Season ended · next season typically starts December
Tangram Ski Circus
Slope-side hotel with pool and onsen, family-friendly terrain, and a summit link to Madarao for tree runs. Easy Shinkansen access.
My recommendation
Tangram is the more family-friendly side of the Madarao–Tangram pair. Ski-in/ski-out hotel, a summit link to Madarao for tree runs, and the same "Madapow" snow quality. Just avoid mid-February — Japanese high school ski trips take over the hotel and lessons book out completely.
TakFounder · Japow GuidesAbout the Resort
Tangram Ski Circus sits on the north-west flank of Mt Madarao in Shinano-machi, Nagano Prefecture, and links directly with neighbouring Madarao Kogen at the summit.
- The compact area packs 14 official courses serviced by five lifts (2 quad chairs, 3 doubles) and delivers a respectable 520 m of vertical—from the 800 m base to the 1,320 m peak.
- Recent seasons have seen Tangram introduce five designated tree-run zones and relax off-piste rules, complementing its wide groomers and gentle beginner slopes.
- A joint “Madarao + Tangram” ticket unlocks a combined 51 courses across the two mountains, all reached via a short crossover lift at the top.
- Frequent Sea-of-Japan storms blanket the north-facing slopes in reliable, dry powder and reward riders with views of Hokushin Gogaku and Lake Nojiri.
- The slopeside Hotel Tangram offers true ski-in/ski-out convenience plus on-site onsen, an indoor pool, restaurants and rental desks—ideal for hassle-free family stays.
- Access is straightforward: about 45 minutes by local bus or taxi from Iiyama Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, and roughly one hour by reservation shuttle from Nagano Station.
Location & Access
By Car
Tokyo→Kanetsu Expressway→Joshinetsu Expressway→Myoko Kogen IC→Route18→Tangram Ski Circus (3hr30min)
Parking
1,800 spaces
By Train
Tokyo Station → Iiyama Station (~1h40, Hokuriku Shinkansen) → local bus (seasonal/limited) (~45 min) → Tangram.
Tangram, Myoko, Niigata, Japan
Terrain & Slopes
19
Courses
5
Lifts
2.5km
Longest run
Beginner50%
Intermediate35%
Advanced15%
Grooming80% groomed · 20% non-groomed
Snowboard ParkAvailable
Back CountryNot Available
Tickets & Pricing
Current Prices2025–26 season prices, for reference
1-Day Lift TicketAdult6,000 yen
1-Day Lift TicketChild3,700 yen
1-Day Lift TicketSenior5,500 yen
Lessons
Lesson in Japanese JA
Ski Lesson : from 4,200 yen
Snowboard Lesson : from 4,200 yen
Lesson in English EN
Ski Lesson : Half-day ¥35,000 / Full day ¥50,000 per instructor (up to 6 pax)
Shinano Snowsports; Japan Snowsports
Why You'll Love Tangram Ski Circus
The family-friendly side of Madarao
Same Madapow snow quality with gentler, wider terrain
Tangram and Madarao share a summit and a joint lift pass, but Tangram's layout is noticeably more family-oriented — wider beginner runs, a gentler pitch overall, and a slope-side hotel that makes logistics effortless. The snow, marketed locally as "Madapow," is the same dry, deep powder that Madarao is famous for. You get the snow quality without the steeper terrain.
Ski-in/ski-out Hotel Tangram — everything under one roof
Onsen, pool, restaurants, and rental desks at the base
Hotel Tangram sits right at the base with direct slope access, plus onsen, indoor pool, restaurants, and rental desks. For families with young kids, the convenience of walking from your room to the lifts in minutes is a big deal. No shuttles, no transfers — just step outside and go.
Avoid mid-February if you can
Japanese high school ski trips fill the hotel and book out lessons
Here's the insider warning: every year in mid-February, Japanese high school 修学旅行 (school trips) flood Tangram. The hotel fills up, group lessons are almost impossible to book, and the slopes get crowded with student groups. If you're planning a family trip, aim for January or late February instead.
Travel Tips
🚌 Getting There
Tokyo Station → Iiyama Station (~1h40, Hokuriku Shinkansen) → local bus (seasonal/limited) (~45 min) → Tangram.
Shuttle runs every 30 minutes during peak season
🎿 Equipment Rental
Full rental sets available on-site. Reserve in advance during peak season.
Ski set: 5,500 yen/day • Snowboard set: 5,500 yen/day
💳 Payment Methods
Credit cards accepted at ticket counters and restaurants.
Cash preferred at some smaller vendors
🌨️ Best Time to Visit
January to February for the best powder conditions.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends
Season has ended. Live snow and weather info will return in December.
Latest News from Tangram Ski Circus
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Tangram Ski Circus
Adjacent to Madarao with gentle, family-friendly slopes and convenient ski-in/ski-out hotel facilities.
Tokyo → Iiyama by Shinkansen → shuttle/bus to Tangram; joint access with Madarao is possible.
January–March for best coverage; choose midweek for the quietest slopes.
English-capable lessons available through local providers; check seasonal schedules.
Hotel-integrated rentals, restaurants, lockers, and kids’ areas make family logistics easy.
Still have questions?Contact us
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TakFounder · Japow GuidesI'm a Tokyo-based snowboarder and father of two, with over 20 years on Japan's slopes. Resorts I have personally visited are marked “Visited” and include my first-hand notes. The other resorts are summarized from public ski-area data and local reviews. I add my own notes over time.