Tokyo to Hakuba

Take a bullet train from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station and transfer to the bus from Nagano to Hakuba. This is the fastest way to reach Hakuba from Tokyo. Travel time to Hakuba is approximately 3 hours. The cost of transportation to Hakuba during the winter season is typically ¥11,500–¥12,000 per adult, while children's fares are usually around 50% of the adult price. Transportation costs are generally lower during the summer and green season.

• From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station or Ueno Station to Nagano Station. We recommend checking Jorudan Transit Planner or Google Maps for the latest schedules, fares, and platform information.
• For added convenience, tickets may be reserved in advance through the official JR East Train Reservation website. Once on the website, select "Purchase Tickets" and then "Search by Station" to find and book your preferred train.
• At Nagano Station, go to the east exit and find bus stop #26. The bus bound for Hakuba destinations leaves roughly every hour from 8:20 to 20:00, costing ¥3500 per adult and ¥1750 per child. Please check Nagano to Hakuba for the bus timetable.
• departs at 20:30, with seasonal schedule adjustments possible. After this time, public transportation is no longer available, and travel to Hakuba must be arranged by taxi via the Uber app.
• The taxi journey to Hakuba takes approximately one hour and typically costs ¥20,000–¥30,000. To ensure a smooth arrival experience, particularly during peak winter periods, we recommend reserving your Uber in advance using the app's Reserve feature.

There is no Tokyo to Hakuba bullet train, but a daily direct Azusa Express train from Shinjuku to Hakuba. Estimated time and cost: 3 hours 40 minutes, ¥8,050 for adults (12 and older) and ¥4,020 for kids between 6-11. Children aged 5 and under may travel free when seated on a parent's lap.

• Azusa 5: Leaves daily at 8:00 from Shinjuku Station (platform 9) and goes directly to Hakuba Station, arriving at 11:40.
• Azusa 38: The only direct return train, leaving Hakuba daily at 13:43 and arriving at Shinjuku Station at 17:26.

You can reserve your tickets using the JR East Train Reservation website.

Overall the Alpico Bus is the cheapest method of transportation from Tokyo to Hakuba. Estimated time and cost: 5 hours, ¥6,400 per adult and ¥3,200 per child.

• The ride is 5 hours without traffic, with two rest stops. During holidays and weekend commuting times, be prepared for delays.
• The bus terminal is directly connected to the JR Shinjuku Station New South Gate or across the street from the South exit. For precise times and fares, please check with highwaybus.com. The Bus departs from the 4F and arrives on the 3F.

Another alternative is a chartered taxi. The number of taxi companies offering service to Hakuba has increased in the past few years, making it much easier to get door-to-door private chauffeured service.

Rent a car in Tokyo and drive to Hakuba. Estimated time and cost: 3 h 30 min; rate depends on car size, but a 4WD Nissan Serena with snow tires will run you around ¥17,270 per day from Nissan Rent A Car. Tolls are approximately ¥7,380 if you use the toll road.

Please remember that if you are coming to Hakuba in the wintertime, you will need to reserve a 4WD with winter tires as a special option with availability, depending on the pick-up location.
 

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