Madarao Vacances Village offers a full guide on the best ways to reach Madarao Kogen. Because we run lodging here and welcome guests year-round, we’re sharing from experience the most efficient, comfortable routes depending on where you’re coming from. Whether your questions are “What’s the easiest way?”, “How can I save on costs?”, “What about heavy luggage?”, or “Is driving in winter okay?”, we got you!

 

🗺️ Location & Access Highlights

Madarao Kogen is located in Iiyama City, Nagano Prefecture. It’s about 20 minutes from the Toyoda-Iiyama IC on the Joshin‑etsu Expressway, and about 25 minutes by bus from JR Iiyama Station. From the Tokyo area it takes about 3 hours by car and about 2.5 hours by Shinkansen + local transport — close enough to enjoy as a day trip too.

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🚆 By Train (Shinkansen + Bus)

From Tokyo (Recommended Route)

• Route: Tokyo → Iiyama → Madarao Kogen
• Time: About 2.5 hours
• Cost: Standard reserved seat ~ ¥8,500
• After arriving at Iiyama Station, take a bus to Madarao Kogen (~25 min)
• Local tip: The Hokuriku Shinkansen now allows direct access to Iiyama from Tokyo, making winter travel safer and smoother.

 

From Osaka / Nagoya

• Route via Tokyo → Iiyama → Madarao
• Takes about 4–5 hours, costs ~ ¥15,000–¥20,000
• Multiple transfers: e.g. Osaka → Tokyo → Iiyama → Madarao

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🚌 Bus / Local Transport from Iiyama

• Route: Iiyama Station → Madarao Kogen → Nozawa Onsen
• Operator: Nagano Electric Railway Bus
• Time: ~25 minutes
• Fare: Adult ¥500, Child ¥250
• Tip: The nearest stop is “Madarao Kogen Ski Resort”, just a 3‑minute walk away
• Taxi option: ~20 minutes, ¥3,500–¥4,000 — good for heavy luggage or more convenience
• Call numbers: Iiyama Taxi 0269‑62‑2034, Shinshu Taxi 0269‑62‑3456

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🚗 By Car (More Flexible)

Via Expressways

 

• From Tokyo (via Kan‐etsu / Joshin‑etsu)

Route: Nerima IC → Fujioka JCT → Toyoda‑Iiyama IC → Madarao Kogen

Time: ~3 hours

Highway toll: ~ ¥4,500 (normal car, with ETC discounts)

From Toyoda‑Iiyama IC to Madarao: ~20 minutes on regular roads

Note: In winter, you’ll need studless tires or chains — snow and ice are common.

 

• Alternate via Chuo Expressway 

Route: Chofu IC → Okaya JCT → Koshoku JCT → Toyoda‑Iiyama IC → Madarao Kogen

Time: ~3 hours 30 minutes

Toll: ~ ¥5,200

Pros: more scenic through mountains

Cons: longer and potentially more challenging in winter

 

• From Osaka / Nagoya

Osaka route: Suita IC → Komaki JCT → Toyoda‑Iiyama IC → Madarao

Time: ~5 hours 30 minutes

Toll: ~ ¥8,500 (normal car)

From Nagoya: ~4 hours 30 minutes, toll ~ ¥6,800

 

Parking Info

• Madarao Vacation Village Parking

~20 spaces reserved for guests, free of charge

 

• Nearby Ski Resort Parking

~2,000 spaces

Fee: ¥1,000 a day (in winter)

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❄️ Winter Driving Tips

• Required equipment:

4WD, studless tires (roughly Nov – early April)

Carry tire chains — very useful in emergencies

If you’re not comfortable driving in snow, public transportation is safer and recommended

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🚌 Highway & Night Bus Option (Good Value)

 

From Tokyo

• Operators: Nagano Electric Railway Bus, Seibu Bus
• Route: Shinjuku → Iiyama → Nozawa Onsen
• Duration: ~5½ hours
• Price: ~ ¥4,500–¥7,000 (varies by season, discount early booking)
• Perks: Travel overnight, save on lodging, arrive early

 

From Osaka

• Operators: Hankyu Bus, Nagano Electric Railway Bus
• Route: Osaka → Kyoto → Nozawa Onsen
• Time: ~8 hours
• Price: ~ ¥6,500–¥9,500

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✅ Summary — Pick What Fits You Best

Each mode of transport (train, car, bus) has its strengths depending on your budget, luggage, travel style, and season. The Hokuriku Shinkansen’s opening has especially improved access from Tokyo, making travel smoother even in winter.

We look forward to welcoming you to Madarao — comfortable access and a great stay await you!