How to Get to Hakuba
Hakuba ski resort is located in the Nagano prefecture, about 275 kilometres northwest of Tokyo. We recommend you fly into Tokyo, either Haneda or Narita airports, and spend a few days or at least overnight in Tokyo before making your way to Hakuba. Here are a few options on how to get to Hakuba from Tokyo.
By train and bus (recommended)
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (fast train) from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station, which takes approximately 90 minutes. Then, get a bus that takes you directly to Hakuba. The total travel time is approximately 3 hours.
By train
Take the direct Azusa Express train from Shinjuku to Hakuba. There is only one direct train each day though so be sure to book ahead and ensure you don’t miss it. The total travel time is approximately 3.5 hours.
By bus
Several companies offer direct bus services from Tokyo to Hakuba. The most popular option is the Alpico bus, which departs from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo and takes about 4-5 hours to reach Hakuba, pending traffic and conditions.
By car
Renting a car is a convenient option if you prefer to have more flexibility and control over your schedule both getting to Hakuba and while skiing. This is also recommended if you are staying on longer and want to explore some other mountains. However, it can be challenging to drive in snowy and icy conditions, so be sure to check the weather forecast and road conditions before setting off. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Regardless of which option you choose, it's best to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak ski season.
If you’re staying longer in Japan and seeing more of the country via train, we recommend purchasing a Japan Rail Pass. This pass allows you to get one ticket to access high speed bullet trains and other local trains across Japan plus has the ability to reserve seats for free.
You can buy a Japan Rail Pass online easily using the following link.