Public Transport
Google maps works great in Japan for public transport, if you have data just ask for directions to Hakuba station and it will sort you out. Keep in mind that the latest you can make this transfer is the 5:40PM train from the airport. This trip requires 3 transfers, so if you don't think you'll have landed, collected your luggage and cleared immigration by 5:00PM, we wouldn't recommend trying to make it to Hakuba on the same day. If you're getting in late and need to make it to Hakuba that day, your best option is to check out the private taxi option below.

Our recommended public transport route is as follows, it takes 3-4 hours depending on your transfers, and should cost approximately ¥12,000 per person:

1. Take the Tokyo Monorail from Haneda to Hamamatsucho station.
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2. Transfer from the monorail station to the Japan Rail (JR) Hamamatsucho station. There's signage throughout Hamamatsucho station to point you in the right direction, look for the green JR signs.
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3. Take the Yamanote Line train from Hamamatsucho to Tokyo Station. The Yamanote line trains travel in two different directions, be sure to board the train bound for Tokyo/Ueno.
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4. Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo station to Nagano station. You'll want to purchase a reserved seat ticket, visit the JR ticket office inside Tokyo station (they usually have some English speaking staff). These trains run 2-3 times an hour, and take about an hour and a half. If it's your first time on a bullet train, be sure to enjoy the views and comfort as you ride at speeds of up to 260km/h (160mph).

4. At Nagano station, head to the East Exit and down the stairs to the bus interchange, and queue up at platform 26, which should have signs for the Alpico Bus service to Hakuba. The timetable is available here, the ride takes about an hour. Sometimes in the winter there's a desk with Alpico staff selling tickets for the bus, but if not you can purchase a ticket when you board. Get off the bus at Happo Bus Terminal. And if you haven't already, let us know by email or phone what time you'll be arriving in Hakuba, so one of the crew can pick you up at the station and drive you up to Starfall!


NAGANO SNOW SHUTTLES
If you're looking for a direct ride from Haneda to Hakuba, a good option is the Nagano Snow Shuttle service by JHN Travel. These buses run several times throughout the day, take approximately 6 hours, and cost approximately ¥15,000 per person.

They'll drop you off at Hakuba Station and one of our staff will come and pick you up and bring you to the lodge. This can be a great option if you are bringing your own ski gear and don't want to lug your stuff around while trying to navigate the public transport.

Reservations are essential, you can check out the timetable and make a booking on their website: NaganoSnowShuttle.com
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PRivate taxi
The last option for direct transport from Haneda to Hakuba is a private taxi with Chuo Taxi. This option is the most convenient, as you can schedule it for your arrival time so there's no waiting around, and they'll drop you directly to Starfall. And if you're flying into Japan later than 5:40PM and still want to get to Hakuba that night, the Chuo Taxi service is your only option.

The vans can technically fit up to 8 passengers, however if there is a lot of luggage or ski bags, Chuo recommends a maximum of 7 to be sure everything can fit.

As you'd probably expect this is usually the most expensive option, however for a group of 6-8 it's actually pretty close to the cost of the Nagano Snow Shuttle or public transport. As of 2024, prices start at ¥102,000 for a group of 4, with an additional fee of ¥5,000 per person up to the maximum of 8.

Reservations are essential for this service as well, you can make a reservation via their website: ChuoTaxi.co.jp