Tokyo to Hakuba
Choose from one of five ways to get to Hakuba from Tokyo. We recommend the bullet train + bus route; however, the bus is the most economical if you’re on a budget.
Bullet Train + Bus from Nagano to Hakuba
Bullet train from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station, transfer to the bus from Nagano to Hakuba. This is the fastest way to reach Hakuba from Tokyo. Estimated time and cost for the bullet train and bus: 3 hours, ¥10,400 per adult and ¥5,200 per child.
- Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo or Ueno to Nagano Station. Check with Jorudan or Google Maps for precise times, fares, and platform numbers. Great News! Overseas travellers now have access to the train reservation system and can make their reservations here.
- 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 ¥2200 per adult and ¥1100 per child. Please check Nagano to Hakuba for the bus timetable.
- Please remember that the last departing bus to Hakuba from Nagano Station is at 20:10, and you have no public transport options to Hakuba after this time besides the metered taxis.
Tokyo to Hakuba Train
There is no Tokyo to Hakuba bullet train, but there is the direct Azusa Express train from Shinjuku to Hakuba. Estimated time and cost: 3 hours 41 minutes, ¥8,050 for adults (12 and older) and ¥4,020 for kids between 6-11. Children aged five and under are free if they sit in non-reserved seating.
- Azusa 5: Leaves daily at 8:00 from Shinjuku Station (platform 9) and goes directly to Hakuba Station, arriving at 11:41.
- Azusa 46: The only direct train (no switching) leaving Hakuba daily at 15:16 and arriving at Shinjuku Station at 19:06.
You can reserve your tickets using the Japan Rail online reservation system (now accessible from overseas) or Rakuten Travel.
Tokyo to Hakuba Bus
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 ¥3,020 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.
| Company | Journey from | Departure | Arrival | Stop | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JamJam | Tokyo Station | 07:10 | 11:40 | Happo Lawson Store | ¥5,000 ~ | ¥5,000 ~ |
| Keio | Shinjuku Bus Terminal | 7:35 | 12:48 | Happo Bus Terminal | ¥6,400 | ¥3,200 |
| Alpico | Shinjuku Bus Terminal | 9:35 | 14:57 | Happo Bus Terminal | ¥6,400 | ¥3,200 |
| Keio | Shinjuku Bus Terminal | 10:25 | 15:38 | Happo Bus Terminal | ¥6,400 | ¥3,200 |
| Alpico | Shinjuku Bus Terminal | 15:05 | 20:18 | Happo Bus Terminal | ¥6,400 | ¥3,200 |
| Keio | Shinjuku Bus Terminal | 19:05 | 00:27 | Happo Bus Terminal | ¥6,400 | ¥3,200 |
| Alpico | Shinjuku Bus Terminal | 23:05 | 6:32 | Happo Bus Terminal | ¥6,400 | ¥3,200 |
| JamJam | Tokyo Station | 23:40 | 6:15 | Happo Lawson Store | ¥5,500~ | ¥5,500~ |
Tokyo to Hakuba Taxi
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.
| Company | Estimated Fare | Number of passengers |
|---|---|---|
| Shoushin Taxi | ¥79,000 | Up to 5 |
| Nagano Luxury Taxi | ¥94,000 | Up to 5 |
| Luxury Fleet Taxi | Time based + tolls | Up to 9 |
| Kinoko Taxi | ¥105,000 | Up to 9 |
| Chuo Taxi | ¥122,400 | Up to 7 |
| Alpico Taxi | ¥168,700 | Up to 7 |
Car Rental from Tokyo to Hakuba
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 Toyota Noah with snow tires will run you around ¥15,400 per day from Toyota 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.
We try our best to keep this information up to date, but if you see something wrong, please let us know. Thank you.
