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How to get to Hakuba

Hakuba, located in northwest Nagano Prefecture, has become easily accessible since Olympic Road and the Nagano Shinkansen (now the Hokuriku Shinkansen) were built for the 1998 Nagano Olympics. If you're coming by car, the Nagano IC (Joshinetsu Expressway), Azumino IC (Nagano Expressway) and Itoigawa IC (Hokuriku Expressway) are the closest exits.
If you're using public transport, you can either come by Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano or Itoigawa station and take a bus to Hakuba, or take the Azusa Express or Shinano Express to Hakuba Station. There are also express buses from Kanto or Kansai. Coming by car is convenient, whether it's yours or you're renting one, due to the ease of getting around the village and carrying large pieces of luggage like skis and snowboards. That said, some people aren't keen on driving on unfamiliar snowy surfaces. Some may also choose public transport to minimize their environmental impact.

The shuttle bus is convenient

Shuttle buses operate during the season for those of you who want to enjoy your stay in Hakuba without a car. In daytime, the buses run frequently between major hotels and hotel streets to ski pistes, and between ski pistes, so if you know the bus stops and timetable in advance, you can reach the ski resort easily even if you do not drive. Most of the shuttles buses operated by ski pistes are free. Just get on the bus in your ski boots, carrying your skis or snowboards, and the bus will drop you off at the ski piste. If you drive, you'll have to find a parking space or park far from the ski piste. But with the bus, you're good to go as soon as you get off the bus.

Night shuttle bus "Genkigo"

So, you can use the shuttle bus to get from your hotel to your ski piste, but what about après ski? You're here after all, so why not enjoy a taste of Hakuba's night life? You might be thinking, "I want to go to dinner or a party, but they're all far from my hotel," or, "I brought a car but I want to enjoy a drink." If these concerns are holding you back, not to worry, because from late December to the end of February the Genkigo night shuttle bus is there to help out. Fees are just 300 yen per ride (*500 yen for the Omachi Line) - much cheaper than calling a taxi or a substitute driver.
To use this bus, you have to first find out where and when it runs. You can find the bus stops and when the bus stops there from <http://www.kanko-omachi.gr.jp/info/img_1/genki_go2015.pdf>. It's just a matter of checking which bus stop is closest to where you're headed. There are four bus routes, all passing through Hakuba station and the central town of Happo where most shops and restaurants are. Starting from there, the Blue and Red lines circle around the area with many restaurants, the Omachi Line travels to and from JR Shinano Omachi station, and the Otari Line to and from Green Plaza Hotel Hakuba (Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort). The schedule is subject to change due to road conditions or weather, but make sure to get to your bus stop at least five minutes before to avoid missing the bus.
The shuttle bus is a great way to move from one place to another and enjoy yourself to the fullest, avoiding the risks of drink-driving and unexpected accidents that could ruin your precious visit to Hakuba.
text : Kensuke Itahara

Facility Information

Hakuba Cortina Ski Resort
Address
12860-1 Chikuniotsu, Otari-mura, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano 399-9422
URL
https://snow.gurunavi.com/guide/htm/r0033ens.htm

Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort
Address
12851 Oaza Chikuni Aza Wakaguri Otsu, Otari-mura, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano 399-9422

Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort
Address
Tsugaike, Otari-mura, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano 399-9422
URL
https://snow.gurunavi.com/guide/htm/r0144ens.htm

Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field
Address
Iwatake, Hakuba-mura, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano 399-9301
URL
https://snow.gurunavi.com/guide/htm/r0143ens.htm

Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort
Address
Happo, Hakuba-mura, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano 399-9301
URL
https://snow.gurunavi.com/guide/htm/r0142ens.htm

Hakuba47 Winter Sports Park
Address
24196-47 Kamishiro, Hakuba-mura, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano 399-9211
URL
https://snow.gurunavi.com/guide/htm/r0061ens.htm

Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort
Address
Kamishiro, Hakuba-mura, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano 399-9211
URL
https://snow.gurunavi.com/guide/htm/r0041ens.htm

Kashimayari Ski Resort
Address
Kurosawa Kogen, Taira, Omachi-shi, Nagano 398-0001
URL
https://snow.gurunavi.com/guide/htm/r0196ens.htm

Jiigatake Ski Resort
Address
4819 Taira, Omachi-shi, Nagano 398-0001

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