Airport Train + Shinkansen + Bus 3.5 hours

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:

1. Take the Airport Train to Tokyo Station
2. Take the Nagano Shinkansen to Nagano Station.This trip takes 90 minutes as you travel at 200kmph across the Japanese landscape.
3. Take the Alpico Bus from Nagano Station to Hakuba about 1 hour

Nagano Snow Shuttle

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.

Chuo Taxi

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. 

The Limited Express JR Azusa

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).