Hakuba – Northern Japan

Hakuba Deer Lodge Hakuba is located in the Northern Japanese Alps and is approximately 350km north west of Tokyo.

The easiest way to get to Hakuba is via one of the two direct transfer options from Narita (Tokyo) International Airport. Whilst taking a little longer, both options will meet you at the International Arrivals Hall and deliver you straight to the Hakuba Deer Lodge, your Hakuba ski accommodation.

Hakubus

We recommend this option. You will be met at the Arrivals Hall at Narita International Airport and escorted straight onto the bus. The bus itself is a nicely appointed coach with reclining seats and toilet. The bus runs once a day departing Narita at approx 8pm and in time for the Jetstar flight from Australia which arrives at 7pm. The bus usually takes 5 hours with 2 rest stops. Cost is 9,900 JPY per adult each way. Book here

Chuo Taxi

An alternative direct mode of transport to Hakuba, this service will also meet you at the Arrivals Hall at Narita Airport. Though more expensive than Hakubus, it is faster (approx 4.5 hours) and there is enough room in the minivan for luggage and ski/snowboard gear. Bookings are available for 1 or more passengers. This service must be booked at least 7 days prior to travel. Cost is 12,400 JPY per adult each way. Book here

Highway Bus

A cheaper alternative and suits those who wish to go via Tokyo. From Narita Airport Arrivals Hall, proceed to the Friendly Airport Limousine Bus counter immediately in front of the Arrivals gate. Ask for a ticket to Shinjuku Bus Terminal. Buses leave every 20 minutes and there is no need to pre-book. It will take approx 1 hour and the cost is 3,000 JPY. For those wishing to overnight in Tokyo, there are numerous hotels immediately surrounding the bus terminal.

At the Shinjuku Bus Terminal purchase a ticket for the Alpico Bus to Hakuba – 4,700 JPY per adult each way and takes approx 4 hours. Get off the bus at the Hakuba Happo bus stop.

Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

From the Arrivals Hall at Narita International Airport, follow the signs to the Narita Express. It is clearly signposted in English. Catch the Narita Express to Tokyo Station. This is not the bullet train but a direct train service to Tokyo Station which takes 45 minutes and costs 3,000 JPY. No need to book.

At Tokyo Station follow the signs to the Shinkansen service. Purchase a ticket at the ticket office (staff speak English) for Nagano aboard the Asama Shinkansen. Trains for Nagano depart every 30 minutes and usually depart from platforms 20 to 23. It will take 1.5 hours and costs 7,500 JPY. Timetables here

From Nagano Station, catch a bus to Hakuba. Buses from Nagano to Hakuba run once an hour with the last bus departing Hakuba at 8.20pm (Friday 9.20pm). Buses depart from the East (Higashi) exit of Nagano Station from Bus Stop 6. Go out the ticket gates and turn left. Walk outside the building and you will see the Bus Terminal below you to the left. The bus trip will take approx 1 hour and costs 1,500 JPY.

Local Train from Shinjuku (Tokyo)

From the Arrivals Hall at Narita International Airport, follow the signs to the Narita Express. It is clearly signposted in English. Catch the Narita Express to Shinjuku Station which will take 45 minutes and costs 3,000 JPY. No need to book.

At Shinjuku Station follow the signs to the Chuo Limited Express (Super Azusa). Travelling time is 4 hours and costs 3,000 JPY. There is only 1 direct "Super Azusa" train to Hakuba each day which departs Shinjuku at 7.30am.