Hakuba sits 250k west of Tokyo in the heart of Japanese Alps making Haneda and Narita airports in Tokyo the easiest entry points into Japan for Hakuba visitors. Those interested in reaching Hakuba have a several different options ranging in price and total time. Here are the most popular way for getting to Hakuba.
Catching the bullet train is the fastest way to get to Hakuba from Tokyo. The total trip to Hakuba takes approximately 3.5 hours and involves 3 steps from the airport:
Train to Tokyo Station: ¥3,000
Bullet Train to Nagano: ¥8,400
Bus to Hakuba: ¥2,000
Train to Tokyo Station: ¥637
Bullet Train to Nagano: ¥8,400
Bus to Hakuba: ¥2,000
This coach bus leaves from both Narita and Haneda Airports and will take you directly to Hakuba Bus Terminal in the main Hakuba ski village, Happo.
This option is great for those who prefer to avoid transferring several times with their snow gear in tow.
Depart 9:30 Arrive 13:00 Depart 15:30 Arrive 20:00
Depart 12:45 Arrive 16:00 Depart 20:30 Arrive 1:30
Depart 7:30 Arrive 13:00
Depart 13:30 Arrive 18:45
Depart 16:15 Arrive 21:00
The Chuo Taxi is the best option for those arriving at either Airport early in the morning or late in the evening when the Shinkansen and Airport Shuttle Bus are not operating. Each passenger in the taxi van must pay the ticket rate and each group must split a charge of ¥3,000.
Adult: ¥18,655
Children: ¥8,444
Adult: ¥17,100
Children: ¥8,444
The JR Azusa Limited Express train leaves Shinjuku Station every morning at 7:30 and travels directly to Hakuba Station. The journey takes about 4.5 hours and is completely covered by the JR rail pass. This option is great for people spending a night in Tokyo before making their way to Hakuba. You can purchase your ticket at the JR Rail Office at Shinjuku Station (or any other station).
Departure: 7:30
Arrival: 11:27
Departure: 2:37
Arrival: 18:36