Getting to Madarao and Raicho Lodge
Here is a guide on how to get from either Narita Airport or Haneda Airport to Madarao, including ticket purchasing and how to get to Raicho Lodge. If you’re looking to do a bit of sight-seeing before your ski trip, we’ve also shared in this post how to send your ski/snowboard ahead of you so you can stay lightweight through your travels.
From Narita Airport
Narita Airport has 2 train stations, one immediately below Terminal 1 and another immediately below Terminal 2. If you arrive at Terminal 3 (Jetstar) you can reach the station at Terminal 2 by a 15 min walk or a 5 min bus ride. These options are very clearly signposted.
Two train companies operate express train services from both Narita Train stations. The Narita Express operated by JR East goes to Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station and Shibuya Station. If you plan on stopping in Tokyo for a few days, this is probably the best service to use as it goes into central Tokyo.
If you are heading directly to Raicho Lodge, take the Skyliner Train service operated by Keisei Electric Railway from Narita Airport to Ueno Station. The fare is ￥2470 per person one way.
Online tickets - http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/e-ticket/en/
General information - http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/ae_outline/index.php
At Ueno station, transfer to the Shinkansen (Bullet Train).
The Hokuriku Shinkansen will take you directly to Iiyama Station in about 1hr 40min.
Timetable - https://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/English/wb/common/timetable/e_hokuriku_d/index.html
Online reservations:
If you use these online reservation services, please read the details carefully about how and where to collect the tickets. Tickets can be booked up to 1 month in advance.
Buying a Ticket at the station:
You can buy Shinkansen tickets through the ticket counters at Ueno or Tokyo Stations as well as many of the larger JR (Japan Rail) stations. The lines can be long and English-speaking level can be sometimes limited. There are also ticket machines located in or next to these ticket offices. The machines have an English language option and can be a much quicker option to buy tickets.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/ticket/purchase.html
Shinkansen tickets come as either reserved seat or non-reserved seat. Non-reserved seats are located in cars 1-4. Green Class is a slightly larger seat available for a higher price and Grand Class is the full luxury option.
From Iiyama Station:
There are taxis available at the station and the fare to Raicho Lodge is around ￥6000. Alternatively there are buses run by Madarao Resort that will take you to the Madarao Kogen Hotel. If you can let us know which bus you plan to be on, we can collect you from the bus stop in Madarao.
Buses depart Iiyama Station daily during winter season at the following times:
8:55 - 10:00 - 10:50 - 11:20 - 12:40 - 13:30 - 15:15 - 16:20 - 16:40 - 17:45 - 19:10
Hokuriku Shinakansen
From Haneda Airport:
Arriving into Haneda airport is very convenient if you plan to spend some time in Tokyo at either end of your Raicho Lodge visit.
If you are heading direct to Madarao you will need to pick up the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station.
From Haneda Airport to Tokyo Station:
By Taxi: Typically, it takes about 30 min depending on traffic and costs about ￥8000.
By Train: The fastest option is to take the Monorail from Haneda International Terminal. There are all station stops and express options so wait for the express that will take you directly to the last stop at Hamamatsucho Station.
At Hamamatsucho Station follow the signs for JR Trains and the Yamanote Line. Take the Yamanote line 3 stops to Tokyo Station.
At Tokyo Station transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Iiyama Station.
The Hokuriku Shinkansen will take you directly to Iiyama Station in about 1hr 40min.
Timetable:
Online reservations:
If you use these online reservation services, please read the details carefully about how and where to collect the tickets. Tickets can be booked up to 1 month in advance.
Buying a Ticket at the station:
You can buy Shinkansen tickets through the ticket counters at Ueno or Tokyo Stations as well as many of the larger JR (Japan Rail) stations. The lines can be long and English-speaking level can sometimes be limited. There are also ticket machines located in or next to these ticket offices. The machines have an English option and can be a much quicker option.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/ticket/purchase.html
Shinkansen tickets come as either reserved seat or non-reserved seat. Non-reserved seats are located in cars 1-4. Green Class is a slightly larger seat available for a higher price and Grand Class is the full luxury option.
From Iiyama Station:
There are taxis available at the station and the fare to Raicho Lodge is around ￥6000. Alternatively there are buses run by Madarao Resort that will take you to the Madarao Kogen Hotel. If you can let us know which bus you plan to be on, we can collect you from the bus stop in Madarao.
Buses depart Iiyama Station daily during winter season at the following times:
8:55 - 10:00 - 10:50 - 11:20 - 12:40 - 13:30 - 15:15 - 16:20 - 16:40 - 17:45 - 19:10
Deliver your skis to/from the airport to Raicho Lodge
If you are looking to spend a few days sight-seeing in Tokyo or other parts of Japan before or after your ski/snowboard holiday in Madarao but you don’t want to lug all your gear around with you, there is a great delivery service by Yamato Transport called Ta-Q-Bin. The service is available at both Narita and Haneda airports. So easy and reliable!
To send your ski/snowboard gear ahead of you, go to the Ta-Q-Bin counter on arrival. This will be located after you pass through immigration and customs. Fill in the form for delivery to Raicho Lodge Madarao and check in your bags with them. The Ta-Q-Bin team will then take care of the rest.
To send your ski/snowboard gear from Raicho Lodge Madarao to the airport, speak to one of our Raicho Lodge team who can help you with the forms and we’ll take care of your bags with Ta-Q-Bin. All you have to do is pick up your bags when you get to the airport before you check in.
For more information, please see the website links below or contact our Raicho Lodge team and we’ll be more than happy to help you through the process.
Ta-Q-Bin website information - http://www.kuronekoyamato.co.jp/ytc/en/send/services/airport/
Narita Airport delivery service information - https://www.narita-airport.jp/en/service/svc_05
Haneda Airport delivery service information - http://www.haneda-airport.jp/inter/en/premises/service/delivery.html