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 5:15PM train from the airport. If you don't think you'll have landed, collected your luggage and cleared immigration by 5PM, check out the section below on the Nagano Snow Shuttle bus.

Our recommended public transport route is as follows, it takes 4-5 hours depending on your transfers, and should cost approximately ¥14,000 per person:

1. Take the Keisei Skyliner from Narita to Keisei Ueno station. It runs every 20 minutes, and takes about 40 minutes.
‍
2. Transfer from Keisei Ueno station to the Japan Rail (JR) Ueno station. There's signage throughout Keisei Ueno station to point you in the right direction, look for the green JR signs. You'll come out onto the street and walk about 50 meters, cross the road and then enter JR Ueno station under the train tracks.
‍
3. Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Ueno station to Nagano station. You'll want to purchase a reserved seat ticket, visit the JR ticket office inside Ueno 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 the 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!

PRivate taxi
The last option for direct transport from Narita 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 7:30PM 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