Getting Here.

FAQ’s

To help you plan your stay at The Brueys Lodge we’ve gathered answers to the questions we’re asked most often, from getting here and booking lessons to dining, family travel, and exploring the mountains. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, we’d love to help, simply get in touch with our team.

  • Getting to The Brueys is easier than you might think. We recommend travelling via the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Iiyama Station, which is the main gateway to the Tangram and Madarao ski areas. You’ll find detailed booking information and recommended routes in our Shinkansen Travel Guide, available on our website.

  • Yes. Shuttle buses between Iiyama Station and Tangram Resort are timed to align with Shinkansen arrivals and departures.

    Check-in begins at 3:00pm, and the direct bus departing Iiyama at 3:15pm connects perfectly with most afternoon arrivals.

  • For guest safety and operational reasons, we ask that all Shinkansen departures align with the scheduled resort shuttle services wherever possible.

    If you have specific travel requirements, please let us know before your stay and we’ll do our best to help find a suitable solution.

  • Check-in begins at 3:00pm.

    If you’d like to arrive earlier, we’ll discuss available options during your pre-arrival process and explain how early access may work based on occupancy and housekeeping schedules.

  • There are no ATMs at Tangram Resort and the nearest ATM is approximately 15 minutes away by car.

    We recommend bringing sufficient cash for resort shuttle buses, onsen entry fees and any cash-only cafés or restaurants. Please note that we cannot provide cash advances at the lodge.

Food & Dining.

  • You’ll be spoilt for choice.

    Our onsite restaurant, Pinchi’s Place, serves incredible food, cocktails and a warm mountain atmosphere every evening.

    For something more casual, Kaizoku Collective Café is open daily until 7pm and offers a relaxed early dinner option.

    There are also several fantastic restaurants nearby, and we’ll happily assist with reservations during your pre-arrival process.

  • A complimentary continental breakfast is included with every stay.

    Enjoy cereals, freshly baked bread, jams, honey, Hokkaido butter, fruit, yoghurt, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and juices.

    Gluten-free options are available upon request.

  • Absolutely.

    Our à la carte breakfast menu includes favourites such as Shakshuka, Japanese Fluffcakes, French Toast, Breakfast Sandwiches and Build-Your-Own Breakfast options.

    Barista-made coffee and specialty drinks are also available.

  • Absolutely.

    Simply contact us at reservations@thebrueys.com to make a booking.

    We also offer complimentary round-trip transfers for guests dining with us from accommodation in Madarao.

  • We’re excited to be opening Kaizoku Collective Café this season, located beside Lift 6 at Tangram Resort.

    Open seven days a week, we’ll be serving gourmet toasted sandwiches, fresh lunch options and coeliac-friendly meals.

    We’ll also happily point you towards other great lunch spots around the mountain during your stay.

Exploring the Region.

  • We don’t offer resort-to-resort shuttle services.

    However, we can help arrange guided resort tours that include transport, or connect you with trusted local car rental providers.

  • Yes.

    Once you’ve booked your stay, we can connect you with local rental companies offering 4WD vehicles fitted with snow tyres.

    Please note that an International Driver’s Permit is required.

  • We can recommend trusted tour operators or help arrange a rental vehicle, allowing you to explore the region at your own pace.

  • All backcountry riding and touring should be undertaken with a licensed guide.

    We’re happy to connect you with experienced local operators once your booking is confirmed.

  • Yes. Avalanche safety packs are available for daily or weekly rental through Kaizoku Collective.

  • Yes. There is a convenience store located at the base of Tangram Resort, making it easy to pick up essentials while you’re on the mountain.

    The nearest 7-Eleven is approximately 15 minutes away by car.

  • As The Brueys is not a self-catering property, most guests find the resort convenience store and our onsite snacks more than sufficient during their stay. If you have specific requirements, please reach out before your arrival and we’ll happily advise.

Staying at The Brueys.

  • Absolutely. We can accommodate most dietary requirements and allergies provided we receive detailed information before your arrival.

    Please note that our kitchen handles gluten and nut products, so while we take every precaution possible, we cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment.

  • The Brueys is a fully serviced lodge with an onsite restaurant open seven days a week, along with a curated selection of snacks and refreshments.

    We are not set up for self-catering and generally do not allow outside food or alcohol unless required for specific dietary needs. If self-catering accommodation is a priority, another property may be better suited to your holiday.

  • We stock a wide range of sweet and savoury snacks, including gluten-free options, to keep you fuelled throughout your stay.

    Additional snacks and drinks can also be purchased from the convenience store at Tangram Resort.

    As a licensed venue, we kindly ask that outside food and beverages are enjoyed in guest rooms only.

  • We do not offer general guest fridge access.

    However, if you require refrigeration for medication, baby food or another specific reason, please let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

  • Yes.

    The closest option is the onsen at Barton Hotel, just a 5-minute walk from The Brueys. Entry is ¥800 (cash only).

    Tangram Resort also features an indoor onsen, outdoor onsen, plunge pool and sauna, with entry priced at ¥1,000 per person.

    Please note that we do not offer transport outside our scheduled shuttle times, however walking or skiing back to the lodge is simple and convenient.

  • Every guest’s needs are different. Please contact us before booking so we can discuss your requirements and determine whether our facilities and services are suitable for your stay.

  • We do.

    Our select shops at both The Brueys and Kaizoku Collective feature exclusive Brueys merchandise designed in-house, alongside a collection of thoughtfully curated products from local artisans and makers.

Skiing, Snowboarding & Tangram.

  • Yes.

    Our full-service rental shop and ski school, Kaizoku Collective, is located just two minutes from The Brueys and right beside Lift 6 at Tangram Resort.

    We can assist with ski and snowboard rentals, snowwear hire, lessons, workshops and mountain advice.

    Guests renting equipment through Kaizoku Collective also enjoy our complimentary Ski Concierge service, meaning you can collect your gear each morning and leave it at the shop each afternoon.

  • Yes.

    We offer discounted lift passes for both single-mountain and multi-mountain access.

    There is no need to pre-book or pre-pay. Lift ticket pricing is typically released in November each year.

  • Yes.

    We offer complimentary morning shuttles at 8:30am and 9:00am for guests who prefer not to walk, are dropping children at nursery or aren’t skiing that day.

    Afternoon pick-ups are available at 4:00pm and 4:30pm and must be booked before heading to the mountain.

    Outside these times, The Brueys is just a pleasant 15-minute walk from the resort.

  • We don’t provide evening shuttles to Madarao as there are plenty of excellent dining options right on our doorstep.

    If you’d like to explore Madarao’s restaurants and nightlife, we recommend hiring a car during your stay.

Family & Kids.

  • Yes. We can assist with nursery bookings at Tangram Resort.

    We’ll collect your requirements during our September pre-arrival process and secure bookings once reservations open on 1 December.

    Available sessions include:

    • Morning Session (9:15am–12:00pm)
    • Afternoon Session (1:15pm–4:00pm)
    • Full Day Session

    Please note the nursery closes between 12:00pm and 1:15pm, and children must be collected during this break.

  • Yes. We have baby cots, nappy bins and baby monitors available at no additional charge.

  • Of course. We’ll work with you to understand your baby’s needs and ensure you have everything required for a comfortable stay.

  • We do. Our restaurant features a dedicated kids’ menu that’s always popular with younger guests.

  • Lotus Room & Shibori Room
    Sleeps up to 4 guests:
    • 1 King Bed
    • 2 Lofted Single Beds

    Katsura Family Room
    Sleeps up to 5 guests:
    • 1 King Bed
    • 2 Single Beds
    • 1 Lofted Single Bed

    Kiku Two-Bedroom Suite
    Sleeps up to 6 guests:
    • Master Bedroom with 1 King Bed
    • Second Bedroom with 2 Single Beds (or King Configuration)
    • Bunk Bed