Traveling From Tokyo Airport to Hakuba Resort
Hakuba is located 292 km northwest of Tokyo (Haneda) International Airport, and about 338 km from Narita International Airport. It is located on the island of Honshu, which is the main island of Japan. This large area encompasses 11 popular ski resorts and various villages. There are several options for Tokyo airport transfers to your Hakuba hotel or resort.
A Narita Airport transfer to Hakuba is your last step when planning the perfect trip to this famous ski resort area. These are also the best options for Haneda airport transfers to Hakuba.
Transportation Options from Tokyo (Narita or Haneda airports) to Hakuba:
There are three main modes of transportation from Tokyo Airport to Hakuba. Those are: bullet train, private car, and shuttle bus. Each option varies on the 4 key areas of concern you should consider regarding this journey:
- Time: How many hours do I have to spend to get from Tokyo Airport to my Hakuba destination?
- Convenience: How many transit switches and different modes of transport will I have to make?
- Comfort: How comfortable am I sharing a full vehicle, and walking with all my luggage for varying distances at different points in the journey?
- Cost: What is my budget for this journey? Am I willing to spend more for a reduced time, increased convenience, and comfort?
Note: With the distance covered from Tokyo Airport to Hakuba, it is best to decide your most favorable transportation option based on what time you will arrive in Tokyo. If it is after hours, you will have limited options, and this is when hiring a private car service would be most beneficial.
Tokyo Airport to Hakuba by Bullet Train
Travel Time: 4 hours
Convenience: Low
Comfort Level: Medium
Travel Cost: $$
Summary & Recommendation:
This is a multi-step transport option for those that are keen to experience taking the Shinkansen Bullet Train. It is like taking the scenic route from the airport to Hakuba – great for those who are not in a hurry to get to Hakuba, but perhaps want the experience of riding the bullet train, and to get an introductory glimpse into Japanese culture.
It is possible to do this from either Narita or Haneda, however, the overall cost is a bit more than the other options available to get to your Hakuba ski destination.
Travel Steps in Detail:
Step 1: Narita Express
From Narita Airport, head to the Narita Express Train Station, located in the basement below the airport. Follow the signs. Then board the Narita Express to Tokyo Station which will take about 1 ½ hours. You can purchase tickets there or in advance here. From Haneda Airport, take the Keikyu Airport’s Rapid Limited Express train, which will get you to Shinagawa station in about 16 minutes. At Shinagawa station you can then transfer to the bullet train.
Step 2: Shinkansen Bullet Train
From Shinagawa station, take the Nagano Bullet Train (Shinkansen) to Nagano, which will take another 1 ½ hours. The bullet trains leave Tokyo station every 20 minutes, from about 6:30am through 10pm. Again, these tickets can be purchased directly at the station. For more information, you can go here.
Step 3: From Nagano, there are two options: taxi or bus.
- Taxi – if you arrive in Nagao after 10pm, this will be your only option, and will take approximately one hour’s drive time to your final destination in Hakuba.
- Bus – the Alpico bus will take you from Nagano to Hakuba “Happo Information Centre” Bus terminal. The buses run every hour, until 10pm. You can catch the bus at the east exit of Nagano Station, bus stop number 6. Tickets can be purchased at the kiosk on ground level, or directly from the driver if you have correct change.
Tokyo Airports to Hakuba by Private Car
Travel Time: 3-4 hours
Convenience: High
Comfort Level: High
Travel Cost: Get Quote
Summary & Recommendation:
Hiring a car service is by far the most convenient, reliable and stress-free way to get around. This mode of transport is expeditious, smooth, and safe. Having a car waiting for you upon your arrival takes away the local transportation hassle. Especially in an Asian country where so often public transportation tends to get a bit chaotic and confusing.
Hakuba airport transfer by a car service takes the hustle and bustle out the final leg of your journey with its professional English speaking customer support team and 24 hour availability. Wifi in the car is also available should you require it. Booking a car service online is simple and takes very little time to arrange.
Travel Steps in Detail:
Step 1: Simply meet your driver in the terminal – they will be holding a sign with your name on it in the airport terminal meeting area. He will then help get your luggage to the car
Step 2: Enjoy a comfortable, air-conditioned ride directly to your final destination in Hakuba.
Tokyo Airport to Hakuba by Shuttle Bus
Travel Time: 5-6 hours
Convenience: Medium
Comfort Level: High
Travel Cost: $$
Summary & Recommendation:
The bus is the most affordable form of transport from the airport to the Hakuba ski resorts. You can take the Nagano Snow Shuttle from either the Narita or Haneda airports. It is a large, comfortable coach, departing three times a day from Narita (9am, 12 am and 8:30pm) and once a day from Haneda (9:30am). This is a good option if you land at the airport in the evening. Buses depart at select times and reservations are required in advance.
They offer daily service from the airports directly to your hotel in Hakuba. While this method may cost a little more, it provides the advantage of not having to lug your bags on and off trains and buses, and not have to deal with time tables.
Travel Steps in Detail:
Step 1: Make your way to the bus counter inside the arrivals lobby
Step 2: Board the appropriate bus. The meeting point is usually outside Terminal 2 in Narita airport, and the International Terminal in Haneda Airport.
Step 3: Ride to Hakuba, with some stops along the way.
The Best Way To Get Around
A private car service offers exceptional Tokyo Airport pickup service and by far the ultimate transfer convenience. Ride in a clean, comfortable car equipped with air-conditioning and a friendly driver who will make sure you arrive to and from your final Hakuba destination quickly and safely. By booking a private transfer from Tokyo Airport to Hakuba resort you can easily eliminate the hassle of carrying your luggage and ski equipment between multiple modes of transportation. Instead, enjoy a smooth and easy journey. All with a simple and under 5 minutes online booking before your departure to Japan.
We wish you a fantastic time at Hakuba!
Asia Car Service provides private limousine transfers. If you are interested in private car service for your Tokyo Airport to Hakuba journey, please don’t hesitate to contact us: bookings@asiacarservice.com.
We’re also excited to offer you a $10 discount on your first service with our company, redeemable with this promo code 10CARBLOG. Just click the image below and get your discounted quote!
