Tokyo To Hakuba

Bullet Train (Shinkansen) + Bus

Overview: This is the most popular and efficient route from Tokyo to Hakuba, combining the high-speed Hokuriku Shinkansen with a scenic bus ride through the Japanese Alps.

  • Shinkansen: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. Fares range from ¥8,000 to ¥9,000 for reserved seats, depending on the train and seat class.

  • Bus from Nagano to Hakuba: Upon arrival at Nagano Station, proceed to the east exit and locate bus stop #26. The Alpico bus to Hakuba departs roughly every hour from 8:20 to 20:30. The fare is between ¥2,200 and ¥2,400, depending on your exact destination in Hakuba. Snow Monkey Resorts

Important Note: The last bus to Hakuba departs around 20:30. After this time, public transportation options are unavailable. A taxi from Nagano to Hakuba can cost upwards of ¥20,000.

Direct Express Train (Azusa)

Overview: The Limited Express Azusa offers a direct train service from Shinjuku to Hakuba, providing a comfortable and scenic journey without the need for transfers.Japan Travel+2Corritrip+2Shinkansen-Ticket.com+2

  • Schedule: The Azusa 5 departs daily at 8:00 AM from Shinjuku Station (platform 9) and arrives at Hakuba Station at 11:40 AM. The Hakuba Collection

  • Fare: Approximately ¥8,050 for adults (12 and older) and ¥4,020 for children aged 6–11. Children aged five and under can travel free if they do not occupy a seat. Japan Travel+2The Hakuba Collection+2Shinkansen-Ticket.com+2Japan Travel

  • Return Trip: The only direct train from Hakuba to Shinjuku departs at 14:37 and arrives at 18:36.

Tip: This route offers stunning views of the Japanese countryside and is a favorite among travelers seeking a relaxed journey.

Express Bus (Alpico)

Overview: The Alpico Express Bus provides a cost-effective and convenient option for traveling directly from Shinjuku to Hakuba.Snow Monkey Resorts

  • Schedule: Buses depart from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal. The journey takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours, with two rest stops along the way. Be prepared for potential delays during holidays and weekends due to traffic.

  • Fare: One-way fares start from ¥4,300. Alpico

Directions to Bus Terminal: Exit Shinjuku Station via the west exit, follow the signs to the Expressway Bus Terminal, or exit to street level, cross the street, turn left, go one block, and turn right. The terminal is located across from Yodobashi Camera.

Car Rental

Overview: Renting a car offers flexibility, especially for groups or those carrying ski equipment.Hakuba

Important: Ensure you request winter tires when booking, as they are essential for driving in snowy conditions. Availability may vary depending on the pick-up location.

Nagano To Hakuba

Getting from Nagano to Hakuba

Once you arrive at Nagano Station—whether by bullet train or other means—the final leg of your journey to Hakuba is simple and scenic.

By Bus (Recommended)

The most convenient and cost-effective way to get from Nagano to Hakuba is via the Alpico Express Bus.

  • Departure Point: Nagano Station East Exit, bus stop #26

  • Destination Options: Stops in Happo, Hakuba Goryu, Tsugaike, Iwatake, and other local areas

  • Travel Time: Approximately 60–75 minutes

  • Frequency: Buses depart hourly from around 8:20 AM to 8:30 PM

  • Cost: Approximately ¥2,200–¥2,400 depending on your exact stop

  • Tickets: Purchase from the Alpico ticket counter at the station or book online in advance

  • Luggage: Skis, snowboards, and large suitcases are accommodated

Note: The last bus departs around 8:30 PM. If you arrive later, a private taxi is your only option.

By Taxi (Late Arrivals or Private Transfers)

  • Estimated Fare: From ¥20,000–¥25,000 one-way

  • Travel Time: About 60–90 minutes

  • Where to Find Taxis: Outside the East Exit of Nagano Station

🚨 Tip: If your train is delayed or you’re arriving in the evening, it’s strongly recommended to pre-book a taxi or private transfer to avoid being stranded.

Narita To Hakuba

Express Train + Shinkansen + Bus (Fastest Option)

Total travel time: ~4 hours
Estimated cost: ~¥12,260

  1. Keisei Skyliner from Narita to Ueno Station (approx. 41 mins, ¥2,570)

    • Purchase tickets at the Skyliner counter just outside customs.

    • Free Wi-Fi on board.

    • Note: Skyliner is not part of the JR network, so Shinkansen tickets must be purchased separately at Ueno Station.

  2. Transfer at Ueno to the Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Nagano Station (approx. 90 mins, ¥6,890–¥8,000 depending on seat class).

    • Follow signs to the JR Station inside Ueno.

    • Purchase tickets at the JR counter or machine.

  3. From Nagano Station, take the Alpico bus to Hakuba (approx. 1 hour, ¥2,200–¥2,400).

    • Buses depart hourly from bus stop #26 at the East Exit.

Alternative: Take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station instead of the Skyliner. It takes longer (~1 hour), but Tokyo is the starting point of the Shinkansen and offers better seat availability. However, Tokyo Station is significantly larger and more crowded than Ueno.

Shared or Chartered Taxi (Chuo Taxi)

Total travel time: 5–6 hours
Estimated cost:

  • Adults: ¥15,900

  • Children (6–12): ¥11,800

  • Children (under 6): ¥6,100

  • Airport pickup: ¥1,000 additional “meet & greet” fee

Overview:

  • Chuo Taxi will meet you directly at Narita and take you door-to-door to your Hakuba accommodation.

  • Ideal for travelers with bulky luggage, kids, or those arriving late.

  • Groups of 7 adults or more receive a private charter automatically.

  • Smaller groups can secure a chartered taxi by paying the 7-adult rate to avoid waiting for others.

Comfortable HiAce vans with ample space for gear. Must be booked in advance.

Direct Bus (Nagano Snow Shuttle or Alpico)

Total travel time: 5–6 hours
Estimated cost:

  • Adults: ¥9,200

  • Children (under 12): ¥8,200

  • Children (under 3): Free (no assigned seat)

  • Door-to-door drop-off: Additional ¥500

Nagano Snow Shuttle:

  • Departure times from Narita: 9:00, 12:00, 15:30, 20:30

  • Operates during winter season only

  • Book in advance for guaranteed seating and connection to accommodation

Alpico Bus:

  • One daily departure from Narita around 11:00 AM

  • Slightly more limited schedule compared to Snow Shuttle

Ideal for budget-conscious travelers whose flight aligns with bus schedules.

Rent a Car (Self-Drive)

Total travel time: Approx. 5 hours
Estimated cost:

  • Rental car (e.g., Toyota Voxy 7–8 seater): ¥18,000–¥20,000 per day

  • Expressway tolls: ~¥5,000

  • Fuel: ~¥3,000–¥5,000

Key Notes:

  • Request winter tires (snow tires) in advance—these are essential in Hakuba.

  • Driving in winter requires confidence in snowy or icy conditions.

  • Parking is available at most accommodations, but check in advance.

Getting from Haneda Airport to Hakuba

Haneda Airport is closer to Tokyo than Narita, so travel to Hakuba from Haneda is slightly faster and simpler—especially useful if you land in the early morning or want to reach the slopes by afternoon.

Local Train + Shinkansen + Bus (Fastest Public Transport Option)

Total travel time: Approx. 3.5–4 hours
Estimated cost: Around ¥10,500

  1. Keikyu Airport Line:

    • Take the Keikyu Airport Limited Express from Haneda Airport to Shinagawa Station (approx. 20 mins, ¥300–¥400).

  2. JR Yamanote Line:

    • From Shinagawa, transfer to the JR Yamanote Line heading toward Tokyo Station (approx. 12 mins).

  3. Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station:

    • Takes approx. 90 mins.

    • Cost: ¥8,000–¥9,000 depending on seat class.

  4. Nagano to Hakuba by Bus:

    • See our Nagano to Hakuba section for full details.

    • Duration: ~1 hour

    • Cost: ¥2,200–¥2,400

Tip: This route is smooth if you pack light. Consider luggage forwarding if you’re carrying skis or snowboards.

Haneda To Hakuba