Nagano to Hakuba

Overview

Nagano is the gateway city for passengers heading to the ski resorts known as the 'Japan Alps'.

Whether you are staying in Nagano for a few days or are just passing through, having taking the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo, the route to Hakuba is well established.

The transfer time to Hakuba is between 1 and 2 hours depending on your choice of transfer and where you are staying in the Hakuba Valley.

Bus, private taxi transfer, train and self-drive are all possible options for transport from Nagano to Hakuba.

Nagano to Hakuba Bus

• Price: ¥2,300 per person
• Transfer Time: 1hr15 to 1hr45

Taking the bus from Nagano to Hakuba is a popular method of travel.

Bus services have multiple drop off locations throughout the Hakuba Valley, no changes of vehicle are required.

The transfer time varies between 1.5 and 2 hours depending on road and weather conditions and where you are heading to in Hakuba.

There is a charter ski shuttle bus service that can be booked in advance or there is a scheduled public bus service run by Alpico. It is recommended to book in advance over peak dates, such as New Year, as bus services can fill up.

If you let your accommodation provider know which bus you have booked, most will meet you at the bus' drop off location and take you to your accommodation for check in.

Similarly for the Hakuba to Nagano bus, if you let your accommodation provider know which bus departure time you have booked with sufficient notice, most will pick you up from your accommodation and drop you off at the bus pick up location.

Nagano to Hakuba Taxi

• Price: ¥3,200 to ¥27,000 per person - depending on vehicle type and number of passengers
• Transfer Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

Private Taxi Transfers are the most convenient and fastest option for transfer from Nagano to Hakuba.

Upon your arrival at Nagano train station, the driver will meet you in the station, carry your bags to the vehicle and drop you off at your check-in location in Hakuba.

For your departure from Hakuba to Nagano, the driver will collect you from your accommodation and drop you off at Nagano Station or your Nagano Hotel.

Private jumbo taxi vehicle transfers must be booked in advance and cannot be arranged at the station. The station has a taxi rank but only offers sedan taxis with drop off in the local area.

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Nagano to Hakuba Train

• Price: Approximately ¥4,250 per person
• Transfer Time: 2.5 hours

Japan has a world-class network of trains that famously run on time to the second!

Tickets can be purchased on the day of travel from ticket machines or a sales counter.

There is no direct route from Nagano to Hakuba via train and route takes place in three stages:

• Stage 1: JR Limited Express Shinano line: Nagano Station -> Matsumoto Station (50 minutes)
• Stage 2: JR Oita Line: Matsumoto Station -> Shinano-Omachi Station (56 minutes)
• Stage 3: JR Oita Line: Shinano-Omachi Station -> Hakuba Station (40 minutes)

What is the closest Train Station in Hakuba?

The closest station to your accommodation depends on where you are staying in the Hakuba Valley:

• Kamishiro Station for Goryu village
• Hakuba Station for Echoland area, Happo One village or Wadano village 
• Shinano-Moriue Station for Iwatake village
• Hakuba Oike Station for Tsugaike village
• Chikuni Station for Norikura 
• Minami Otari Station for Cortina 

Hakuba Transport Map

If you plan which train you plan to get in advance, most accommodations in Hakuba will provide a pick up and drop service to / from your accommodation, if you book it with them in advance with a couple of weeks’ notice.

Alternatively, you can take a local taxi from Hakuba Station. Please ensure you have your destination written out in Japanese as most taxi drivers in Japan do not speak conversational level English.

• Look up winter season train timetables on JR East
  
• Search Japan's train schedules using the Japan Transit Planner.

Driving from Nagano to Hakuba

• Price: Varies by vehicle type and hire duration
• Transfer Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

Nagano has lots of car hire options for those wanting to drive themselves the 1 to 1.5 hours drive from Nagano to Hakuba.

The route is pretty straightforward with road signs in English but driving in January and February can be a little tricky for those without experience of driving in challenging winter conditions. Snow & ice covered roads are possible and visibility can be poor when snow is falling.

If you are comfortable driving in these conditions, having a vehicle opens up the possibility of exploring all of the ski resorts that the Hakuba Valley has to offer or venturing to off-the-beaten-path Onsen hot springs in the area.

If you like the sound of this but prefer not to drive on your arrival and departure days, you can hire a car in Hakuba. This is becoming increasingly popular, so book as early as you can.

Larger 7 or 8-seater vehicles, such as Toyota Hi-Ace or Mistubishi Delica, are available to book in advance and can easily transport ski and snowboard bags.

Hire vehicles are four-wheel drive, come with winter tyres fitted (so no snow chains required) and English language GPS can be booked.

All drivers must bring their own national driver's license and a valid International Drivers Permit to legally drive in Japan. Car hire companies will not hand over the keys without these documents.

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Hakuba Transfers

Whether you are coming from Tokyo or one of the other Ski Resorts in the Nagano area, there are numerous options for the transfer to Hakuba.

Book now through our Pre-Trip Concierge Service

Available for guests that have booked accommodation with us.

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Getting Around Hakuba

Whether you prefer to jump on a shuttle bus, book a taxi or hire a car and drive yourself, there are plenty of options to get around the Hakuba Valley.

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Hakuba Accommodation

The Hakuba Valley is spread out and offers a wide range of accommodation options from luxury 5-star hotels, self contained apartments and houses to pensions, lodges and cabins.

Find Out More