We recommend taking the bus from Nagoya to Hakuba! Information on access and ski resorts

We recommend taking the express bus from Nagoya to Hakuba!

You can get from Nagoya to Hakuba by train or rental car, but if you want to travel comfortably, we recommend using the express bus. Here we will introduce the benefits of using the express bus when traveling from Nagoya to Hakuba.

Easy to use even without a license

One of the great benefits of using express buses is that you can travel by car even if you don't have a driver's license. Traveling with skis or snowboards can be a hassle, but the bus has plenty of luggage space, so you can leave your luggage there and travel comfortably. Even in the winter, when road conditions are poor, the driver will be in charge of driving, so you can head to your destination with peace of mind.

If you take an overnight bus, you can start skiing in the morning

The recommended highway bus from Nagoya to Hakuba, the "Snow Liner," has both daytime and nighttime services, and using the nighttime service will allow you to make the most of your travel time. Nighttime services depart from the west exit of Nagoya Station at midnight and arrive in the Hakuba area between 5:00 and 6:30 in the morning. This is the perfect mode of transportation for those who want to travel at night and enjoy Hakuba's powder snow first thing in the morning.

No need to transfer

Another attraction of the highway bus is that you can travel directly from Nagoya to Hakuba without having to transfer. If you were to take the train, you would have to transfer once or twice, but if you take a direct bus, you can travel comfortably even with large luggage. Especially if you are not familiar with the transportation system, being able to get to your destination smoothly without having to transfer will be a major advantage.

5 recommended ski resorts in Hakuba accessible by "Snowliner"

The Snow Liner express bus stops at various ski resorts in the Hakuba area. Here we introduce five recommended ski resorts that can be accessed by the Snow Liner. We will explain the characteristics and appeal of each ski resort, so please use this as a reference.

Hakuba Sanosaka Ski Resort

Hakuba Sanosaka Ski Resort is a ski resort surrounded by beautiful nature, including forests and lakes. It has a wide variety of courses, from gentle courses for beginners to full-scale courses for intermediate and advanced skiers.

The slopes for beginners are gentle and safe, making it ideal for families with children. There are also plenty of facilities, such as rental shops, restaurants, and cafes, so you can come empty-handed and have a comfortable time.

There are also schools where instructors certified by the Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI) offer lessons in both Chinese and English, which is recommended for foreign tourists.

Able Hakuba Goryu

Able Hakuba Goryu is a dynamic ski resort with three distinctive slopes where you can enjoy a variety of courses.

At the mountaintop slope "Alps-daira Slope" located at an altitude of 1,515m, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the Northern Alps. It is recommended for spring skiing as it is open until around Golden Week in May. In addition, at "Toomi Slope", you can enjoy night skiing on the fantastically lit up snow fields.

At the base of Able Hakuba Goryu is Escal Plaza, a facility with restaurants, shops, hot springs, a daycare center, etc. It is open 24 hours a day from winter until the end of March, so it is comfortable for those who arrive on an overnight flight.

Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort

Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort boasts a spectacular view of the Northern Alps from the summit. This ski resort is located on Hakuba Iwatake, which is said to be the only independent peak within Hakuba Village, and is also popular as a "hidden slope."

The slopes boast courses that make the most of the natural terrain, and feature a wide variety of ungroomed courses that are recommended for beginners, including one of the area's largest powder areas.

It is also possible to take part in winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, so it is recommended for those who want to enjoy activities other than skiing and snowboarding.

Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort

Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort is known for its superb powder snow, and has the tagline "Powder Heaven Hakunori." A wide variety of courses are available, from gentle, flat courses for beginners to expert courses for advanced skiers. The Kids' Park, which is equipped with free play equipment, is surrounded by netting, so even families can enjoy snow activities without worry.

There is also a natural hot spring on the premises where you can stop by to soothe your tired body after skiing. The restaurant "Snowdrop" offers unique dishes such as "Winter Yellowtail Rice Bowl" and "Snow Crab Curry" that are also worth checking out.

Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort

Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort, with its European atmosphere, is popular for its 100% natural, top-quality powder snow, which attracts skiers from overseas. There is a wide lineup of courses, from a 200m-wide course that is easy for beginners to ski on, to a thrilling course for advanced skiers (at your own risk).

This ski resort is also attractive for its wide range of facilities, including an area for children where they can try their hand at making snow igloos and making snow ice, as well as hot springs where you can enjoy 11 different types of baths, including a rock observation bath and sauna.

Things to note when traveling by bus from Nagoya to Hakuba

The appeal of express buses is that even people without a driver's license can easily travel to Hakuba by car, and they provide comfortable access without having to transfer. Although it is a means of transportation with many advantages, it is not without some points to be aware of. Here we will explain the points you should keep in mind when traveling from Nagoya to Hakuba by bus.

Strictly adhere to meeting times and departure times after breaks

Since express buses depart exactly at the scheduled time, it is important to be on time. Be sure to leave plenty of time in case you get lost on the way to the meeting point.

Also, highway buses tend to have rest stops at parking areas and service areas along the way. You can get off the bus and stop by the toilet or shop, but if you leave after the scheduled departure time, the bus may leave before you. Make sure to check the designated time and be sure to return on time.

Be considerate of other passengers

When traveling in a group on a highway bus, it is important to be considerate of other passengers. Keep your voice down and be careful not to let sound leak out when using headphones. Also, avoid foods with strong smells, and be mindful of the smell of tobacco, alcohol, and perfume. When reclining your seat a lot, let the person behind you know in advance, and cooperate to create a comfortable space.

Travel comfortably from Nagoya to Hakuba on the "Snowliner"

If you're looking for comfort and convenience when traveling from Nagoya to Hakuba, we recommend taking an express bus. If you take an overnight bus, you can use your travel time efficiently and enjoy Hakuba's magnificent nature and powder snow first thing in the morning.

To enjoy skiing and snowboarding to the fullest, be sure to consider using the Snowliner express bus.

Snowliner reservations here