Planning your ski trip and wondering how to get to Hakuba? Our Nagano Snow Shuttle bus to Hakuba provides a smooth, convenient, and affordable transfer from Tokyo airports and Nagano Station straight to the heart of the resort. If you’re searching for the best way of getting to Hakuba, our daily shuttle service is the easiest solution—letting you skip the hassle of navigating trains or taxis and get right to the slopes. Reserve your seat now for a stress-free start to your Hakuba adventure!
Nestled in northwestern Nagano Prefecture, Hakuba Valley is Japan’s largest ski resort, spanning 10 resorts over 30km, all accessible via shuttle buses. Since the 2017/18 season, the Hakuba Valley Lift Pass has provided seamless access across all resorts, though individual passes remain available.
Renowned for its world-class backcountry terrain, Hakuba offers nearly 1,000m of vertical drop, attracting top extreme skiers and snowboarders. It’s also a key stop on the World Freeride Tour every January.
Accommodation options range from large hotels like Tokyu Hotel, Green Plaza Hakuba, and Mominoki Hotel to a growing number of self-contained villas catering to various budgets. The valley also boasts a diverse dining scene, from high-end Kaiseki cuisine to casual eateries, with many local spots staying open year-round.
For expert guidance and local insights, visit our team at Hakuba Base Camp near Hakuba Station—we’re here to help you make the most of your trip!
Shuttle Buses
Hakuba’s shuttle network makes resort access easy. Ask your accommodation:
Where is the nearest ski shuttle stop?
Which resorts does it serve?
Hakuba Valley Shuttles
The V Route stops at major resorts and transport hubs (¥800 per ride or free with a Hakuba Valley Lift Pass). Other routes serve Cortina, Sanosaka, Kashimayari, and Jigatake.
Resort Shuttles
Each resort offers free shuttles to more remote areas, but these take longer and follow indirect routes.
Taxis & Uber
Taxis get busy, so book in advance, especially during peak hours (6-9 AM, 4-5 PM, evenings). Drivers are reliable, but use landmarks instead of addresses for easier navigation.
New for 2025: Uber is now available in Hakuba, providing a convenient alternative.
All 10 resorts in Hakuba Valley share a unified lift pass system, offering two main options:
Hakuba Valley Lift Pass – Covers all resorts and includes free Hakuba Valley Shuttle rides (normally 500 yen per ride). Passes range from 1 to 14 days, with multi-day passes allowing flexible rest days (e.g., a 6-day pass is valid for 10 days). It can be purchased in advance from travel agents or Hakuba Base Camp.
Single-Resort Daily Pass – Offers family, senior, and youth discounts, but requires lining up at ticket offices each morning, with long waits during peak times. Some resorts charge a refundable 500 yen deposit for lift pass cards.
For convenience and flexibility, the Hakuba Valley Lift Pass is ideal. For budget-conscious travelers, seniors, and youth, daily single-resort passes may be better.
Supermarkets:
Convenience Stores:
Hakuba has 2 Lawsons & 3 Seven Elevens. Happo Lawson is the most central, while Seven Elevens are spread across town but easier to access by car. Major chains are 24/7, while smaller stores close 10PM-7AM.
Post Offices:
Two locations on Route 148:
While electronic payments are advanced in Japan, banking lags behind. Debit cards are uncommon, but those with VISA or MasterCard logos function as credit cards, often incurring 2-4% surcharges.
ATMs & Cash Withdrawal:
Most Japanese bank ATMs do not accept foreign cards. Instead, use ATMs at Seven Eleven, Lawson, or Post Offices (limited hours).
For currency exchange, Hakuba Base Camp and Happo Information Center have exchange machines, but access depends on their hours.
Dial 119 for fire or medical emergencies (Say “Kyukyu desu” for an ambulance).
Ambulances arrive in 10-15 minutes but rely on landmarks, not addresses. Patients are usually taken to hospitals outside Hakuba (Omachi, Azumino, or Matsumoto).
Ski Patrol handles resort injuries, calling taxis, ambulances, or helicopters as needed.
Clinics & Pharmacies:
Stay calm, be clear, and use simple language.
