Tangram Madarao Resort Facilities

Like many non-westernised Japanese ski resorts, the magnitude and scope of the services and amenities at Tangram Ski Resort seems out of keeping with the small size of the ski area. The services and facilities are very well developed and are housed in the large deluxe Hotel Tangram and the adjacent day lodge at the base of the Tangram Madarao Tokyu Resort.

Facilities for Children

Tangram is very family friendly and it’s starting to become more English friendly.

Tangram has a nursery for kids 3 months up to pre-school age. Child care can be provided in the morning and afternoon, but not over lunch time. Don’t expect the staff to speak much English.

A kids’ park is located at the base of the resort. It has a magic carpet and some fun play equipment including toboggans. There is also a tubing carousel for small children.

Snow rafting and kids’ snowmobiling is also available.

Hotel Tangram has an indoor swimming pool that can be utilised for a fee.

Tangram Ski School / Snowboard Lessons

Group lessons are only with Japanese ski instructors so unless you’re fluent in the Japanese language you’ll need to have a private lesson. Relative to many Japanese ski areas, the private lessons are reasonably priced. These need to be reserved well in advance.

Tangram Ski and Snowboard Rental

Tangram Madarao Resort has ski and snowboard equipment rentals as well as clothing rentals. The equipment is mostly targeted to those who remain on-piste, but they also have a small range of fat skis.

Eating On Mountain

Tangram has a huge cafeteria that looks up to the slopes. The fare is pretty consistent with other non-westernised Japanese ski resorts. The hotel also has a restaurant upstairs but insists that you take your ski boots off to go there, and I don’t know about you but lunch would have to be pretty special to get me to take my ski boots off for lunch!

At the top of the #5 lift is the Lake Nojiri Lounge which sells beverages and a few simple food items such as oyaki. The main fare on offer is the views across Lake Nojiri and the mountains. Non-skiers can get a pedestrian lift pass to get up to the Lake Nojiri Terrace.

Shops

There is a small Tangram ski shop that features lots of ski and snowboard accessories such as helmets, gloves, beanies, backpacks and goggles. The shop also has a small amount of apparel and some Tangram souvenirs. Next door is a general retail shop that has lots of those confectionary gifts. Shops like this must love whoever started the silly Japanese tradition that the domestic holiday makers have to take gifts back to their work colleagues! The shop also has snacks, beverages, various sundries and other souvenirs.

This is Japan, so of course there are vending machines too if you want a drink!

Tangram Onsen

The Tangram Madarao Onsen is located at Hotel Tangram. In addition to saunas, it features both indoor and outdoor baths for each gender. Non-guests of the hotel can utilise the onsen at certain times. Note that tattoos are not allowed.

You can check out our Japanese onsen tips for information on the etiquette when using Japanese hot spring baths.