“Snow Liner” is a convenient bus from Tokyo to Hakuba! Introducing features and departure/arrival locations

How to get to Hakuba ski resort from Tokyo

There are two main ways to get to the Hakuba ski resort from Tokyo: by Shinkansen or by bus. We will introduce the advantages and disadvantages of each option in detail, including travel time and costs.

When using the Shinkansen

If you are using the Shinkansen, first take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and travel to Nagano Station (approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes). From Nagano Station, transfer to the express bus and head to the Hakuba area (about 1 hour and 10 minutes).

This method is the quickest route from Tokyo to Hakuba. If you use the Shinkansen, it may be a little more difficult because you have to transfer and buy tickets for both the Shinkansen and the express bus.

Time: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes (assuming transfer time from Shinkansen to express bus is 30 minutes).

Fares: 10,010 yen~ (Hokuriku Shinkansen 7,810 yen~ + Limited express bus 2,200 yen~)

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When using the bus

If you use the bus, you can go directly from Tokyo to the Hakuba area. Buses can depart from Tokyo Station, the Odaiba area, Haneda Airport, Narita Airport (Chiba), Yokohama (Kanagawa), etc., making them easier to use than the Shinkansen.

Although the travel time is long and the number of buses per day is limited, there is no need to transfer. There is also a night bus, and this route is recommended for people visiting the Hakuba area for the first time, people with a lot of luggage, and people who want to enjoy skiing or snowboarding in the morning. Another attractive feature is that it is cheaper than using the Shinkansen.

Time: Approximately 5 hours (For buses departing in the morning from Haneda Airport to Hakuba Base Center.)

Price: From 8,000 yen (assuming you use the direct bus "Snow Liner")

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What is the ski resort direct bus “Snow Liner”?

When traveling by bus from Tokyo to the Hakuba area, the most recommended bus is the Snow Liner. In addition to the extensive bus plans that go directly to the ski resorts in the Hakuba area, including overnight buses and buses departing in the morning, the following three attractions can be cited.

You can choose where to get on and off

In addition to Tokyo Station and Odaiba, you can choose from major areas such as Haneda Airport, Narita Airport, and Yokohama. If you want to go to a ski resort after sightseeing in Tokyo or Yokohama, or if you want to go directly to a ski resort from the airport without sightseeing, it's a good idea to choose the departure point according to your purpose.

Drop-off points include Hakuba Base Center, Happo Area, Tsugaike Area, Hakuba Norikura Area, and other ski resort and hotel bus stops. Even if your destination in the Hakuba area is different, if you ride the Snow Liner, you can get off at your desired location.

Easy to understand prices

The fare is the same for adults (12 years and older) and children (0 to 11 years old). Reservations and payment methods are easy to understand, with only credit card payments available from the reservation homepage. (Even if there is a refund due to cancellation etc., the payment will be processed by credit card.)

The price listed on the website includes expressway tolls and seat reservations, but additional fees may apply depending on the boarding location. Additionally, each person can store up to one item in the trunk of the vehicle, with a total dimension of 120cm or less and a weight of 10kg. You can leave one ski or snowboard per person, so don't worry.

Operates daily during the season

"Snow Liner" operates every day during the winter season from December 15, 2023 to March 29, 2024. Also, if seats are available, reservations can be made on the website until 12:00 noon one day before departure, so even if you decide to go skiing at the last minute, you may be able to get on board if the timing is right.

The reservation website is available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean, making it easy for foreign tourists to use. It's a good idea to check the website and see if the bus is running on your desired date and time.

Click here to reserve the Snow Liner

There are 4 boarding locations for Tokyo.

The ski resort direct bus "Snow Liner" that goes from Tokyo to the Hakuba area has the following four locations. We will introduce the characteristics, location, and access methods of each bus stop.

Tokyo

Boarding locations in Tokyo include Tokyo Kajibashi Parking Lot and Odaiba Tokyo Teleport. For Snowliner, each can be used as a departure point for late-night flights.

Tokyo Kajibashi parking lot

In addition to the ``Snowliner'' bus that goes directly to the ski resort, it is also a pick-up and drop-off point for many express buses. Depending on the date and time, it can get very crowded, so please make sure to arrive with plenty of time to spare.

Odaiba Tokyo Teleport

It will stop at platform 1 inside the rotary just outside Tokyo Teleport Station on the Rinkai Line. Look for the yellow-green sign that says "Highway Bus Stop Odaiba (Tokyo Teleport Station)".

Haneda airport

The boarding point for the bus at Haneda Airport is Bus Terminal 5 on the 1st floor of Haneda Airport Garden, a commercial complex located via a passageway from Haneda Airport Terminal 3.

Haneda Airport Garden is home to many cafes, restaurants, and Japanese miscellaneous goods shops perfect for fashion and souvenirs. It's easy to get carried away with shopping, but be careful not to miss the bus.

Narita Airport (Chiba)

The boarding location at Narita Airport is platform 6 on the 1st floor of Narita Airport Terminal 3. If you are traveling from Terminal 1 or 2, please take the inter-terminal shuttle bus to Terminal 3.

Additionally, when using SL131 (bound for Hakuba/Tsugaike), you will need to board SL181 and then transfer at Odaiba Tokyo Teleport along the way. Please check with the bus staff or driver for details.

Yokohama (Kanagawa)

The boarding point in Yokohama is "Y-CAT (Yokohama City Air Terminal)". When going from Yokohama Station to Y-CAT, follow the airplane logo written on the information board inside the station. To avoid crowds near the bus stop, please meet at the first lobby reception counter on the first floor. Please be sure to gather at least 15 minutes before departure so that you can make your way to the bus stop.

"Y-CAT" has a cafe, convenience store, and a shop where you can purchase Yokohama souvenirs. We recommend arriving at Y-CAT as early as possible, drinking coffee at the cafe, or shopping at the convenience store or shop while waiting for the bus.

There are mainly 4 areas for getting off at Hakuba.

The Hakuba area's ski resort direct bus ``Snow Liner'' drops off at the following four areas: We will introduce the characteristics and surrounding information of each bus stop.

Hakuba Base Center (Goryu Escal Plaza)

``Hakuba Base Center'' is the first stop for most ``Snow Liners'' bound for Hakuba. Goryu Escal Plaza at the Hakuba Base Center has restaurants, one of the largest souvenir shops in the Hakuba area, a sporting goods store, a ski and snowboard rental shop, a hot spring for day trips, a nap room, and more. We have all the facilities you need to enjoy skiing all day long.

If you want to enjoy skiing or snowboarding at the adjacent Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort, get off at the Hakuba Base Center.

Happo area

In the Happo area, the bus stops at the Jam Jam Liner Bus Stop and Mominoki Hotel Visitor Center.

Jam Jam Liner exclusive bus stop

As the name suggests, this is a bus stop exclusively for Jam Jam liners such as "Snow Liner". Nearby hotels include Hakuba Alpine Hotel, Hakuba Panorama Hotel, and Hakuba Happo Onsen Happo no Yu.

Some people get off the bus thinking they are at the "Happo Information Center" (Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal), which is also a JNTO-certified foreigner information center, but please be aware that this is a different bus stop.

Mominoki Hotel Visitor Center

The drop off point is in front of Hakuba Mominoki Hotel. Inside the visitor center is Rhythm Japan, which sells and rents famous brands of skis and snowboards. We also offer waxing and tune-ups in preparation for the snow powder that is unique to Hakuba.

The Hakuba Mominoki Hotel in front of you is a North American-style resort hotel nestled in the forest. The lobby is decorated with elegant antique furniture, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing and luxurious time while looking out at the great outdoors.

Tsugaike area

In the Tsugaike area, there are three stops: "Tsugaike Kogen A," "Tsugaike Kogen B," and "Tsugaike Kogen C."

Tsugaike Kogen A (Oya no Hara Parking Lot)

This is the drop off point in front of Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort. Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort has a longest run distance of 5,000 meters and is a ski resort that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from beginners to advanced skiers, children to adults. There is also an international ski school taught by internationally licensed instructors. Skiing and snowboarding lessons are available in English and Chinese.

Tsugaike Kogen B (Sunplaza Tsugaike)

This is the drop off point for Hotel Sunplaza Tsugaike. Hotel Sunplaza Tsugaike is a large resort hotel with 77 rooms located in the center of Tsugaike Plateau. We are especially proud of our large public bath that uses mineral-rich Hakuba Himekawa Onsen, and we also have a sauna. It will surely soothe your tired body from skiing and snowboarding.

There is a drying room in the basement for drying boards and boots. The entrance of the drying room connects to the ``Oya no Hara Slope'' of Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort.

Tsugaike Kogen C (Grand Jam Tsugaike)

This is the drop off point for Hotel Grand Jam Tsugaike. Hotel Grand Jam Tsugaike is a new hotel that opened in December 2019. We are proud of our Japanese kaiseki cuisine, which focuses on local production for local consumption, and you can enjoy ingredients unique to Shinshu. There is also a room-only plan, which is recommended for people who want to fully enjoy skiing and snowboarding from morning until night.

Hakuba Norikura area

In the Hakuba Norikura area, the drop off point is in front of Hakuba Alps Hotel. This is often the final destination for the Snow Liner, and it takes about 50 minutes from the first Hakuba Base Center (Goryu Escal Plaza). Hakuba Alps Hotel is adjacent to Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort. There is a free "Kids Park" next to the hotel where children can enjoy playing equipment and sledding.

Let's go to Hakuba using "Snow Liner"!

We introduced the benefits of taking the express bus from Tokyo to the Hakuba area, as well as the features of the ``Snow Liner'' bus that goes directly to the ski resort.

Every year, many people gather in the Hakuba area in search of Japan's powder snow, which is popular all over the world. The winter season officially begins in mid-December, so whether you're a regular skier or snowboarder or someone who's trying snow activities for the first time, be sure to try out the Snow Liner in the Hakuba area. please.

Click here to reserve the Snow Liner