Getting Here

The White Horse Hotels take pride in the service we offer all our guests. We will help you organise all your travel arrangements to make your stay in Japan as simple and carefree as possible. Please let us know your preferred travel arrangements when booking with us and we will advise you on the best options.




From Narita Airport

Narita airport is one of the busiest in the world handling over 35 million passengers per year. It usually takes between 30 – 60 minutes to get through the arrivals area from landing time.

Shared Taxi service

We can organise a direct link from the airport to our hotels in Hakuba via a shared taxi service. Your driver will be waiting as you step out of the arrivals area. This option is handy if you are on a late arrival. Travel time is approximately 5 hours. Please ask us for more information when you book your stay.

Trains

The quickest and most comfortable way to get to us is by trains and bus.
As you step out of the arrivals area at the airport the directions to the train station on the lower levels are well signed.

The Narita Express to Tokyo Station departs frequently from the airport station. Travel Time is approximately 1 hour. Look for the green JR ticket box. The customer service person will speak English however remember when in Japan to speak slowly and clearly.

Hyperdia is also a good resource for all trains traveling from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station and any other train travel throughout Japan.

JR East 4 day FlexiPass

JR East offers international tourists a range of train passes that allow for multiple trips throughout Japan on their lines. The 4 day FlexiPass is one that can be used for any 4 days during a 30 day period on their long haul lines and as many times on the JR lines in Tokyo for the full 30 days. A good option if you are going to spend a few days in Tokyo before or after your ski trip. Please inquire at the JTB office in your city for tickets and you can validate the pass when you arrive at the Airport train stations.

JR Ticket Box at Narita Station

From Tokyo
The bullet train is synonymous with Japan and we can thoroughly recommend the experience. The left hand side of the train may reward you an opportunity to view Mt Fuji on a clear day as you travel through Tokyo.Mt Fuji
A ticket can be purchased from the airport when you buy your Tokyo ticket from the JR ticket box. The Nagano Bullet Train (Asama Shinkansen) takes approximately 90 minutes. When you get off the train from the airport make your way up the escalators to the main concourse. Follow the green train emblem to the Shinkansen ticket check. It may take you 10 minutes to get to the platform from the Narita train.

Nagano Shinkansen emblem

Ticket check stalls at Tokyo Station

The ride is very comfortable with reclining seats and plenty of storage space at both ends of each carriage. If you have 15 minutes to spare head down to the Gransta food court on the lower level of the main concourse to grab yourself one of the hundreds of bento boxes on selection for your trip. If you don’t have time don’t despair as there is a food cart that proceeds through the carriages with a few treats and drinks.
There is a pay phone on the train to call the White Horse and let us know your arrival time for your pick up. If you are using a mobile phone please go between the carriages to talk. The Japanese are very courteous to other passengers and do not use their phones on public transport.
If you have pre-arranged a pick up from Nagano please let us know as soon as possible of your arrival time. Your driver will be waiting outside the ticket check stalls to take you to the van.
For those catching the bus to Hakuba turn left after the ticket check stalls and walk about 50 meters and turn left at the bottom of the stairs. From here you will see the bus terminal on the ground level. The Hakuba bus stop is number 6. You can check the bus timetable here.

Please get off at the Happo Bus Terminal. Ringing prior to your arrival will ensure that our van will be there for when you arrive to bring you to our hotels.

From Shinjuku
Chuo Limited Express (Super Azusa). It departs from Shinjuku Station and travels directly to Hakuba via Matsumoto. Travel time of 4 hours and has some great views along the way. We will pick you up from Hakuba Train Station.
The cheapest option is the bus from Shinjuku.

There is an overnight bus also. We will pick you up at Happo bus terminal
From Nagoya
The Chuo Limited Express (Shinano) departs from Nagoya Station and travels via Masumoto to Hakuba.

We will pick you up from Hakuba Train station.

A shared taxi service is also available direct to the hotel from Nagoya airport. Please ask us for more information.
From Osaka or Kyoto
Departing Osaka or Kyoto catch the Sanya Shinkansen to Nagoya then transfer to the Chuo limited express (Shinano) Departs from Nagoya direct to Hakuba. Travel time is about 4hrs 30min.

Car hire
Car hire can be arranged from all airports and Nagano Station. A hire car is a great idea if you want to move around Nagano freely and try some of the resorts a little further away like Shiga Kogen and Nozawa Onsen. The navi system makes getting around quite easy. Snow tyres and 4WD are a must in Hakuba during the snow season. An International Drivers License is required to drive in Japan. Please ask us for more information.

Baggage delivery service
The baggage delivery service in Japan is a great idea for those that don’t like carrying all their ski gear around with them. It is best if you spending a day or 2 in Tokyo before you come to Hakuba. It will usually take 24 hours to get to our hotel. There are a number of operators at the Airport terminal as you come out of the arrivals area.

Baggage delivery counter at Narita

We can also organize your gear to be delivered back to Narita to be picked up at the check in counter areas before your departure. Please ask us for more information during your stay.

Tokyo Accommodation

Tokyo is an amazing city with lots to do. Tack on a few days prior to or at the end of your ski trip to savour some of what it has to offer. We have a number of recommendations for hotels in Tokyo to suit all budgets. Please inquire when booking your stay with us.

Public Bus Timetable 2007-08 Winter