The Joy of Skiing in Japan as an Expat Family
For families living abroad, skiing in Japan is a quintessential winter delight. This time, my family of three—my husband Jo, a seasoned skier with experience in New Zealand, the US, and France; our daughter Iris, on her second ski trip; and myself, a beginner snowboarder—ventured to Tangram Ski Circus. With well-designed slopes, easy access, hot springs, and delicious food, the trip was packed with experiences for the whole family.
(Words & Photos: Yoshiko Butler)
Slopes for All Levels: The Versatility of Madarao
Located in Shinano Town, Nagano Prefecture, Tangram Ski Circus offers a diverse range of courses suitable for all skill levels. We stayed at Tangram Madarao Tokyu Resort, which offers direct access to the slopes—a convenience greatly appreciated by families with young children.
Beyond its well-maintained ski runs, the resort offers breathtaking views of the Hokushin Five Mountains and Lake Nojiri. The shared lift pass for the entire Madarao area allows access to the neighboring Madarao Mountain Resort, providing an expansive skiing experience.
For younger visitors, the Kids’ Park is a highlight. Iris had a blast on the “Bowler Carousel,” a merry-go-round on snow, and enjoyed sledding, giant inflatable attractions, and slides. The on-site Nojirico Lounge provided a cozy retreat, making it easy for my husband and I to take turns skiing without missing a moment of fun.
A Paradise for Advanced Skiers: Jo’s Take on Madarao
Jo, a passionate skier with experience at resorts worldwide, was particularly impressed by Madarao’s snow quality and course variety. The light, fluffy Japanese powder is unlike anything found elsewhere. During our visit, 40 cm of fresh snow fell daily, creating ideal conditions for experiencing “Madapow,” Madarao’s signature powder.
The resort’s tree runs and ungroomed courses offer thrilling challenges, keeping even the most experienced skiers engaged. With thoughtfully designed trails, Jo barely took a break, maximizing his time on the slopes.
Enhancing the Stay with Smart Technology
Hotel Tangram, directly connected to Tangram Ski Circus, boasts 244 rooms, multiple restaurants, banquet halls, and relaxation facilities. The large windows in the lobby, restaurants, pool area, and select guest rooms provide panoramic views of the slopes, enhancing the overall experience.
Functioning as the ski resort’s center house, the hotel’s first floor includes a ticket center, rental counter, and ski school reception, ensuring seamless access to all skiing essentials.
A standout feature of our stay was the resort’s smart technology. The room key’s built-in tag enabled hassle-free self-checkout via automated payment machines. The 24-hour unmanned store, “Tangram Smart Store,” allowed guests to shop effortlessly by scanning their key tag, making late-night purchases convenient.
Another invaluable tool was the real-time congestion tracker for restaurants and hot springs, ensuring a smooth experience with a time-conscious family member and a young child. Most impressive, however, was the “YY System,” a voice-recognition and automatic translation device. While English-speaking staff were available, the device instantly translated speech into text on a screen, eliminating language barriers. Iris had a great time interacting with it, adding to the fun.
Unwinding in the Hot Springs
No ski trip is complete without a soak in a hot spring. Hotel Tangram features an expansive bathhouse with an open-air bath, cold plunge pool, and sauna, providing much-needed relaxation after a day on the slopes. The outdoor bath, in particular, offered a tranquil experience surrounded by the snowy landscape.
The hotel’s hot spring comes from Entoku Onsen, renowned for its mineral-rich waters that promote warmth and relaxation, ideal for soothing tired muscles. For those seeking alternative relaxation, the indoor heated pool provided another way to unwind while enjoying views of the slopes.
A Buffet Experience for Every Palate
Dining at Hotel Tangram’s buffet restaurant, “ZIGZAG,” was a treat. With a variety of authentic Japanese and Western dishes, the buffet catered to every taste. The dessert selection, in particular, was a hit with Iris, who excitedly debated which sweet treat to try next. Meanwhile, I indulged in sushi and warabi mochi, flavors I rarely get to enjoy in my everyday life abroad.
Breakfast was equally satisfying, offering fresh local ingredients to fuel our skiing adventures. The variety and quality of the meals significantly enhanced our overall experience.
A Warm Welcome and Thoughtful Hospitality
Travel inevitably comes with unexpected challenges. Shortly after arriving, Iris fell ill, and I followed soon after. During this time, the hotel’s staff went above and beyond to assist us, providing a level of care and support that made all the difference. Thanks to their kindness, we recovered quickly and were able to enjoy the rest of our trip.
The heavy snowfall during our stay created perfect skiing conditions but also led to travel disruptions. When we struggled to secure a taxi for our return trip, the front desk staff stepped in, ensuring we reached our destination safely. The level of attentiveness and hospitality we received left a lasting impression.
Although cutting-edge technology enhanced our stay, what stood out most was the human touch. It is this warmth and dedication that make a place truly special and inspire a desire to return.
Final Thoughts
Our ski trip to Madarao was an unforgettable experience for the whole family. From slopes catering to all levels to family-friendly services, hot springs, and excellent cuisine, every aspect of the trip exceeded expectations. Watching Iris grow her confidence on the snow was especially rewarding as a parent.
For anyone considering a ski trip in Japan, Tangram Ski Circus is a destination worth visiting!
Tangram Madarao Tokyu Resort
Address: 3575-8 Furumi, Shinano-machi, Kamiminochi-gun, Nagano 389-1302, Japan
Tel: +81 26-258-3511
Web: https://japan-skiguide.com/guide/htm/r0016ens.htm
Writer Profile
Yoshiko is a writer based in Australia who enjoys board sports at her own pace. She has surfed for over 15 years and recently took up snowboarding. Her husband, Jo, has lived in ski towns around the world, including Wanaka, New Zealand; Jackson, Wyoming, US; and Chamonix, France. This was the second ski trip for their daughter, Iris.
