Tangram Ski Circus is located on the northern slopes of Mt Madarao in Shinano town, Nagano Prefecture – right on the border with Myoko city in Niigata Prefecture. On a clear day from the top there are spectacular views of Mt Myoko and Lake Nojiri and you can buy a return ticket just for this lift to go up to see the views. This ski area opened in 1989.
There are a few powder zones and tree run course areas at Tangram.
The Madarao highland area is home to two ski and snowboard resorts – the other one being Madarao Kogen. The two resorts are connected and a joint shared lift ticket is available. As with Madarao Kogen, there are a few ungroomed 'powder runs' and 'tree runs' at Tangram Ski Circus as well as features and activities for children and families.
Nagano Prefecture is located in the Chubu region of the main island of Honshu. Most of the Northern Alps, Central Alps and Southern Alps are located within Nagano (along with neighbouring prefectures). Nagano has the second highest number of ski and snowboard resorts in all of Japan and they are spread around the whole prefecture. Nagano city and many of the major ski resorts are located in the northern region.
Ski and snowboard lessons are available at Tangram Ski Circus.
Equipment Rental
Ski Rental:
Available
Snowboard Rental:
Available
Ski and snowboard equipment rental is available. Ski and snowboard wear rental is also available.
Children's facilities
The 'Kids Park' is located at the base of the resort and has a variety of child friendly activities and items to play with - entry is 1,000 yen (or 500 yen with a valid 1 day lift ticket). Open from 26th December 2020 until 31st March 2021.
There is also a snow escalator by the Number 5 quad lift that services a small beginners area. Free to use.
Within Hotel Tangram there is usually a child-care facility, but it will not be opening for the 2020-2021 season.
Park information
The 'Ski & Board Park' is located by the Number 3 lift and features various items.
Various other activities are available at Tangram - snow mobiles, snow rafting, kids cat experience... as well as an on-the-snow 'Dog Run'.
Tangram Ski Circus Season & Opening Times
Typical season is from Mid December until Late March
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
Daytime
Weekends and holidays
Normally open from 8:30am until 4:30pm
Weekdays
Normally open from 8:30am until 4:30pm
'Nighta' (night skiing)
Weekends and holidays
Yes
Weekdays
No
Opening information
Tangram Ski Circus is normally open from 8:30am until 4:30pm during the daytime (until 4:00pm from 22nd March 2020).
Night skiing is from 4:30pm until 8:30pm on Saturdays between 30th December 2020 until 13th March 2021 as well as over the New Year period (30th December until 3rd January), 10th January 2020.
Until last season the slopes open for night skiing were groomed before that started, but this year they will not be.
Tangram Ski Circus Lift Ticket Charges
Adults
Child
Elementary School age
Senior
55 years & over
1 Day
4,300 yen
3,000 yen
3,700 yen
2 Days
7,700 yen
5,400 yen
6,500 yen
3 Days
11,400 yen
8,100 yen
9,800 yen
4 Hours
3,300 yen
2,500 yen
2,900 yen
1 Lift Coupon
500 yen
500 yen
500 yen
11 Lift Coupons
5,000 yen
5,000 yen
5,000 yen
Nighta
1,500 yen
1,500 yen
1,500 yen
Season Ticket
30,000 yen
20,000 yen
30,000 yen
Mountain Pass 1 Day
5,500 yen
3,500 yen
5,500 yen
2020-2021 Season Lift Tickets
The Mountain Pass is valid at Tangram Ski Circus and the connecting Madarao Kogen. Other tickets above are valid just at Tangram Ski Circus.
A sightseeing lift for people just wanting enjoy the views of Nojiriko (Lake Nojiri) from the top is available. That lift costs 1,200 yen for adults and 1,000 yen for children (return).
Getting to Tangram Ski Circus
By public transport
Train
16.4km from Iiyama Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line
8.8km from Myoko Kogen Station on the Shinetsu Honsen Line
16.4km from Iiyama Station on the Iiyama Line
Information
Tangram Ski Circus is about 9km from Myoko Kogen Station.
Iiyama Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line is just over 16km from Tangram.
A bus is available from Iiyama Station and takes about 45 minutes. A bus from Kurohime Station takes about 30 minutes.
There is also a bus service from Nagano Station which operates from 19th December 2020 until 31st March 2021. That bus costs 1,400 yen for adults (half price for children). Reservations are required and the bus takes about 80 minutes. The bus leaves Nagano Station at 11:30amnd 3:40pm.
By Car
10.6km from the Myoko Kogen IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway
11km from the Shinano-machi IC on the Joshinetsu Expressway
Nearest national route: Route 18 (8.6km away)
Nearest prefecture road: Prefecture Road 97
Direction
Tangram Ski Circus is located on the northern slopes of Mt Madarao.
The winding Prefecture Road 97 runs past both the Tangram Ski Circus and the connecting Madarao Kogen resorts. That road - along with Prefecture Road 96 on the Myoko side - connects Iiyama city with Myoko city and the road is open throughout the winter months.
Approaching from the Joshinetsu Expressway If approaching from the south the nearest exit on the Joshinetsu Expressway is the Shinano-machi IC. If approaching from the north, exit the expressway at the Myoko Kogen IC. From both head up to Madarao using Prefecture Road 96 and then Prefecture Road 97.
Approaching from central Iiyama and Route 117 If arriving from the east using Route 117, there are a number of Madarao Kogen signposts near the central area of Iiyama City. Madarao Kogen resort is about 11.5km from Route 117 and the base of Tangram Ski Circus is a further 5.5km along the same road.
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