Getting Here - Hakuba
Transportation Overview
- Train Transfers
- Private Transfers
- Airport to Resort Shuttles
- Inter-resort transfers
- Shared Transfers
- Rental Cars
Train Travel to Hakuba Valley
Access via Nagano Station
The most efficient way to incorporate train travel into your transfer to Hakuba, is by taking the bullet train to Nagano Station, which is located along the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line joining Tokyo to Kanazawa. From Nagano Station take the local bus to Hakuba, operated by Alpico Group it runs almost hourly from 8am - 8pm. Check the bus schedule here .
Ski Japan Holidays can organise Private Transfers to meet your incoming train, the driver will be waiting with a namecard and drop you at your hotel in the Hakuba Valley. Please fill out the inquiry form on the adjacent "Private Transfer" tab.
From Tokyo: The simplest route is to take the Hokuriku bullet train line from Tokyo to Nagano station. If you are staying in Shinjuku area, and like to get out and about early, there is one rapid train direct from Shinjuku to Hakuba departing at 7:30am daily (Azusa Express).
From Osaka or Kyoto: Aim for Nagano Station rather than Hakuba to avoid excess transfers. There are two routes to get you there and they both take approximately the same amount of time. Head North to Kanazawa via Thunderbird train, and trains to the Hokuriku Line bullet train to Nagano. Alternatively head East from Osaka and Kyoto on the bullet train to Tokyo, then switch lines to the Hokuriku bullet train and ride to Nagano.
From Nagoya: You may like to take the Shinano Express train to Nagano Station, then bus or private transfer to Hakuba. There is a train line connecting Nagoya and Hakuba, but you will likely need to change trains twice, so if you have lots of luggage and/or young kids, it's best to avoid this route.
Access via Hakuba Station
Hakuba Train Station is a small station along the JR Oito Line. There is one direct train from Tokyo's Shinjuku JR Station each morning, otherwise you will be required to change trains in Matsumoto and most likely at Shinano Omachi. The Oito line extends north through the valley to Itoigawa, a sleepy fishing town in Nigata-prefecture, which is the closest bullet train connection. This is convenient for those travelling to Kanazawa and Kyoto on the bullet train.
Search Japan's train schedules here: HyperDia
Japan Rail Pass: For travellers visiting cities either side of the ski resort stay, a Japan Rail Pass is a fantastic investment, allowing unlimited train travel on most Japan Rail trains, for periods of 7, 14 or 21 days to suit your travel schedule.
Private Transfer to Hakuba Valley
Private jumbo taxis, regular size taxis, microbuses and other vehicles can be arranged to meet the needs of your group. For larger groups, a pre-booked private transfer is the most simple and hassle-free option.
Enjoy total peace of mind with door to door service. Your group will be met by the driver holding a name card with your confirmed booking name, then shown to your vehicle. Ride right to the door of your accommodation, with comfort breaks scheduled on longer journeys.
Ski Japan Holidays can arrange a variety of routes depending on your requirements, please feel free to discuss with us your needs.
To receive a quote from Ski Japan Holidays, please fill out the following form.
Airport Shuttle Bus to Hakuba Valley
The Nagano Snow Shuttle is a direct service running from Tokyo's Narita and Haneda Airports directly through to the ski resort offering transportation in both directions. There are two scheduled comfort stops where you can pick up drinks and snacks, as well as use restroom facilities. The bright purple buses are easily identifiable as are the staff who also wear purple uniforms, which make your flight to bus transfer a breeze. Nagano Snow Shuttle provides the most comprehensive airport to resort, and inter-resort services at great value. Check out the schedules and do not hesitate to inquire about how we can help to streamline transfers during your Japan Ski Holiday.
Inter-resort Shuttles to Hakuba Valley
Shuttle buses between the region’s most popular ski resorts are available. Myoko Kogen, Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Madarao and Shiga Kogen. All resorts are just over or under two hours from each other, and if you plan to visit more than one resort, the inter-resort shuttle will be your most convenient mode of transport.
Shared Transfer to Hakuba Valley
Shared Transfers are a convenient way to travel between Tokyo airport and ski resorts in Nagano Prefecture. These transfers are available from Tokyo Haneda airport through to Hakuba, and also in the opposite direction from Hakuba back to the airport. This is a stress-free seamless travel option; a driver will meet you at your airport arrival gate with a name card and show you to the vehicle, and you will be taken right to the front door of your ski resort accommodation.
Generally the vehicle provided is a jumbo taxi, and up to seven people travelling to the Nagano area will be scheduled to ride together. During busy periods when many people are travelling to the Nagano area at once, a large coach bus may be provided instead. Please note there is no specific departure time, your transfer will depart once all other passengers scheduled to join the ride have arrived; however this service is scheduled so that the longest duration between flight arrival and shared transfer departure is 90 minutes.
The service is only available from Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen and Shiga Kogen Kogen on returning to Haneda Airport one way. Please fill out the form below if you would like a quote for this service.
Rental Car Travel to Hakuba Valley
Given how large the valley is, with 10 ski resorts all covered on the same lift pass, rental vans and cars are readily available in Hakuba. Rental Cars require International driver's license and your national driver's license. Bookings in advance is highly recommended.
English speaking rental services:
For those who may be considering to drive from Nagano bullet train station or elsewhere around Japan, to Hakuba by rental car, check out these rental providers with convenient English booking websites. Make sure to specify your request for 4WD transmission and snow tyres.