For the most convenient travel to Nozawa Onsen from Narita or Haneda airports, we recommend using our Snow Shuttle service. If you're starting from Tokyo, you can take the Bullet Train to Iiyama and then transfer to the Nozawa Onsen Liner to reach us. The journey from Narita Airport to Nozawa Onsen can be as quick as 2–3 hours by bullet train from Tokyo City, while the shuttle from Narita and Haneda airports takes about 5–6 hours.
You can also send your bags directly to us, making it easier to travel.
The easiest way to get to Nozawa Onsen is via the Snow Shuttle bus service direct from airports in Tokyo. If you are flying to Tokyo on a late flight you don’t need to spend the night, just book the Snow Shuttle and be delivered to our door so you can the next day on the mountain.
The service includes pick up and drop off at Narita and Haneda airports.
As a guest of Stay Nozawa, we can book the service for you and add it to your account.If you would like to book the service, ensure you get in early as seats fill up quickly.
The Snow Shuttle service will run from 20 December 2024 until 9 March 2025.
To request a booking please follow the link below. You will receive a confirmation email to confirm your booking.
Please include the name of each passenger on their respective ticket.
If you’re coming from Narita Airport, you can take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station, and then the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Iiyama Station. Alternatively, you can take the Keisei Skyliner to Ueno Station, and then the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Iiyama Station.
From Haneda Airport, take the Tokyo Monorail and Yamanote Line to Tokyo Station, and then the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Iiyama Station.
When you arrive at Iiyama Station, catch the Nozawa Liner Bus or grab a taxi to the Chuo Bus Terminal in Nozawa Onsen.
Please download the bus schedule before you leave.
If you would like your luggage picked up from Chuo bus terminal and dropped off at your accommodation or vice versa please email or call our bookings team.
To get to Nozawa Onsen, most people take the bullet train from Tokyo Station to Iiyama Station, and then either arrange a private transfer or ride the Nozawa Onsen Liner bus to the village. The Nozawa Onsen Liner leaves around 10 minutes after each bullet train (except the last one), so plan accordingly. During peak seasons, it’s a good idea to buy your return Shinkansen tickets before you get to Nozawa Onsen because they can sell out.
*Please select ‘undecided’ for ticket pick-up station.
Enjoy hassle-free winter travel with our private transfer service, catering to groups of up to 8 people. Our transfer service operates between 8:30 am and 9:00 pm. However, please note that due to limited availability, we strongly recommend booking in advance to secure your spot.
Upon your arrival at Iiyama station, our driver will be there to greet you. They will drive you from the station to your chosen accommodation.
If you are departing Nozawa, our driver will pick you up directly from your accommodation. To ensure you don’t miss your train, we schedule the pick-up 1 hour prior to your train’s departure time, ensuring you reach Iiyama station with ample time to spare.
Guests from Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka often choose to drive to Nozawa Onsen. This can be a good option if you're traveling with a large group or planning to visit other nearby resorts or villages. However, most international visitors don't drive here due to the challenging navigation and the fact that a car isn't necessary in Nozawa Onsen. The town is compact, allowing you to walk everywhere easily, or use the shuttle bus or a taxi. Parking is limited and can be problematic, especially in winter when you might need to dig out your car.
Driving from Tokyo to Nozawa Onsen in winter can be difficult. The cost of renting a car isn't much cheaper than taking the train or bus, and unless you're comfortable with Japanese expressways, those options might be better. Additionally, winter roads can be hazardous, so if you decide to drive, ensure you have a 4WD vehicle with winter tires or chains, extra antifreeze, and a reliable GPS or map.
There are several routes from Tokyo, and Google Maps or your navigation system will be helpful. One option is to drive to Yuzawa via the Kanetsu Expressway, then take Route 353 and Route 117 through the mountains to Nozawa Onsen. The nearest expressway is Joshinetsu, and the nearest national road is Route 117.
Please note that parking is very limited in town and your accommodation might not have any car parking available. Please let our booking team know if you plan to drive here.
Nagano Snow Shuttle also offer a inter-resort bus service directly from Nozawa to/from another resort.
As a guest of Stay Nozawa, we can book the service for you and add it to your account.
If you would like to book the service, ensure you get in early as seats fill up quickly.
The Snow Shuttle service will run from 27 December 2023 until 03 March 2024.
To request a booking follow the link below. We will attempt to secure the booking for you and be in contact as soon as possible with the confirmation details and payment details.
Please include the name of each passenger on their respective ticket.
