking again for the 2017 season.
 
Thanks Patrick

 

 

 

Late December 2015

My husband, our 7 years old daughter and me had a great time in Madarao, we were staying in a wayositu room. There are two restaurants in the hotel, one is buffet restaurant and one is Japanese restaurant. We tried to book two of the other restaurants we wanted to go close to the hotel for some of the nights but unfortunately they were fully booked and we ended up to have 5 nights buffet and 2 nights in the Japanese restaurant ( almost couldn't book as the Japanese restaurant was fully booked as well ). My girl has joined the two activities at night for kids in New Year time, one was playing games with the other kids ( see attached photo ) and one was making Japanese New Year rice cake. We also watched the fire torch show and fireworks on the 31st. ( see attached photos ). The manager, Toru can speak very good English and is very helpful. In the resort, there are variety of food to choose from eg. Japanese, western, pizza, cakes, ice-cream etc. for lunch in the restaurants. However, chairlifts there are rather slow and some of them we needed to walk uphill to access. We have our own gear thus can not make comment on the rental shop. Hope this help !

Regards,
Christine Chow
 

Pictures attached below

 

 
Mid January 2016
 
For our boys first time skiing (they are 6 and 8) and our first time in a long time, skiing Madarao was absolutely perfect! Everything was easy, friendly, clean, safe and the skiing was terrific. The resort was so convenient to the slopes and having the onsen on site was a great and easy way to relax at the end of the day. The lack of crowds made skiing a pleasure and the ski school for our boys, while often booked out, were very good with our boys. The resort was so easy to get to from Tokyo that travelling was very simple. For this holiday, our first time, it was perfect. My only criticism would be the lack of something to do after skiing. As a young family we are not looking for "night life" but it would have been nice to have more of a village atmosphere to walk around and find different places for dinner and "people watch." We spent an afternoon over at Nozawa Onsen which looked to have a few more dining options and more of an atmosphere. We had such a great time that we are looking to go again in February/March 2017. Because our experience booking through you was so good, we would like to use you again.
 
Many thanks - Kirsten
 
 
 

 

 Mid January 2016

We had a great time at Madarao kogen hotel. The hotel was very good had everything one needed. It would be good if the hotel offered other food other than buffet in the evening of the price was more affordable for the buffet. The service was very good, very pleasant and helpful staff. We will return in a couple of years I hoping. We would highly recommend your hotel and wonderful mountain

Kind regards
Jennifer and Jeremy Williams

 

 

Mid February 2015

We loved Madarao Kogen Firstly, thank you for your help booking the accommodation. Everything was easy and professional. The accommodation was great. The views at Madarao Kogen hotel were great. It was so nice to look straight up at the mountain. The staff were very friendly. Very easy with the skin in ski out option. We had just been to myoko Kogen so it was wonderful to not have to deal with catching overcrowded buses to the mountain each day. The Japanese restaurant was fantastic!! The buffet was just ok. The staff always were helpful in booking restaurants for us. The 1st couple of nights we stayed at the sister hotel. We all thought got it was great too. The rooms were huge. Lovely staff and never had to wait more than a few minutes for the mini bus. I am sure my husband has go pro footage, but I will add a few photos. I hope this has helped. Hope to book again next season

Take care
Nat

 

 

February 2015
 
Our stay at Madarao Kogen Hotel was excellent, loved every minute. The staff were wonderful and extremely helpful. The view of the mountain from the hotel could not be better. Madarao mountain has a wide variety to keep every level skier/boarder happy. I would advise guests to remember to bring Yen as there is no ATM on Madarao mountain or village and to book private lessons in advance. Thankyou Hisae for help with bookings
 
Scott Curtis

 
 
 
 

 

Mid February 2015

We really enjoy our trip Everything was great Kids loved it Very convenient We had diner everyday at the Japanes restaurant (we had to top up) and it was delicious. We'll come back next year!

Regards
Alan

 

 

Early January 2015

Thanks for your e-mail. Here are some comments on Madarao Kogen Resort: Old and dated resort, needs a serious facelift!.The Japanese restaurant was good, but often closed due to lack of customers. The buffet restaurant was not so good. The bar/cafeteria was closed for most of the time. Very nice General Manager, he helped me a lot when I needed to go to the hospital. Great Onsen! I´m afraid we won´t go back to Madaro Kogen Resort again.

Best Regards
Gustav

 

 

Mid January 2015

Just a note to thank you for your help with our skiing holiday. A great time was had by all and we are planning on returning same time this year. Let us know when next season deals are on.

Regards
Anthony Gilligan 

 

 

December 2014

Just a short note to tell you that the ski trip went very well. The staff at the hotel were very friendly and helpful, the snow was great and the place very beautiful. I would recommend it to any family who wanted to go skiing in Japan. Thank you for your help in making it a wonderful trip Regards Hywel 

 

February 2014

We had great time in Japan. A really special family holiday, made all the better by the wonderful people at Madarao. A special thank you to the hotel manager, Toru, who helped us every day and then saved us from a very difficult trip home when all transport was stopped by 2.5m of snow. Even though we had checked out of Madarao, we rang Toru, from Nagano to help us find emergency accommodation in a town where every where was booked out. What a relief to feel we had a friend to ask for help. Also a special thank you to the hire team, who improved our Japanese and greeted us every morning with a smile. My son and I were able to swap between snowboarding and skiing in the same short stay! I must also mention the wonderful staff at the ski school who went out of their way to find us both instructors and translators. And finally to you Hisae, for following our booking all the way and making sure everything ran smoothly. All we had to worry about was powdery tree runs, great food, amazing onsen and improving our Japanese with locals, guests and staff. We are already thinking about our next trip and recommend it to every one, although we also want Madarao to remain our secret snowy spot. Thank you very much, I have attached some pictures from our trip below.

Sue, Andrew, Kai and Shalin

 

Late February 2014

The time we spent in Madaro was simply amazing! There was a kind of "cinema" festival in a screen made of snow! Very nice! The western type room we got, was confortable with an amazing view! We have been in the hot spring bath which was an interesting experience! The dinner is special and the breakfast is good. We rent skis sets in the hotel for my wife and daughter and the negative point is that their ski boots were not so good, opening very often! But anyway was ok! I certainly reccommend Madarao Kogen Hotel to my friends and I am sure that I will return next winter! Thanks a lot!

Best regards,

Carlo  

 

 

Mid February 2014

Thank you for everything you did for us. We had the most amazing time and everything went like clockwork. Your communication with us was prompt, the booking and organisation was efficient and extremely easy. Madarao Kogen was unbelievable! We had amazing snow and the accommodation was fabulous. The buffet for breakfast and dinner was scrumptious. Toru, the Manager was great, as was the rest of the staff. Madarao Ski field has conditions and terrain to suit all standards of skier and snowboarder. Lots of ski trails for those who like to ski on-piste and loads of tree skiing and black ungroomed runs for powder hounds like us. There is a variety of runs available, especially if you like to be adventurous. The accommodation was very spacious for Japanese standards and the hotel had great facilities such ski hire, souvenir shop and café. There was a general meeting area where wifi could be accessed. Lockers for your skis and boards were an added bonus and access to the mountain was outside the ski room door. We are very interested in returning to Madarao and would appreciate any packages you have for the 2014/2015 season. Once again thank you for all your help.

Kindest regards,
Sharon and Trevor Monk 

 

 

Early January 2014

We enjoyed a wonderful stay at Madarao, everything was fantastic. It was what I had been dreaming of ever since I picked up the brochure. I am very happy, it was the first time I have ridden in powder snow. We were lucky to have lotts of fresh snow!! The hotel was great and Toru the manager was very helpful. We have been very lucky and seen a lot on our travels and now we are heading south and making our way back to Tokyo before returning home to try and cook some of the wonderful food we have eaten.

Andrew and Belinda


 

 

 Late December 2013

We had a great time. The accomodation was clean and good... a bit small but ok. We loved the onsen. It was a bit difficult for us as we didnt speak Japanese and many of the staff were not fluent in english - this was especially difficult with the lessons. We still had a great time tho. Toru at reception was very helpful...made sure we were well looked after and had what we needed and that all activities were arranged properly. The food was good - a good variety. Thanks for a wonderful trip.

Lynn Hough

 

 

Late December 2013

I just wanted to give you some feedback from our holiday in Japan. Other than the country being one of the most beautiful places we have ever visited, the hospitality and friendliness shown to us from the staff at Madarao Kogen Hotel was superb. All the staff were very attentive and helpful but particularly a gentleman named Toru who seemed to take us under his wing and nothing was too much trouble. I believe you are in contact with him from time to time so please pass on our heartfelt thanks for his assistance, it made our snow holiday even more memorable than what it would have already been.

Lance

 

Late December 2013

We had a wonderful stay at the resort for my parents 70th birthday. As my little one is only 5 and we only had a short time we mainly used the kids area. The staff were fantastic throughout the resort and treated us like family. My Irish husband enjoyed his first experience of an Onsen. Everybody was very kind and showed him the ropes. We hope to return and use the ski slopes!

From Michelle

 

 

February 2013

It was an excellent family resort. Staffs were friendly and service was good. When I first stepped into my room, the view was stunning. It's an extremely beautiful view that I've ever seen. It's just like a picture that you could only see on your Xmas card. The room was a combined western and japanese style. It was spacious. I could also enjoy the free hot spring everyday even it was crowded sometimes. The breakfast and dinner buffet was nice, food was delicious with various western, japanese and chinese style. Definitely, I will come back to this hotel again." By

Kathy 

 

Date

The hotel was good, though we only stayed one night. I think the room we had was an upgrade, and was great - roomy and nicely appointed. However, the bathroom stank quite unpleasantly of cigarette smoke - we didn't request a non-smoking room though! The breakfast buffet was very nice and the service, location etc. was top-notch. The parking was not undercover, but we did not have to dig our car out.

Matt

 

 

Deecember 2012

We stayed 3 nights at Madarao Kogen Hotel, We enjoyed a very spacious room with a gorgeous view of the ski slopes. The hotel is well-located with the bus-stop for buses to Iiyama city barely 20 steps down the road, and a few interesting dining places within a 5-minute stroll. On the downside, there is no in-room wifi, and this being a large hotel that seems to be very popular with young families and school groups, the breakfast and dinner buffet is pretty basic. I paid 3600 yen per person for the dinner buffet and I felt it was definitely not worth the money. There was no a la carte menu

Synthia 

 

 

Date

Thanks so much for your help in booking our holiday. Madarao is an excellent family resort and the Accommodation was very good. Madarao Kogen hotel is reallly good other than the lack of smoke free hotel rooms. Our Hotel room reeked of cigarettes. Your list of useful websites helped me enormously .ie the hyperdia site, and the time of the nagaden bus lines . The snow was up to the usual high japanese standard. We had heaps of snow. over 1 metre in the week. we are thinking of madarao and maybe Hakuba next year.

Greg

 

Feb 2011

I stayed at the Madarao Kogen Hotel It was my first time there, so i did'nt know what to expect, but to my surprise it was better than what I anticipated. The hotel is in the best location, where you can ski from the front door. All the staff are excellent and very helpful, there is always someone there that can speak english, although not fluent, but enough to get you by. The rooms were clean,and I had a great view of the ski runs and the Madarao mountain. The restaurant served great sukiyaki and shabu shabu. I made the booking through Japan Snow, Hisae made all the arrangements for me and made it easy.

Korean boy from OZ

 

Date

I am very happy to stay in Madarao Kogen Hotel. There is a nice place, especially of the hot spring. If they can open the night ski on Friday and Sunday after Jan 1. It is much better.

Eileen