With a well-developed rail and bus network, getting from Nagano Station to popular resorts like Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko Kogen, and Hakuba is straightforward — especially when planned in advance. Whether you're visiting for a day trip or a multi-day snow holiday, understanding the transport options and travel times will help you make the most of your time on the mountain.
Where is Nagano City?
Nagano City sits at the center of one of Japan’s premier winter sports regions, acting as the gateway to many of the country’s top ski resorts. Located approximately 245 kilometers northwest of Tokyo, it is easily reached in just 80 to 110 minutes via the Hokuriku Shinkansen. From Nagano Station, skiers and snowboarders have direct access to world-class resorts including Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen — all reachable within 1 to 2 hours. The 1998 Winter Olympic host city is the ideal starting point for a snow-filled getaway, with convenient transport links not only to Tokyo, but also to Matsumoto, Nagoya, and beyond via the Limited Express 'Shinano', and local trains such as the Nagano Dentetsu Line. Whether you're planning a day trip or a multi-day ski adventure, Nagano City puts the slopes within easy reach.
Book a Group or Private Ski Tour or a Private Charter right to the Resort!
1 Day Ski Tour Package from Nagano Station / December - March
Home to more than eighty ski resorts such as Nozawa Onsen, Shiga Kogen, Hakuba, and many more, as well as featuring some of the country’s best powder and terrain – all within easy access of Tokyo and its airports – we consider Nagano to be Japan’s best ski and snowboard destination. Perfect as a day trip from Tokyo, or just to enhance an already amazing Japan vacation, we're here to offer a stress free all-inclusive day ski package featuring everything you need to enjoy your day. From transport to the ski resort, rental equipment, lift passes, and even optional lessons, this package is perfect for those who wish to try skiing for the first time or experienced skiers who want to challenge Japan's slopes themselves without the hassle of carrying all of their equipment!
These group ski tours usually go to beginner resorts or areas that have our trusted partners like in Shiga Kogen or Kijimadaira Ski Resorts, but if you wish to have a hassle free trip to a resort of your choice for a day ski from Nagano Station with all package items included, you can consider booking a private tour with us. We can also just provide a vehicle and driver via all our private charter services, and you will see options for that further down this page for each resort area when available. We are open to providing any type of experience, so please inquire with us if you have a special request!
Getting to Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort
The resort of Nozawa Onsen is approximately 50 kilometers (<1 hour drive) to the northeast of Nagano City and is a favorite destination for international visitors given its excellent terrain, relatively compact size, and lively village. Offering 35 courses spread over 300 ha of terrain, Nozawa Onsen is a great option regardless of ability with many runs suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Many visitors heading to and from Nozawa, will do so via Nagano Station, enroute to Iiyama. The Hokuriku Shinkansen runs from Tokyo via Nagano to Iiyama Station, taking only 11 minutes. There are numerous trains per day. Afterward, you can take the bus lines that run to Nozawa Onsen from Iiyama Station. The Nozawa Onsen Liner runs directly from Iiyama Station to the resort, ending at the Chuo Bus Terminal in the middle of Nozawa. It takes 25 minutes and payment is made directly to the driver:
*The following timetables are out of date but serve as an example of roughly when the buses run.
From Iiyama Station to Nozawa
Iiyama Station 飯山駅 | Nozawa Onsen 野沢温泉 |
08:45 | 09:10 |
10:00 | 10:25 |
10:45 | 11:10 |
12:30 | 12:55 |
13:40 | 14:05 |
15:15 | 15:40 |
17:30 | 17:55 |
18:55 | 19:20 |
20:15 | 20:40 |
21:20 | 21:45 |
March 31, 2025 – December 12, 2025
From Nozawa to Iiyama Station
Nozawa Onsen 野沢温泉 | Iiyama Station 飯山駅 |
06:30 | 06:55 |
07:40 | 08:05 |
08:30 | 08:55 |
09:30 | 09:55 |
11:15 | 11:40 |
13:00 | 13:25 |
14:20 | 14:45 |
16:50 | 17:15 |
18:15 | 18:40 |
19:35 | 20:05 |
March 31, 2025 – December 12, 2025
Getting to Shiga Kogen Ski Resort
Located approximately 45 kilometers (1 hour drive) to the east of Nagano City, Shiga Kogen is Japan's largest ski resort, boasting over 600 hectares of terrain, Japan's highest chair-lifted ski run, and Nagano's best powder! Less developed and less crowded than other popular Nagano resorts, Shiga Kogen is the perfect destination for visitors looking for the beauty and freedom of a uniquely Japanese resort.
When traveling to Shiga Kogen from Nagano Station, the best and most direct option is the Nagaden Express Bus service directly to Shiga Kogen. The Nagaden Express Bus takes between 70 to 90 minutes depending where in Shiga Kogen you are disembarking. Exit the station’s East Exit and descend to the ground floor by the stairs or elevator.
The Nagaden Express Bus departs from Bus Stop 23 and takes approx. 70 minutes to reach the Shiga Kogen Yamanoeki Bus Station in the Hasuike ski fields - the gateway stop for the resort- and 90 minutes to reach Okushiga (the most distant area of the resort). Tickets are bought on the bus - directly from the driver with no reservation required - with numerous services each day during winter. Recently, the ability to pay use tap-to-pay capable credit cards has also been added. For the bus schedule, see our 'Nagaden Shiga Kogen Express Bus Timetable' page.
Getting to Hakuba Ski Resort
Located approximately 40 kilometers(<1 hour drive) to the west of Nagano City, the resorts of Hakuba Valley are some of the most popular in Nagano. Known for their excellent terrain, snow, and array of services and accommodation for English-speakers, the resorts of Hakuba attract visitors from all over the world.
Nagano City is the nearest major city to Hakuba and a major transport hub for people heading to the region's most popular resorts. Connected to Tokyo by the Hokuriku Shinkansen (see below), many if not most visitors will make their way to the resorts of Hakuba via Nagano Station. The ALPICO Hakuba Express Bus service operates multiple times a day from Bus Stop No.26 on the east side of the station. It takes approximately 75 minutes to reach the Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal. To check the bus schedule, please refer to our ‘ALPICO Hakuba Express Bus Timetable’ page. There are many different resorts in Hakuba, so depending on where you are staying you may need additional information to reach your destination which can be found on our 'How to Get to Hakuba - Nagano Ski Resorts Info' page.
Getting to Karuizawa Prince Snow Resort
Karuizawa is located around 70 kilometers to the south-east of Nagano As a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, Karuizawa Station is most easily reached using the train from Nagano taking around 30-minutes. Karuizawa sits around 1000 metres above sea level, blessing it with a cool alpine climate, and skiing from the 1st of November using artificial snow, offering some of the earliest skiing in the nation. From mid-December onward you can expect natural snow, but for those looking to ski in the late fall period it is more or less the best choice with views of Mount Asama the whole way down. For daily trains schedules, see our ‘Hokuriku Shinkansen Timetable’ page.
Getting to Kijimadaira Snow Park
The Kijima Snow Park very much flies under the radar for international visitors, and very few ever venturing to this distinctively local and cozy little resort. There’s a nice mix of terrain suitable for all levels with some gentle and wide runs perfect for beginners, while multiple black runs will keep advanced riders entertained. The black runs on the upper side of the resort are steep and left ungroomed, leaving a high chance for an unforgettable Japanese powder experience.
Kijimadaira can be reached from Nagano Station by first taking the Hokuriku Shinkansen service to Iiyama Station. From there, the shuttle services provide easy access to The Kijima Snow Park; by getting on the "Kijimadaira Shuttle" service shuttle from Iiyama station bus stop No. 4, you will be able to arrive directly to the snow park. Click here for the time schedule and details of the shuttle service.
Getting to the Madarao Kogen Ski Resort
The resort of Madarao lies to the northeast of Nagano City by approximately 40 kilometers and is known for its powder bowls and tree runs. Madarao Mountain Resort is an increasingly popular resort for international visitors. Offering around 30 courses spread over 75 hectares of terrain, Madarao is small. But what it lacks in size is made-up for with the fun and freedom of plenty of tree runs and heavy snow, best enjoyed in the resorts snow bowls.
Madarao Kogen Ski Resort can be reached from Nagano Station by first taking the Hokuriku Shinkansen service to Iiyama Station. Nagaden operates the following buses from Iiyama Station to the resort, with a couple of services each day also connecting to Nozawa Onsen and Tangaram – a resort which connects to Madarao. A one-way journey from Iiyama Station to Madarao takes approximately 30 minutes:
The following services return from Madarao to Iiyama Station:
Please note, that two services a day connect Madarao and Nozawa Onsen in winter. This service is often referred to as the 'NoToMa Express Line'.
Getting to Myoko Kogen Ski Resort
Located approximately 30 kilometers (<1 hour drive) directly north of Nagano City, the resorts making-up Myoko Kogen are known for their deep powder and relaxed approach to side and backcountry skiing, making them a preferred destination for advanced skiers and snowboarders. It is important to note that there are two train stations in the area of Myoko Kogen: 1. Joestu-Myoko Station and 2. Myoko-Kogen Station. Joetsu-Myoko Station is a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line running from Tokyo to Kanazawa and is therefore directly accessible from the capital. However, Myoko-Kogen Station is the nearest station to most resorts
Visitors heading to Myoko-Kogen Station from Nagano Station should take the Kita-Shinano Line. Taking approximately 45 minutes to reach, this is the most convenient option for accessing Akakura Kanko/Onsen, Ikenotaira, Suginohara and Seki Onsen. Joetsu-Myoko Station can be reached using the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line – approx. 20 min – but is likely only convenient when heading to Lotte Arai Resort. Please note, the Hokuriku Shinkansen does not stop at Myoko Kogen Station. From there you can take shuttles to reach the specific resorts that run regularly. For more information you can check our 'How to Get to Myoko Kogen - Nagano Ski Resorts Info' Page
Getting to Ryuoo Ski Park
Ryuoo Ski Park is considered the main resort of the Kita-Shiga Kogen grouping and is certainly the most popular, especially with snowboarders. The resort is dominated by the main 'Skyland Express' Ropeway that can ferry up to 166 passengers to the top station, from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding landscape and ever popular Sora Terrace café and observation deck.
To get to Ryuoo Ski Park from Nagano Station, you must first take a train on the local Nagano Dentetsu Line to Yudanaka Station. From Yudanaka Station, all four resorts of Kita-Shiga Kogen are within 20-minutes drive with taxis available immediately in front of the station. For visitors heading to Ryuoo Ski Park, the resort's free shuttle bus runs to and from the station multiple times each day through winter - see our 'Yudanaka Station' page for the timetable.
Getting to Togakushi Ski Resort
Togakushi Ski Resort is located only around 20 kilometers north of Nagano Station, and is actually administered as a part of Nagano City. It is nearby to other famous ski resorts such as Hakuba, Nozawa, and Shiga Kogen, but it maintains a more laid back and local character than those larger resorts. Togakushi offers a total of 58 hectares of terrain accessed via 19 ski runs and seven chairlifts. The resort sits between 1300 to 1749 meters with a modest 548 meters of vertical and actually offers some steep black runs which when full of powder, are left ungroomed and a lot of fun.
Exit Nagano Station via the Zenkoji Exit and head left toward the main intersection with the large video screen on the building across the street. Cross the road, turn left again, and walk a short distance to the Alpico Bus Stop No. 7 (pictured below), where buses bound for Togakushi depart.
Several buses run to Togakushi throughout the day, but the No. 70 bus is the most convenient. This route runs between Nagano Station and the Togakushi Ski Resort. To ensure a safe and comfortable ride for all passengers, seat reservations are encouraged on this route. Even if you don’t reserve in advance, you may still be allowed to board if seats are available, but reservations guarantee a smoother boarding experience and save you from waiting in line. For the most up-to-date schedule and to reserve your seat, visit Alpico’s official site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ski resorts are closest to Nagano City?
The closest ski resorts to Nagano City by distance is Togakushi and by time it is the Karuizawa Prince Snow Resort, but all of the resorts of this page are within easy reach of Nagano within 1.5 hours.
Can I book a ski tour or private transport from Nagano?
Yes! You can book both group ski tours and private ski charters departing from Nagano Station. Group tours are perfect for beginners and include trusted resort partners, while private tours or vehicle-only charters offer flexibility to choose your preferred destination and schedule. Just contact us or book one of our ready made tours!
What’s the easiest resort to reach from Tokyo using Nagano as a hub?
Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Hakuba are some of the most accessible from Tokyo via Nagano Station using the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Travel time from Tokyo to Nagano is just 80–110 minutes, with direct buses to the ski resorts from the station.
Are there local resorts less crowded than Hakuba and Nozawa?
Yes. Kijimadaira Snow Park, Togakushi, and Ryuoo Ski Park are excellent alternatives with fewer international visitors, offering a more local experience, uncrowded runs, and plenty of powder for adventurous skiers and snowboarders.
What is the earliest opening ski resort in Nagano?
Karuizawa often opens as early as November 1st using artificial snow, making it one of the earliest ski resorts to open in Japan. Located 30 minutes from Nagano by shinkansen, it’s ideal for early-season skiing or day trips. However, the earliest resort to open with fine powder snow would most likely be Shiga Kogen in early to mid-December as it is the highest ski resort by elevation in the country.