Arriving in Tokyo and getting to the Hakuba Valley for the first time can be a little daunting, luckily there are number of options to get you to Hakuba.
From Haneda Airport to Hakuba, the quickest option is:
- Monorail & Metro from the Airport to Tokyo Station
- Shinkansen (Bullet Train) on the Hokuriku Line to Nagano
- Bus from Nagano to Hakuba Happo Bus station
From Narita Airport to Hakuba, the quickest option is:
- Narita Express Train (N’EX) from the Airport to Tokyo Station
- Shinkansen (Bullet Train) on the Hokuriku Line to Nagano
- Bus from Nagano to Hakuba Happo Bus station
Please note there are also other methods, such as:
- Express Bus direct from Airport to Hakuba
- Private Taxi / Transfer
- Hire Car / Self Drive
All these options have pro’s and con’s to be considered when working through the logistics of how to get to Hakuba from Tokyo. Let’s have a look at these in more detail.
Arriving in Tokyo
Landing in Tokyo by plane is likely going to be your first introduction to this amazing country. For international visitors, the two main hubs for arriving in Tokyo are the airports of Narita and Haneda.
Getting to Hakuba from Haneda Airport – Quickest Option
Haneda Airport is located 9.3 mi (15 km) south of the city and is well connected to get to Tokyo Central Station, which is the easiest station to transfer, to catch the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Hakuba.
Step 1a: Haneda to Tokyo Station via Monorail & Train
When you arrive in Haneda and pass through immigration, you will see signs towards the metro and monorail. You will also go past ticket offices and ticket machines.
Getting Transport Tickets for Haneda Monorail
You can buy a single journey ticket from the ticket machines or booth, however if you are coming back through Tokyo or doing additional Japan travel after your ski trip, it makes sense to sort out a Suica card now, for easy access across multiple transport carriers and cities.
How to Get a Suica Card
If you plan this out, you can add the Suica card to your phone wallet before your arrival and avoid lines at the ticket booths, during busy periods and continue through to the monorail. The below is for iPhone users and is similar for Android.
- Open Wallet
- Click the ‘+’ in top right corner
- Select ‘Transit Card’
- Scroll down to Japan and select ‘Suica’
- Once you have loaded the Suica card, you can add credit via your available apple pay cards
Pro tip – You can just tap your phone on the gate reader, without opening the Suica card app, for quick access through the gates.
Suica is accepted on the monorail and Tokyo metro as well as many transit carriers in other cities.
If you have kids under 13 in your travel party, who may have a smart phone, but cannot add credit to the Suica card, due to age restrictions with Apple pay, you can buy a physical ‘Welcome Suica’ card and add credit at the specific ‘Welcome Suica’ machine located with all other ticket machines, as you make your way towards the monorail. The machine has red branding, similar to the ‘Welcome Suica’ Card.
The ‘Welcome Suica’ machine only takes cash, so be sure to have some on arrival or use the ATM next to the machine or alternatively the 7/11 located on the same floor, in arrivals.
Once you have the ‘Welcome Suica’ card, you can top up at machines at all stations, generally located near the entry/exit gates, at ticket machines and manned booths.
Haneda to Tokyo Station
This is quickest way to get to Tokyo Station is the Monorail and Metro combination. This will take about 30 minutes to get from Haneda to Tokyo Central station.
- Monorail from Haneda to Hamamatsucho (change)
- Train from Hamamatsucho to Tokyo Central Station
The monorail from Haneda is relatively regular, leaving every 10 minutes or so.
For a slightly more affordabale route from Haneda, taking about 40 minutes, is the folowing:
- Train via the Keikyu line from Haneda T2 to Shinagawa (change)
- Train from Shinagawa to Tokyo Central Station on the Yamanote line
Step 1b: Narita to Tokyo Station via Train – Narita Express
Narita is further from Tokyo Central Station than Hakuba, around 60Km or 37miles east of the city.
Whilst not the cheapest, the quickest way to get to Tokyo Station from Narita is using the Narita Express, or N’EX. The trip takes about 55min and will stop at selected stations along the way, including Tokyo station. The cost is about Y5000. (Adults 12+), kids (11 and under) are Y2500.
Tickets can be purchased at the Airport via the ticket machines, or at the Japan Rail (JR-East) ticket office.
As with the details in Haneda to Tokyo step, consider purchasing / downloading the Suica card on your phone or getting a physical card, to assist with future transport access, within Japan.
Step 2: Tokyo Station to Nagano Station via Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
The Shinkansen line you are looking for is Hokuriku.
This is a one way, no change service to Nagano and will take approximately 90 minutes.
Luggage Forwarding Services
There is limited space on the Shinkansen for oversize bags. For Ski/snowboard bags, you can put them in the overhead luggage rack or alternatively, at the time of booking, you can select seats at the end rows, to store them behind you.
The best way to get you ski/board bags to the resort , is to use the luggage forwarding services, such as Takkyubin. These services, which are well used in Japan, can get you ski/board bags and general luggage from the airport to your Hotel or accommodation. This frees up the hassle of navigating the metro and Shinkansen, where space is at a premium.
For the Takkyubin service from Haneda/Narita to Hakuba, you will need to allow 1-2 days for your bags to be delivered. There are service desks at both Haneda (T2 International, 3F) and Narita (T1, 1F / T2, 1F and T3, 1F). Look for ‘Baggage Services’ or Yamato Transport signage, to locate the service desk.
Tokyo to Hakuba Bullet Train Tickets
Once you arrive at Tokyo Station, via the metro or NE’X, you will need to navigate your way towards the Shinkansen gates. There are clear signs in the station, to get you there.
Shinkansen tickets can be purchased online beforehand and you can redeem printed tickets via the Shinkansen ticket machine by scanning a QR code that is received via email. Alternatively, you can by tickets via the machines or ticket booths. Due to the regular service, there are plenty of options to secure seats, just be wary during peak times, particularly in January, public holidays and weekends.
Step 3: Nagano Station to Hakuba via Bus
When you arrive at Nagano station, head upstairs and turn left to exit the station.
You will go down escalators and at the bottom of the escalators, turn left again towards the stairs and head down towards ground level, where you will see the open-air bus terminal. There are also signs towards the bus station/terminal, to help you find it.
The are multiple buses going to different resorts and locations, so locate the Hakuba stop (No. 26) – towards the bike parking. There are likely to be attendants for the bus company (Alpico) to purchase tickets from (ensure you have cash) and help with getting your luggage on board. If not, you can also purchase tickets from the driver, as you board.
The bus trip will take approximately 75min from Nagano Station to Happo Hakuba Bus Terminal.
Once you arrive at the bus terminal in Happo, you can either catch the local shuttle bus to get you closer to your Hakuba accommodation, although many hotels and inns provide their own shuttle/pick up service, from Happo Bus station. Check with your accommodation provider, if this service is offered.
Ski Express Bus from Tokyo Airports (Narita & Haneda) to Hakuba, via Nagano
Whilst the journey may be longer, another good alternative to use is the exprss bus shuttles, direct from the airport to Hakuba. These shuttles do pick ups from selected airport terminals and can fit oversize luggage, without the need for the Takybin service. The bus is particularly useful for larger groups.
The challenge will be around bus departure times aligning with your flights. Keep this in mind when considering the ski express bus.
Bus – Narita to Hakuba
There are a number of daily services during the winter season that depart from Narita Airport to Hakuba. Depending on the bus company, the serivce can take you to various stops within the Hakuba Valley. This is an added convenience to get you closer to your accomodation.
For the Snow Shuttle, the depature point is at Terminal 2. The Snow Shuttle also has a dedicated check-in counter. Make you way there for further assistance with check-in and luggage.
The Alpico bus does pick ups at T1, T2 and T3. Check with the company about pick up locations when booking your ticket.
For the Snowliner the bus depature point is on the 1st Floor, Terminal 3
Bus – Haneda to Hakuba
There are increasingly more services out of Haneda, as the popularity with this airport grows to become an important arrival point for visitors to Japan. The same bus companies that offer services out of Narita, also offer the express bus service to Hakuba from Haneda.
The Haneda dedicated check-in counter for the Nagano Snow Shuttle, is located at Terminal 3. You can you the free inter-terminal shuttle to get youself and your gear there.
For Alpico, the depature location is Terminal 3. There is a ticket counter and ticket machine located in Terminal 3.
The depature point for the Snowliner is the bus terminal at Airport Garden (1F) via a walkway from Terminal 3.
Timetable – Bus to Hakuba
For the 2024-2025 season, Nagano Snow Shuttle currently offers four daily depatures, direct to Hakuba Valley out of Haneda Airport and three daily depatures out of Narita Airport.
Alpico offer an express bus transfer to Hakuba with a single morning departure per day.
The Snowliner by Jam Jam offer a service from Haneda and Narita, which stops at several resorts and locations within the Hakuba Valley including; Goryu Escal Plaza, Happo (near Lawson), Happo Wandano, Tsugaike and Norikura, running 4 daily services during the winter season.
Express Bus Timetable Narita to Hakuba
| Bus Company | From Narita | Departure | Arrival | Stop |
| Snowliner by Jam Jam | SL103 Narita T3, Stop 6 | 9:20 | 15:55 | Happo Lawson Store |
| Nagano Snow Shuttle | Narita Airport T2 | 10:30 | 16:30 | Accommodation |
| Alpico Bus* | Narita Airport T1, T2, T3 | 11:00 | 17:05 | Happo Bus Terminal |
| Nagano Snow Shuttle | Narita Airport T2 | 15:30 | 21:15 | Accommodation |
| Snowliner by Jam Jam | SL105 Narita T3, Stop 6 | 16:20 | 22:05 | Happo Lawson Store |
| Nagano Snow Shuttle | Narita Airport T2 | 20:30 | 1:45 | Accommodation |
| Snowliner by Jam Jam | SL131 Narita T3, Stop 6 | 21:20 | 5:55 | Happo Lawson Store |
Express Bus Timetable Haneda to Hakuba
| Bus Company | From Haneda | Departure | Arrival | Stop |
| Alpico Bus | Haneda Airport T3 | 7:40 | 13:15 | Happo Bus Terminal |
| Nagano Snow Shuttle | Haneda Airport T3 | 7:45 | 13:00 | Hakuba Valley – Various Stops |
| Snowliner by Jam Jam | SL101 Haneda Airport Garden Bus Terminal (near T3) | 8:00 | 13:25 | Happo Lawson Store |
| Nagano Snow Shuttle | Haneda Airport T3 | 9:45 | 15:00 | Hakuba Valley – Various Stops |
| Snowliner by Jam Jam | SL103 Haneda Airport Garden Bus Terminal (near T3) | 10:40 | 15:55 | Happo Lawson Store |
| Snowliner by Jam Jam | SL105 Haneda Airport Garden Bus Terminal (near T3) | 15:00 | 22:05 | Happo Lawson Store |
| Nagano Snow Shuttle | Haneda Airport T3 | 15:30 | 20:30 | Hakuba Valley – Various Stops |
| Nagano Snow Shuttle | Haneda Airport T3 | 21:15 | 2:00 | Hakuba Valley – Various Stops |
| Snowliner by Jam Jam | SL131 Haneda Airport Garden Bus Terminal (near T3) | 22:20 | 5:55 | Happo Lawson Store |
How to Get to Hakuba from Tokyo via Private Transfers
Another excellent transfer option is to arrange for a private transfer, direct from the Airport (either Haneda or Narita) to your accommodation in Hakuba.
While not as quick as the Shinkansen, this does reduce the hassle of luggage logistics, with a straightforward pick up, meeting the driver in arrivals.
There are a number of private taxi companies that offer this service, expecting a cost in the range of Y170,000 to Y230,000 for a one-way trip. Again this will depend on the number of passengers and luggage requirements, which determines the type of van/seats required.
Please see below a number of companies that offer this service.
Car Rental from Tokyo to Hakuba
Car rental is also a great option to manoeuvre people and luggage to your end destination in Hakuba. This also gives you local transport in the Hakuba Valley making it an excellent way to explore the valley, visiting different Hakuba ski resorts, restaurants, bars or cultural locations.
Please note that in Japan, you will be driving on the left hand side of the road.
Car Rental – Haneda Airport
There are several rental companies that offer SUV options with 4WD/AWD. This includes Nissan Rent A Car, Toyota Rent A Car , Nippon Rent A Car, Orix Rent A Car and Times Car Rental. See the Haneda Airport – Car Rental page for further details.
Car Rental – Narita Airport
Narita also has similar car rental options as Haneda, with the same rental car companies available. Please note there are no rental car options from Terminal 3. For further details, please visit the Narita Airport – car rental page on their website.
Getting Around Hakuba
Hakuba Valley is a collection of different villages, with Happo and Echoland having the higher concentration of restaurants, Izakaya bars, shops and onsens.
There is a regular shuttle bus service that can transport you between resorts, in addition to many hotels offering nighttime dinner shuttles and pick up services from Happo bus termainal or Hakuba train station.
Individual resorts also have free shuttles for skiers/boarders to transport you to different base lifts, making it easy to navigate.
See here for more information about Hakuba bus shuttles.
Final Thoughts – How to Get to Hakuba from Tokyo
When looking for an option of how to get to Hakuba from Tokyo, the Train – Bullet Train – Bus combination from the Airport to Hakuba is the quickest. This is a great way to get a taste of Tokyo, ride on the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) and see the impressive Japanese Alps on your journey to Hakuba.
