How To Get To Nozawa Onsen

Nozawa Onsen is located in the Nagano Prefecture, making it easily accessible from Tokyo. You can fly into either Haneda or Narita International Airports in Tokyo and then you have a few options for making your way to Nozawa. You can take a direct coach transfer, private shuttle or the famous Shinkansen Bullet Train. Read on below for all the details and if you require assistance or would like a quote, speak to one of our Japan travel specialists.

Shinkansen + Local Bus

Taking the famous Shinkansen or the “Bullet Train” is the fastest way to get to Nozawa, with the overall journey from the airport taking under 4 hours. The trip involves a few connections, so if you’re travelling with young children or have lots of luggage you may prefer a direct transfer.

If you’re traveling from Haneda or Narita Airport here’s how you get to Nozawa Onsen.

1. From Narita Airport take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station or if you’re coming from Haneda Airport you’ll need to take the monorail to Hamamatsucho Station and then the train to Tokyo station. 
2. From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen to Iiyama Station. The Bullet Train crosses the country in less than 2 hours at speeds of up to 300km/h.
3. From Iiyama Station you can take the Nozawa Onsen Liner Bus which runs multiple times a day and will take you to Nozawa Bus Terminal.
4.  From here you can either walk or take a take to your accommodation.

We provide all our customers with a connection timetable prior to your trip  to make the trip easy. If you have any issues during your journey, just ask one of the friendly Japanese staff at any of the stations and they will be happy to assist.

Direct Coach Transfer

The direct coach transfer is available from Haneda Airport or Narita Airport in Tokyo. The trip takes around 5 and a half hours each way but it’s perfect if you’re looking for a hassle free trip and if you don’t want to haul your luggage on the trains. A coach transfer is also ideal if you’re arriving at night as the trains may not be running that late. The coach will drop you off at the Nozawa Onsen Bus Terminal where you can walk, take a taxi or your accommodation may offer a pick up service. 

Shared Taxi

A shared taxi such as the Chuo Taxi offers door to door service and is the best option if your flight doesn’t line up with the times of the Airport Shuttle or is too late for the Shinkansen. This must be pre-booked and a driver will meet you upon your arrival in Tokyo and will drop you off at your accommodation in Nozawa Onsen.

Travelling From Other Cities

Japan is famous for its JR rail network which makes getting around the country easy. If you’re visiting Nozawa Onsen from other cities in Japan such as Kyoto, Osaka or Kanazawa, you can take the Shinkansen or “Bullet Train”. There are some helpful sites for planning your journey from city to city, we recommend Hyperdia or the Japan Travel App by Navitime.

Buying a JR Rail Pass is often the most cost effective option if you’re spending time in other cities before or after your ski trip. Speak to one of our Japan specialists and they’ll be able to recommend the best option for you.

Luggage Delivery Service

If you’re brining your own skis or snowboard and spending time in other cities of Japan, there is a convenient luggage delivery service. You can send your luggage ahead to the airport or accommodation and pick it up when you arrive. This is perfect if you’re wanting to spend time in Tokyo or other cities before or after your ski trip but don’t want to haul your luggage on the trains.

If you want to send your ski gear you can arrange this at the airport or your hotel reception. Luggage delivery usually takes about 1 – 3 days depending on where you send it from and costs between ¥1500-3000 depending on size and
distance.

Visit Yamato Transport or “Black Cat” for more info.