Getting from Tokyo to Hakuba
There are several ways to travel from Tokyo to Hakuba. Situated on the mainland of Japan about 280km northwest of Tokyo, Hakuba ski resort is easily accessible from both central Tokyo and Tokyo Narita and Haneda Airports. Unlike the journey from Tokyo to Niseko, it can be done by land only using coach, train or taxi. You can travel independently from Tokyo to Hakuba using public transport or if you have booked Hakuba accommodation with Japan Ski Experience, enjoy the convenience of us arranging your transfer to the door as part of your Hakuba ski package. Here we have provided detail below on the options of how to get from Tokyo to Hakuba.
Coach Transfers
Nagano Snow Shuttle offers direct coach transfers from Tokyo to Hakuba with pick ups at Narita and Haneda airports. These are scheduled daily departures which align with the majority of flight arrivals and departures.
The journey from Tokyo to Hakuba Base Camp takes approximately 5 hours. When you book your Nagano Snow Shuttle transfers with Japan Ski Experience, we will arrange the appropriate Tokyo Airport departure based on your flight details and will organize for you to be picked up at Hakuba Base Camp and transferred to your accommodation.
For the departure journey, Nagano Snow Shuttle operates from Hakuba to Tokyo city, as well as to Tokyo airports.
Nagano Snow Shuttle also offers Nagano to Hakuba bus services.
READ MORETokyo to Hakuba Private Taxi
Private taxi transfers provide door-to-door private taxi service from Tokyo to Hakuba with pick ups in Tokyo City and Tokyo Narita and Haneda airports. Private taxis can be aligned to any flight arrival or departure times and will transport guests directly to their Hakuba accommodation.
Guests will be met at their Arrivals gate or at a predetermined location in Tokyo. Tokyo to Hakuba private transfer times vary between 4-5.5 hours depending on weather and traffic conditions. There are designated rest stops of 10-15 minutes each at pre-designed locations.
Drivers are limited, so private taxi transfers cannot be guaranteed until confirmed by our Hakuba team.
Tokyo to Hakuba Private Taxi Operation Information
Luggage allowance is 5 bags (smaller taxi) or 6 bags (larger taxi) per vehicle, which includes ALL carry-on, suitcases, and ski & snowboard equipment. There is no extra room for additional luggage above this allowance
Child seats can be provided but are subject to availability. Supply is limited so availability cannot be guaranteed. If you require a child seat, please note this when submitting your transfer request form
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LOGINThe Fastest Way
The quickest route from Tokyo to Hakuba is by bullet train (shinkansen) to Nagano followed by a direct bus to Hakuba, or if you travel early, there is even a direct Tokyo to Hakuba train. The total travel time is approximately 3 hours. Getting from Tokyo to Hakuba has never been easier when you follow our step-by-step guide below
STEP 1: TOKYO AIRPORT TO TOKYO STATION
Narita Airport to Tokyo
Locate the Japan Rail (JR) station inside Terminal 1 and take the LTD.EXP Narita Express train to TOKYO station (60 minutes).
Haneda Airport to Tokyo
Locate the Monorail ticket gate inside the Arrivals terminal and take the Tokyo Monorail Ltd. Express to HAMAMATSUCHO station (17 minutes). Transfer to the Japan Rail Yamanote Line (inner loop) for Osaki to TOKYO station (5 minutes).
Jorudan Trip Planner (Japan Rail schedules & fares)
STEP 2: TOKYO STATION TO NAGANO STATION
Tokyo to Hakuba Train
Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo station to Nagano station (90 minutes).
Helpful hints:
Locate the Shinkansen ticket office (you have to make your way out of the ‘JR’ section and into the ‘Shinkansen’ section of Tokyo Station). There will be a kiosk with ticket agents as well as automatic machines.
Shinkansen tickets do not usually need to be purchased in advance unless you are traveling on a peak holiday day. You can purchase a reserved or non-reserved seat. We generally recommend purchasing a RESERVED seat to guarantee a seat.
Take the ASAMA, KAGAYAKI, or HAKUTAKA Shinkansen (one of these leaves approximately every 15 minutes).
Jorudan Trip Planner (Japan Rail schedules & fares)
STEP 3: NAGANO STATION TO HAKUBA HAPPO BUS TERMINAL
Take the Alpico Highland Express Coach from Nagano to Hakuba.
Helpful hints:
Locate the East Exit of Nagano Station (follow signs in English), go outside and make your way down to street level.
The bus to Hakuba departs from bus stop #26 (furthest from the exit) and operates approximately every 90 minutes.
You can purchase a ticket in advance from the Souvenir shop at the bus stop area, or you can pay the driver directly in cash. The cost is about JPY 2,200 per person one way.
For the majority of Hakuba accommodations, you should disembark at the Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal, which is usually the 4th stop. If in doubt, please check with the Japan Ski Experience Guest Services team.
Alpico Bus Schedule (Bus service between Nagano and Hakuba)
STEP 4: HAKUBA BUS TERMINAL TO YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Most accommodations in Hakuba offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off service from Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal. Japan Ski Experience will liaise with your accommodation provider on your behalf and arrange for you to be met upon arrival and transferred to your Hakuba hotel, apartment, or chalet.
For more information or to add a Tokyo to Hakuba transfer to your Japan Ski Experience booking, please get in touch with us.
Tokyo to Hakuba Train
For those staying in central Tokyo prior to going to Hakuba, there is one train that goes directly from Tokyo Shinjuku Station to Hakuba every day at 8:00. Take the JR Limited Express train “Azusa No.5 (for Minami-Otari) and get off at Hakuba Station.
The same train also departs Hakuba at 15:16 daily and arrives in Shinjuku at 19:06.
As yet there is no direct Tokyo to Hakuba bullet train.