Introduction: Why Iiyama Station is the Gateway to Hokushin Ski Resorts
Since the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Iiyama Station has become accessible from Tokyo in just 99 minutes, establishing itself as the essential transportation hub for accessing five premier ski resorts in Northern Nagano: Nozawa Onsen, Kijimadaira (Romance no Kamisama), Ryuoh, Madarao Kogen, and Tangram.
This comprehensive guide covers the 2025-2026 season’s latest transportation options, including buses, shuttle services, taxis, Uber (rideshare), shared taxis, rental cars, and hotel shuttles. We provide detailed information on schedules, fares, and booking methods to help you choose the best way to reach your destination.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide:
- Travel times and fares from Iiyama Station to each ski resort
- Complete bus schedules and booking procedures
- NEW: 2025-2026 exclusive Uber and shared taxi information ⭐
- Comprehensive taxi company listings and fare simulations
- Recommendations by purpose and budget
📊 Quick Access Comparison Table
Compare all transportation options at a glance!
| Ski Resort | Duration | Main Bus Service | Fare (One-Way) | Reservation | Operating Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nozawa Onsen | ~25 min | Nozawa Onsen Liner | ¥600 | Not Required | 12/13–3/30 |
| Romance no Kamisama (Kijimadaira) | ~20 min | Free Shuttle Bus | FREE | Required | Daily from 12/20 |
| Ryuoh Ski Park | ~35 min | Iiyama-Ryuoh Shuttle | ¥1,500 | Required | 12/27–3/8 (Limited) |
| Madarao Kogen | ~30 min | Nagaden Bus Express | ¥800 | Not Required | 12/13–3/31 |
| Tangram Madarao | ~45 min | Nagaden Bus Express | ¥1,200 | Not Required | 12/13–3/31 |
💡 Key Takeaways:
- Romance no Kamisama (Kijimadaira) is the only free option – Best value!
- Nozawa Onsen Liner requires no reservation – Most flexible access
- Ryuoh operates on limited dates – Advance planning essential
🚌 A. Access to Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort
Nozawa Onsen Liner (Iiyama Station ⇔ Nozawa Onsen)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating Period | December 13, 2025 – March 30, 2026 |
| Operator | Nozawa Onsen Kotsu |
| Duration | ~25 minutes |
| Fare | Adult ¥600 (one-way), round-trip discount available |
| Payment | Cash, credit card, transportation IC cards (on board) |
| Reservation | Not required |
| Departure Point | Iiyama Station, Chikumagawa Exit bus stop |
| Official Website | Nozawa Onsen Liner Schedule |
Schedule (From Iiyama Station):
8:45 / 9:55 / 10:40 / 12:30 / 13:40 / 15:15 / 17:20 / 18:55 / 20:15 / 21:20
Schedule (From Ski Resort):
6:30 / 7:30 / 8:20 / 9:30 / 11:15 / 13:00 / 14:20 / 16:30 / 18:15 / 19:35
*Please check the official website for the complete schedule.
💡 Nozawa Onsen Liner Features:
- No reservation needed – Flexible scheduling with Shinkansen arrivals
- Frequent service – Departures approximately every 2 hours from morning to night
- Ski equipment friendly – Accommodates skis and snowboards
- Cashless payment – Credit cards and IC cards accepted
🚌 B. Access to Snow Resort Romance no Kamisama (Formerly Kijimadaira Ski Resort)
Free Shuttle Bus (Iiyama Station ⇔ Ski Resort)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating Period | Daily operation |
| Fare | FREE |
| Reservation | Not required |
| Duration | ~20 minutes |
| Departure Point | Iiyama Station Chikumagawa Exit Plaza, Bay 4 |
| Official Website | Access Information |
Schedule (From Iiyama Station):
8:40 / 10:05
Schedule (From Ski Resort):
8:00 / 9:00 / 15:30 / 16:30 / 17:30
*Please check the official website for the latest schedule.
💡 Free Shuttle Bus Features:
- Completely free – Round-trip costs ¥0, unbeatable value!
- Direct to slopes – No transfers needed
- Large luggage capacity – Skis and snowboards accommodated
⚠️ Important Notes:
- Consider alternative transportation if the bus is full
Kijimadaira Village Bus (Community Shuttle)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Iiyama Station ⇔ Various stops in Kijimadaira Village |
| Operator | Kijimadaira Village Community Bus |
| Fare | ¥900 (to Romance no Kamisama; varies by section) |
| Reservation | Not required (regular route bus) |
| Major Stops | Iiyama Station → Kijimadaira Village Hall → Near Ski Resort |
| Official Website | Kijimadaira Village Shuttle |
Schedule (From Iiyama Station):
8:50 / 10:00 / 10:55 / 12:35 / 14:30 / 16:25 / 19:00
Schedule (From Ski Resort):
8:38 / 9:33 / 11:13 / 13:13 / 15:08 / 17:13
💡 Village Bus Features:
- Stops at major village locations – Village hall, hot springs, ski resort
- Affordable fares – ¥200–¥900 for travel within Kijimadaira Village
- No reservation needed – Board on the day of travel
- Serves locals and tourists – Open to all passengers
⚠️ Important Notes:
- Limited service frequency; check schedule in advance
- Free shuttle bus offers more convenient service to ski resort
- Useful for visiting hot springs or other village attractions
Recommended Use Cases:
- Transportation to accommodations within Kijimadaira Village
- Alternative when free shuttle times don’t match your schedule
🚌 C. Access to Ryuoh Ski Park
Iiyama Station-Ryuoh Shuttle Bus
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating Period | December 27, 2025 – March 8, 2026 |
| *Limited dates only (January 5–30: weekends/holidays only) | |
| Operator | B-Wave Corporation |
| Duration | ~35–40 minutes |
| Fare | One-way ¥1,500 / Round-trip ¥2,500 (advance purchase discount available) |
| Reservation | Required (book via official website) |
| Departure Point | Iiyama Station, Madarao Exit (1st floor) |
| Official Website | Iiyama-Ryuoh Shuttle Reservations |
Schedule (From Iiyama Station):
8:30 / 10:00 / 11:35 / 15:30
Schedule (From Ski Resort):
10:55 / 12:45 / 14:40 / 16:50 / 18:15
*Please check the official website for detailed schedules and reservations.
💡 Ryuoh Shuttle Bus Features:
- Direct service – No transfers to Ryuoh Ski Park
- Advance purchase discount – Save money by booking early
- Connects to Kita-Shiga Komaruyama – Free connecting shuttle from Ryuoh
⚠️ Important Notes:
- Limited operating dates – Always check the operation calendar
- Advance reservation required – Book early during peak season
- January 5–30: weekends and holidays only
💡 Booking Tips:
- Book early during peak periods (New Year holidays, weekends)
- Take advantage of advance purchase discounts for round-trip savings
🚌 D. Access to Madarao Kogen Ski Resort & Tangram Madarao
Nagaden Bus Iiyama Station-Madarao Kogen-Tangram Line (Express)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating Period | December 13, 2025 – March 31, 2026 |
| Operator | Nagaden Bus |
| Duration | ~30 min (to Madarao Kogen Hotel) |
| ~45 min (to Tangram Madarao) | |
| Fare | One-way ¥800 (to Madarao Kogen Hotel) |
| ¥1,200 (to Tangram Madarao) | |
| Payment | Cash, cashless payment (express bus only) |
| Reservation | Not required |
| Departure Point | Iiyama Station, Chikumagawa Exit, Bay 1 |
| *Note: NOT Madarao Exit! | |
| Official Website | Nagaden Bus Iiyama-Madarao Line |
Schedule (From Iiyama Station):
8:50 / 10:05 / 11:20 / 12:35 / 13:30 / 15:15 / 16:30
Schedule (From Madarao Kogen):
9:30 / 11:20 / 13:20 / 13:50 / 14:50 / 16:25 / 17:20
Schedule (From Tangram Madarao):
11:00 / 13:00 / 16:05
*Please check the official website for complete schedules.
💡 Nagaden Bus Madarao Line Features:
- No reservation needed – Board on the day of travel
- Express buses support cashless payment – Credit cards and IC cards accepted
- Stops at both resorts – Choose your destination: Madarao Kogen Hotel or Tangram Madarao
⚠️ Important Notes:
- Some services are direct from Nozawa Onsen (December 20 – March 1 only)
- Regular route bus service also available (no Wi-Fi or cashless payment)
- Boarding point is Chikumagawa Exit – NOT Madarao Exit!
🚕 Complete Taxi & Ride Services Guide
📍 Taxi Fare Estimates from Iiyama Station
| Route | Duration | Fare Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iiyama Station → Nozawa Onsen | ~20 min | ¥8,000–¥10,000 | With winter surcharge |
| Iiyama Station → Kijimadaira Ski Resort | ~15 min | ¥5,000–¥6,000 | Closest resort |
| Iiyama Station → Ryuoh Ski Park | ~30 min | ¥10,000–¥12,000 | Expensive but reasonable for groups |
| Iiyama Station → Madarao Kogen | ~25 min | ¥8,000–¥10,000 | Same for Tangram |
| Iiyama Station → Tangram Madarao | ~30 min | ¥9,000–¥11,000 | Slightly farther than Madarao Kogen |
⚠️ Important Notes for Taxi Use:
- Advance booking strongly recommended during peak periods (New Year holidays, weekends)
- Surcharges apply for late night/early morning
- Confirm ski/snowboard capacity in advance
- Travel times may increase during snowfall
💡 Taxi Advantages:
- Cost-effective for groups (¥1,250–¥3,000 per person for 4 passengers, depending on luggage)
- Convenient for large luggage and multiple ski equipment
- Available for early morning/late night Shinkansen arrivals
- Maximum schedule flexibility
🚖 Taxi Company Directory (Iiyama Station, Nozawa Onsen, Kijimadaira Area)
① Nozawa Onsen Kotsu Co., Ltd.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Area | All of Nozawa Onsen Village, Iiyama Station |
| Phone | 0269-85-3333 |
| Official Website | https://nozawaonsen.info/taxi/ |
| Hours | 8:00–18:00 |
| Features | • Local expertise in Nozawa Onsen |
| • Jumbo taxi available (large groups/luggage) | |
| • Credit card payment accepted | |
| • Sightseeing taxi plans available | |
| Best For | Access to Nozawa Onsen, transportation within the village |
② Iiyama Kanko Hire Co., Ltd.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Area | Iiyama City, Kijimadaira Village, Nozawa Onsen Village |
| Phone | 0269-63-3232 |
| Hours | 24 hours |
| Features | • Strong dispatch service from Iiyama Station |
| • Convenient access to Kijimadaira Ski Resort | |
| • Sightseeing taxi available | |
| Best For | Iiyama Station to Kijimadaira/Madarao area |
③ Hokushin Taxi Co., Ltd.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Area | Iiyama City, Kijimadaira Village, Nozawa Onsen Village |
| Phone | 026-245-5353 |
| Hours | 24 hours (confirmation recommended) |
| Features | • Credit card payment accepted |
| • Reliable advance reservation service | |
| Best For | Daytime travel, advance bookings |
④ Nagano Kotsu Co., Ltd.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Area | Iiyama City, Kijimadaira Village, Nozawa Onsen Village |
| Phone | 0269-62-2013 |
| Hours | Please confirm |
| Features | • Serves Iiyama City area |
| • Advance booking recommended | |
| Best For | Dispatch from Iiyama Station, travel within Iiyama City |
⑤ Nagaden Hire
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Area | Iiyama City, Kijimadaira Village, Nozawa Onsen Village, Nagano City |
| Phone | 0269-63-3232 |
| Hours | Please confirm |
| Features | • Nagaden Group taxi company |
| • Wide service area | |
| • Sightseeing taxi plans available | |
| Best For | Wide-area travel, sightseeing taxi use |
⑥ Other Iiyama Area Taxi Companies
Multiple taxi companies operate around Iiyama Station. During peak periods when taxis are scarce, we recommend contacting several companies.
📞 Taxi Company Quick Reference (Iiyama/Nozawa Onsen Area):
- Nozawa Onsen Kotsu: 0269-85-3311
- Iiyama Taxi: 0269-62-2323
- Hokushin Taxi: 0269-62-3456
- Nagano Kotsu: 0269-62-2013
- Nagaden Hire: 0269-63-3232
💡 Taxi Booking Tips:
- Book 3 days in advance during peak periods
- Provide Shinkansen arrival time for smooth coordination
- Specify number of skis/snowboards in advance
- Pre-book return taxi for peace of mind
📱 New Ride Services (2025-2026 Season)
⑦ Uber (Rideshare) ⭐NEW!
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating Period | December 2025 – March 2026 |
| Service Area | Nozawa Onsen Village only (pickup or drop-off must be within Nozawa Onsen Village) |
| *Iiyama Station: Madarao Exit only | |
| Booking Method | Uber app (app-based dispatch only) |
| Fare | Equivalent to taxi (confirmed in advance via app) |
| Payment | Credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay |
| Features | • Fare confirmed in advance |
| • Convenient during peak season when taxis are unavailable | |
| • Driver rating system ensures safety | |
| • Public rideshare pilot program by JR East | |
| Official Info | Nozawa Onsen Tourism Association |
| Best For | Transportation within Nozawa Onsen Village, when taxis unavailable |
💡 Uber Usage Tips:
- Download app and register in advance
- Wait at Madarao Exit when boarding at Iiyama Station
- Fare is pre-confirmed (no meter needed)
- Often faster dispatch than regular taxis
- 2025-2026 season pilot program
⑧ Iiyama Shared Taxi ⭐NEW!
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Trial Period | October 2025 – End of January 2026 (pilot program) |
| Service Area | Iiyama City, Nozawa Onsen Village, Kijimadaira Village |
| Booking Method | NearMe web app or Phone booking |
| Fare | 20-30% discount when sharing |
| *Regular fare for solo use | |
| Payment | Credit card, cash |
| Features | • Multiple passengers share one taxi |
| • Door-to-door service (not a fixed route bus) | |
| • Phone booking available (smartphone-friendly for all ages) | |
| • Available to residents and tourists | |
| Official Info | Iiyama City Official Website |
| Best For | Group travel, budget-conscious travelers |
💡 Shared Taxi Usage Tips:
- Advance booking required (app or phone)
- May share with other passengers (matched by direction/time)
- Solo use possible but no discount applied
- Phone booking option ideal for seniors
- Pilot program through January 2026
🔍 Ride Service Comparison
| Service | Service Area | Fare | Booking | Advantages | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Taxi | Wide area | Standard rate | Phone/station pickup | Reliable, 24-hour availability | Limited during peak season |
| Uber | Nozawa Onsen Village only | Same as taxi | App only | Pre-confirmed fare, fast dispatch | Limited to Nozawa; pilot program |
| Iiyama Shared Taxi | Iiyama, Nozawa, Kijimadaira | 20-30% off | App or phone | Affordable, phone booking available | Pilot program (until Jan 2026) |
📞 Taxi & Ride Service Booking Checklist
Information to Provide When Booking
- ✅ Date and time of pickup, Shinkansen arrival time
- ✅ Pickup location (Iiyama Station, Nozawa Onsen, etc.)
- ✅ Destination (ski resort name, accommodation name)
- ✅ Number of passengers (adults, children)
- ✅ Amount of luggage (number of skis/snowboards)
- ✅ Payment method (cash, credit card)
Peak Period Notes
- ⚠️ New Year holidays (12/28–1/5): Book 3 days in advance
- ⚠️ Weekends (Friday/Saturday): Book 2 days in advance
- ⚠️ Pre-book return taxi before departure
- ⚠️ When taxis are scarce, consider shared taxi or Uber
🚗 Other Transportation Options
Rental Cars
Rental Car Companies Near Iiyama Station
| Company | Location | Features | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nico Nico Rent-a-Car Iiyama Station | 1-min walk from station | All vehicles 4WD, studless tires standard (winter) | |
| All non-smoking | 09:00-18:00 | ||
| Nissan Rent-a-Car | 1-min walk from station | Studless tires standard (winter) | 09:00-18:00 |
| JR Station Rent-a-Car Iiyama | 1-min walk from Chikumagawa Exit | Convenient for Shinkansen users | 09:00-18:00 (varies in winter) |
💡 Winter Rental Car Notes:
- Studless tire standard period: Mid-December 2025 – Mid-March 2026
- 4WD recommended: Roads to Nozawa Onsen, Ryuoh, and Madarao may have snow/ice
- Advance booking essential: Book early during peak periods (New Year holidays, weekends)
Rental Car Advantages:
- ✅ Freedom to visit soba restaurants, butcher shops, and other attractions
- ✅ Convenient for families and large luggage
- ✅ Can visit multiple ski resorts
- ✅ Freedom to stop at Obuse PA, roadside stations, etc. on return journey
Free Hotel Shuttle Services
Examples of Accommodations Offering Shuttles
| Area | Example Properties | Shuttle Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Nozawa Onsen | Oyado Marutoya | |
| Togen no Yu Sakakiya | ||
| Nozawa Grand Hotel | Free shuttle from Iiyama Station | |
| *Advance contact and reservation required | ||
| Kijimadaira | SBC RESORT KIJIMADAIRA | |
| (formerly Panorama Land Hotel) | Shuttle available for 2+ guests | |
| *Reservation required | ||
| Madarao Kogen | Tangram Madarao | |
| Madarao Kogen Hotel | Free shuttle from Iiyama Station | |
| *Guest-only, reservation required |
💡 Points to Confirm When Booking:
- Shuttle schedule (last departure time)
- Booking method (phone, email)
- Luggage capacity (ski/snowboard accommodation)
- Shuttle vehicle capacity
Shuttle Service Advantages:
- ✅ Completely free, zero transportation cost
- ✅ Safe for large luggage
- ✅ Direct to accommodation for smooth check-in
- ✅ Local drivers provide peace of mind
📊 Comprehensive Transportation Comparison
| Transportation | Fare Estimate | Reservation | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (Nozawa Onsen Liner) | ¥600 | Not required | No reservation, frequent service | Schedule constraints |
| Bus (Ryuoh Shuttle) | ¥1,500 | Required | Direct, comfortable | Limited dates |
| Bus (Nagaden Madarao Line) | ¥800–¥1,200 | Not required | No reservation | Fewer departures |
| Free Shuttle (Kijimadaira) | Free | Required | Free! | Fixed schedule |
| Uber (Rideshare) | Same as taxi | App | Pre-confirmed fare | Nozawa Village only |
| Iiyama Shared Taxi | 20-30% off | Required | Affordable, phone OK | Pilot program only |
| Taxi | ¥5,000–¥12,000 | Recommended | Maximum flexibility | Expensive |
| Rental Car | ~¥5,000/day | Required | Complete freedom | Driving required, parking |
| Hotel Shuttle | Free | Required | Free, direct | Guest-only |
🏨 Useful Information Around Iiyama Station
Tourist Information Center
- Location: Iiyama Station 1st floor (Madarao Exit side)
- Hours: 9:00–17:00 (varies by season)
- Services: Tourist information, brochures, bus schedule assistance
Luggage Storage & Coin Lockers
- Location: Inside Iiyama Station
- Rates: Small ¥300~, Large ¥500~
- Features: Large lockers available for skis and snowboards
Dining Near Iiyama Station
Recommended for pre/post-ski meals:
- Negi to Kona – Okonomiyaki near station
- Kuidaore Satomi – Izakaya/yakiniku near station
- Nishi no Chaya – Soba restaurant in Iiyama City
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What’s the difference between “Chikumagawa Exit” and “Madarao Exit” at Iiyama Station?
A: Iiyama Station has two exits:
- Chikumagawa Exit: Bus stops for Nozawa Onsen Liner and Nagaden Bus Madarao Line
- Madarao Exit: Ryuoh shuttle bus stop, tourist information center, Uber pickup
Different buses use different exits – pay attention!
Q2. What’s the best transportation during peak periods (New Year holidays, weekends)?
A:
- Free shuttle bus (Kijimadaira) – Book in advance, completely free
- Nozawa Onsen Liner – No reservation needed, frequent service
- Iiyama shared taxi – Affordable, direct service
- Hotel shuttle – Free and reliable
Regular taxis are often unavailable, so consider Uber or shared taxis.
Q3. What’s the most cost-effective transportation?
A:
- Kijimadaira: Free shuttle bus (¥0)
- Nozawa Onsen: Nozawa Onsen Liner (¥600)
- Ryuoh: Ryuoh shuttle bus (¥1,500) *Limited dates
- Madarao/Tangram: Nagaden Bus (¥800–¥1,200)
Using public transportation keeps costs minimal.
Q4. Do I need a rental car?
A: Rental cars are recommended if you:
- Want to visit multiple ski resorts
- Plan to explore soba restaurants, local butcher shops, etc.
- Are traveling with family and large luggage
- Want to stop at Obuse PA and other spots on the return journey
Public transportation is well-developed, so cars aren’t necessary for skiing only.
Q5. Can I use Uber from Iiyama Station to Ryuoh or Madarao?
A: No. Uber is limited to Nozawa Onsen Village only (2025-2026 pilot program). Use shuttle buses, Nagaden Bus, or taxis to reach Ryuoh or Madarao from Iiyama Station.
Q6. Will I always share with strangers using the shared taxi?
A: No. Solo use is possible, but no discount applies – you’ll pay the regular taxi fare. The 20-30% discount only applies when sharing with other passengers.
🎯 Summary: Recommended Transportation by Purpose
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
- Kijimadaira: Free shuttle bus (¥0)
- Nozawa Onsen: Nozawa Onsen Liner (¥600)
- Madarao/Tangram: Nagaden Bus (¥800–¥1,200)
⏰ Time Flexibility Priority
- Rental car – Maximum flexibility
- Taxi – No waiting, direct service
- Iiyama shared taxi – Affordable door-to-door
👨👩👧👦 Families with Large Luggage
- Rental car – No luggage concerns
- Hotel shuttle – Free with luggage accommodation
- Taxi – Ski/snowboard capacity
🚄 Match Shinkansen Arrival Times
- Nozawa Onsen Liner – No reservation, frequent service
- Taxi – Pre-book for reliability
- Uber – Fast dispatch within Nozawa Onsen Village
🎿 Multi-Resort Touring
- Rental car – Free movement between resorts
- Taxi – Available for inter-resort travel
🌟 Try 2025-2026 Season’s New Options
- Uber (Rideshare) – Pilot program in Nozawa Onsen Village
- Iiyama shared taxi – 20-30% discount
🔗 Related Articles
Check out these articles for more information about ski resorts and dining near Iiyama Station!
Ski Resort Information:
- Snow Resort Romance no Kamisama (Kijimadaira) Complete Guide – Detailed resort information
- Romance no Kamisama Restaurant Review – On-slope dining
- Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort 2025 Season Opening Report – Slope conditions at Nozawa Onsen
Dining Near Iiyama Station:
- Waremokou – Iiyama Station Japanese Cuisine & Obanzai – Japanese restaurant near station
- Negi to Kona – Iiyama Station Okonomiyaki – Okonomiyaki near station
- Kuidaore Satomi – Iiyama Station Izakaya & Yakiniku – Izakaya/yakiniku near station
- Nishi no Chaya – Iiyama Soba Restaurant – Traditional soba restaurant