Whether you're arriving from Tokyo, Kanazawa, or elsewhere, Nagano is the perfect base for a full day on the slopes. On this page, you'll find everything you need to know about skiing from Nagano Station, including how to reach nearby resorts, where to rent equipment, and the easiest way to enjoy a hassle-free snow day with a convenient guided ski tour. On this page you will find the following information:
Why Start Your Ski Trip from Nagano Station?
Nagano Station is a major hub on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line, making it easily accessible from Tokyo (1.5 hours) or Kanazawa (1 hour). From here, you’re within reach of dozens of ski resorts, and if you're planning a winter trip to Japan, starting your ski adventure from Nagano Station is one of the smartest, most flexible choices you can make. A couple of reasons why include:
More Affordable Accommodation
While ski resorts offer slopeside convenience, they often come with:
- Higher nightly rates
- Limited availability in peak season
- Overcrowded communal areas and restaurants
In contrast, staying near Nagano Station gives you access to:
- A wide range of hotels—from affordable business hotels to boutique ryokan
- Better availability during the winter season
- More competitive pricing, especially if you're staying multiple nights
- Easier access to your hotel right from the main train station in Nagano City
You can enjoy a comfortable base in the city and take easy day trips to the slopes without the high price tag of resort accommodations. We can help settle accommodation at the following accommodations, and Hotel Kokusai 21 even offers hotel pick-up for our convenient all-in-one ski tour.
More Than Just Snow: Experience Nagano as a Whole
When you base yourself in Nagano City, you get the best of both worlds:
- Spend the day skiing Japan’s world-class powder
- Return in the evening to explore local attractions, enjoy local cuisine and more varied dining options, or relax in a downtown onsen bathhouse
- Use your rest days from skiing to explore the greater Nagano area in places like Zenkoji Temple, Togakushi Shrines, and Matsumoto Castle, just to name a few
- Try regional specialties like soba noodles, oyaki dumplings, and local sake without being stuck at a single resort lodge
It’s a great way to add depth to your Japan trip—combining adventure with culture.
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
Recommended
1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Experience Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku
- Spots:
- NaganoMatsumotoKiso Valley
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityMatsumoto
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityMatsumoto
Various Challenges to Staying within the City Limits
Despite the convenience of staying within Nagano City, it does offer various challenges that can be difficult for a first-time or even veteran visitor to overcome such as:
- Limited bus connections and irregular winter timetables
- Language barriers at ticket counters and rental shops
- Difficulty coordinating equipment rental, lift passes, and transport
That’s why it’s important to plan carefully—or opt for a service that handles it all for you.
Easiest Option: 1-Day Guided Ski Tour from Nagano Station
Looking for the simplest, most stress-free way to enjoy a day on the slopes? The 1-Day Guided Ski Tour from Nagano Station takes care of everything—so you can focus on enjoying your day skiing or snowboarding, not logistics.
Here’s what’s included:
- Comfortable round-trip transport from Nagano Station (departing at 07:40)
- Full-day lift pass and access to the slopes
- Full Ski or Snowboard rental — including ski wear, helmet, visor, and gloves
- Support for beginners and English-speaking staff on-site
- Optional 2-hour Beginner Lesson
- Return to Nagano Station by approximately 17:30 to enjoy the rest of your night
Ideal for first-timers, families, and day-trippers from Tokyo—this tour removes all the hassle of planning and lets you enjoy Japan’s world-class snow with ease, and spend the rest of your day relaxing in the heart of the city.
1-Day Ski Tour Package from Nagano Station
- Spots:
- Nagano
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
How to Get to Various Ski Resorts from Nagano Station on Your Own
From its central location in the Japanese Alps, Nagano City serves as a convenient launch point to many of the region’s best ski resorts. Whether you're heading to Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Togakushi, or beyond, our dedicated page—‘How to Get to the Best Nagano Ski Resorts from Nagano City: Your Winter Travel Hub’—breaks down your transport options and what to expect when navigating buses, trains, and shuttles from Nagano Station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent ski gear at Nagano Station?
No, there are no rental shops at the station itself. Rentals are typically done at or near the ski resort. This is why taking our day tour is the most convenient, as we take you to our own in-house ski rental area right near Nagano Station so that you can ski as soon as you hit the resort without waiting in lines.
Are English services available at rental shops?
Some larger shops offer basic English support, but many do not. It's best to book in advance or go through a guided tour.
Can I visit more than one ski resort in a day?
Not easily. Each resort requires a unique route and transportation method—plan to commit to one per day.
Where should I stay if I want to ski multiple days?
Nagano City makes a great base for day trips, so you can take our tour multiple days in a row and be able to stay in the city and take rest days at your own convenience. We offer hotel options for these purposes, so please feel free to reach out and inquire if you would like to know about our partner hotels!