There are a number of routes up to Hakuba depending on where you are coming from, but it can roughly be broken down as…

 

Suggested Route From Narita to Tokyo:

For a few reasons, the Japan Rail (JR) Narita Express is the best way to come into Tokyo from Narita. One reason, is that is arguably the quickest way, second is that it's the most convenient way to access the accommodation and shopping centers of Shinjuku, Shibuya and Tokyo station environs, and third is that you can use the JR Rail Pass for transit on this line. Tickets are easily available at the lower level of the Narita Airport Arrivals terminal or online at the JR East website.

 Time: about 1 hr
Cost: about 3000 yen, or inclusive with a JR Rail Pass
Info: Japan Rail Information
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/index.html

 

Alternatives

Highway Bus: Can be a charming way to view the big lights of Tokyo for the first time, and will deliver you directly to various hotels around the city BUT you are at the mercy of traffic and transit times can vary. It is a good alternative if you are staying at a major hotel, and are carrying a lot of luggage however.

Time: about 2 hrs
Cost: 3000 yen
Info: Narita Limousine Bus
http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/

 

From Tokyo to Hakuba:

 There are four viable options to get to Hakuba from Tokyo, two ways by train, one highway bus, and of course, by car.

 

•  Bullet Train (Shinkansen):

The Nagano Shinkansen from Tokyo Station takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach Nagano City. From there it is a quick and easy transfer to a highway bus for a further 1 hour and ten minute bus ride to Happo Bus Terminal, which is a five minute walk from our hotel (of course, we'll come around with our van to pick you and your gear up).

When arriving at Nagano station, go to east exit and find bus platform #6. The bus bound for Hakuba destinations leaves roughly every hour from 8:20 to 20:30. Costs 1500 yen. Please check with the Alpico website for updated times and info. Please remember that the last departing bus to Hakuba from Nagano station is at 20:30 - After this time, there will be no other option for public transportaion except taxi.

Time: approximately 3 hours 15 minutes
Cost: With JR Pass, 1,500 yen for the bus only. Without JR Pass it would be 9,470 yen for Shinkansen and bus.
Info: Japan Rail Information
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/index.html

Nagano City - Hakuba Bus
http://www.alpico.co.jp/access/express/nagano_hakuba/index_e.html

 

 

• Azusa Train:

The Azusa train from Shinjuku Station has one direct train, leaving at 7:30 in the morning, that will take you directly to Hakuba Station (we will come pick you up). Other times of the day, departing about once every hour, you can take an Azusa train to Matsumoto Station and transfer to the Oito Line to Hakuba.

Time: 3 hrs and 58 minutes for the direct train, approximately 4 hrs 30 minutes with transfers.
Cost:   8,070 yen
Info:   Japan Rail Information

http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/index.html

 

This site is also very useful for calculating exact times.

Jorudan (Train times)

http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/

 

• Highway Bus from Shinjuku Station:

If you are staying in the Shinjuku area, another good alternative is to take the highway bus directly to Hakuba. It is quite a bit cheaper and can be more convenient as it doesn't involve any transfers. Departures are from near the West Exit of Shinjuku Station.

Time: approximately 4 hrs 15 min
Cost; 4,700 yen
Info: Shinjuku - Hakuba Bus

http://www.alpico.co.jp/access/express/hakuba_shinjuku/index_e.html

 

• By Car

From Tokyo, the recommended route is to take the Chuo Expressway as far as Okaya Junction where you need to merge onto the Nagano Expressway towards Matsumoto and Nagano City.  About 35 km further along the Nagano Expressway, you'll exit at the Azumino Interchange (Toyashina Interchange) , at which point you'll see signs leading you the rest of the way into Hakuba Village.

If you are in the northern part of Tokyo, the Kanetsu Expressway may be more convenient for you.  Near Takasaki in Gunma, exit at the Fujioka Junction onto the Joshinetsu Expressway  towards  Fujioka and Nagano .  At this point, you will see signs for Hakuba which makes the rest of the journey in a relatively simple matter.

Best case scenario, either route will take you 4 1/2 to 5 hours depending on your exact departure point.  Of course, traffic/weather conditions can play a part as well.

 

 

 

If you'd like more detailed information on transportation times and costs, feel free to send us a mail with your approximate itinerary and we'll do our best to help you out!