Hakuba Access | Getting to Hakuba
How to get to Hakuba from Tokyo & Osaka
Hakuba Access Guide
How to get to Hakuba from Tokyo and Osaka
Welcome to the Hakuba Access Guide. Getting to Hakuba Valley from Tokyo and other major Japanese cities is quite straightforward via bus, train, taxi or shuttle.
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From Tokyo, Narita & Haneda to Hakuba
Via Shinkansen and Connecting Bus
Catch the train from Narita Airport or Haneda Airport to Tokyo Station (see here for full instructions).
The journey usually takes between 1.5 – 2.5 hours (average is 1 hour, 50 minutes). The Nagano Shinkansen runs frequently until 10.00pm each day. The non-reserved cars are to the rear heading to Nagano (usually car nos. 1-3). All cars are non smoking. There are between 2-3 trains per hour. If staying overnight in Nagano City you can book hotels here. You can reserve your tickets using the Japan Rail online reservation system.
Here’s how you change trains to the shinkansen in Tokyo
Nagano Station to Hakuba (via bus)
The local trains from Nagano to Hakuba are quite inconvenient – we recommend taking the express bus. Buses from Nagano to Hakuba run every hour, with the last non-reserved bus departing Hakuba at 8:10pm (see timetable). Buses depart from the East (Higashi) exit of Nagano Station (see map). Hakuba station (‘Hakuba eki-mae’) is the 4th stop. For larger groups we can organise a taxi van direct to your hotel from Nagano Station. Request a quote here.
There is a direct ‘Azusa’ express train once a day from Shinjuku Station to Hakuba. This is a very pleasant way to travel if arriving early in the morning can be quicker/cheaper than going via Nagano.
Tokyo to Hakuba Schedule
- Azusa 5: Leaves daily at 8:00 from Shinjuku Station (Platform 9), arriving at 11:41 at Hakuba Station.
- Azusa 46: The only direct train (no switching) leaving Hakuba daily at 15:16 and arriving at Shinjuku Station at 19:06.
From Osaka, Kyoto & Nagoya to Hakuba
1. From Shin-Osaka or Kyoto station, catch the Tokkaido Shinkansen to Nagoya (usual travel time is 40-55 minutes). Transfer at Nagoya Station to the Chuo Honsen line and catch the Shinano Limited Express bound for Nagano Station (normal transit is 3 hours) that travels through the scenic Kiso Valley. Keep your camera out as there is some beautiful scenery along the way.
When coming from Nagoya on the Shinano Limited Express DO NOT go all the way to Nagano City. Get off at Matsumoto and transfer for trains bound for Hakuba (the local Oito line or the Super Azusa Express). The latter is faster but more expensive.
2. Take the express train to Kanazawa Station and then change to the Hokuriku Shinkansen. This journey goes via the Japan Sea coast and is a more expensive option. Get off at Itoigawa and transfer to a very local train on the Oito Line. You will to need to change trains again at Minami-Otari. Important. Most visitors alight at Hakuba Station. However another station may be closer to your accommodation. Please check with your booked hotel to see which station stop is best. 3. A direct overnight highway bus from to Hakuba from Kyoto & Osaka is available from Alpico Bus Line.Private transfer to Hakuba
Driving to Hakuba