Getting to Hakuba

We've prepared a table of the most popular ways to get
from the Narita International Airport (near Tokyo) to our
location in the Japanese Alps, 260km away.

We recommend the Bullet Train as there's a special
promotion from JR East until the end of 2009.
(click the graphic on the right to visit the JR East Train website)

If you require further travel info you may contact us direct.
 

	Bullet Train 4 Hours	Normal Train 5- 6 Hours	Bus 5- 6 Hours	Car 4.5 Hours	Shared Taxi 4.5 – 6 hrs*
	Narita Express to Tokyo Train Station	Narita Express to Shinjuku Train Station	Narita Express to Shinjuku Train Station	Option 1: Chu Expressway	Narita Airport direct to PenkePanke Lodge
	Asama Shinkansen to Nagano Station	Super Azusa to Hakuba Station	Keio Bus to Happo Transit Centre	Option2 : Kanetsu Expressway
Convert Yen to your currency:
Total for One-way	14,240 Yen JR East Flexi Pass Unlimited Travel on JR East Trains for three non-consecutive days	11,180 Yen Normal Fare	7,810 Yen Return ticket discount applies for the Keio Bus	~260 km Cost will depend on vehicle	12,000 Yen
Total for Return Trip		11,440 Yen When you purchase a 3-day JR East Flexi Pass	14,720 Yen Return when return Keio bus ticket is purchased on departure		24,000 Yen Return

 

Bullet Train

Quickest way to get to Hakuba and affordable for those with JR rail passes. There's 3 connections, but they're well synchronized.

1. Catch the Narita Express to Tokyo Train Station
   
   
2. Transfer through to the Shinkansen terminals marked with green train symbol and catch the Asama Shinkansen. The Asuma bullet trains generally runs every 30 minutes during the day.
   
   
3. At Nagano Station, go to the east exit and find bus stop #6. Catch the Alpico bus to Hakuba destinations.

This bus leaves every 60-90 minutes from 8:20 to 20:30. Friday night the last bus is 21:20 and costs 1400 yen. Please check with the Alpico website for updated times and info. Please remember that the last departing bus to Hakuba from Nagano station is at 20:20 - and 21:20 on Friday you have limited train options to Hakuba after this time and would be better off staying over night in Nagano. There is a Comfort Inn on the West side of the station that is affordable (walk over train tracks to west then turn right and walk up about 400m). There is a International ATM located in the 7/11 Convenience store opposite the Alpico bus stop on the East side of the train station, this is a good place to get additional cash for your stay as International ATM's are limited in Hakuba like most of Japan.

 

Normal Train

Cheapest options for those with a JR Rail pass returning to Tokyo.

1. Catch the Narita Express to Shinjuku Train Station

2. Catch the Chuo Limited Express (Super Azusa) departs from Shinjuku Station directly to Hakuba. The Chuo departs generally every 30 minutes during the day.

 

Bus

Best option for one way trips and for those who do not purchase a JR Rail pass.

Easy and affordable (4700 yen one way) to get from Tokyo to Hakuba. Be careful as there is a limited number of departures per day (4 per day 2 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon, see timetable below) The ride is generally 4.5 hours with two rest stops on the way if there is no traffic jams. During holidays and weekend commuting times, be prepared for delayed times.

To find the bus terminal, exit Shinjuku Station on the west side and follow the signs, or exit on the street level and cross the street and turn left, go one block and turn right. The terminal is across from Yodabashi Camera.

Check out the Alpico website for additional information.

 

Driving from Tokyo to Hakuba

Route Option #1 - South and West part of Tokyo

1. Take the Chuo Expressway to the Okaya Junction and then turn onto the Nagano Expressway following the signs to Nagano.
   
   
2. Take the exit at Toyoshina Interchange and follow the 147 & 148 routes that go through Omachi then to Hakuba.
   

Route Option #2 - North and East Tokyo

1. Take the Kanetsu Expressway to the Fujioka Junction and then turn onto the Joshinetsu Expressway following the Nagano signs.
   
   
2. Take the exit at Nagano Interchange and follow the Hakuba Nagano Olympic Road to Hakuba.

On arrival in Hakuba

1. Take the Happo turn which is opposite the Hakuba Train Station and proceed 2km and you will come to a set of lights at Happo Iriguchi there is a Lawson to your right.
   
   
2. You will need to turn right at this intersection and proceed 500m and turn left onto Olympic Road where the large Olympic sign is, drive a further 300 meters and turn right at Wadano No Mori and PenkePanke is located towards the top of the hill on the right.

 

Shared Taxi

Hassle Free transfer to Hakuba.

Although not the cheapest option a shared taxi will meet you at the airport and drop you directly at PenkePanke Lodge. Convenient for families with children as it saves you from navigating around train stations and lugging your luggage around. Prices are set per person and no discount is provided if a return ticket is purchased. Bookings do need to be made 5 days prior. View their website for more info.