Ways to get to Nozawa Onsen Village.
1) From Narita Airport to Nozawa Onsen Village
Train Route via Tokyo & Iiyama
a) Narita → Tokyo/Ueno
・Narita Express (NEX) to Tokyo Station (~60 min)
・Or Keisei Skyliner to Ueno Station (~40 min)
b) Tokyo/Ueno → Iiyama
・Transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen (e.g., Hakutaka service) to Iiyama Station,
~100–120 min, hourly departures
c) Iiyama → Nozawa Onsen
・Take the Nozawa Onsen Liner bus (~20–25 min, ~¥600, cash or Suica)
・Get off at Nakao or Shinden (or Chuo Terminal). It’s an easy 5–10 min walk to Snow Palace Nozawa
2) From Haneda Airport to Nozawa Onsen Village
a) Haneda → Tokyo Station
You have two options:
・Airport Limousine Bus to Tokyo Station – about 60 minutes, most convenient with luggage.
・Tokyo Monorail → Hamamatsucho, then JR Yamanote Line to Tokyo Station – total ~30 minutes
b) Tokyo → Iiyama Station (Shinkansen)
・At Tokyo Station, catch the Hokuriku Shinkansen (via the Hakutaka service),
a high-speed train reaching Iiyama in approximately 100–120 minutes. Trains depart roughly hourly.
c) Iiyama → Nozawa Onsen (Nozawa Onsen Liner Bus)
・From Iiyama Station, board the Nozawa Onsen Liner:
・Roughly 25 minutes to Nozawa village.
・Cost: around ¥600.(Pay by cash or Suica card)
・Buses run every 1–2 hours, but schedules may not perfectly align with train arrivals.
・Tip: If your bus doesn’t line up with the train’s arrival, you may need to wait at Iiyama for the next one.
・Get off at Nakao or Shinden (or Chuo Terminal). It’s an easy 5–10 min walk to Snow Palace Nozawa
Taxis are also available: Taxis are usually available right outside Iiyama Station. If none are waiting, you can arrange one at the station’s Tourist Information Centre (open until 6:00 pm). The fare to Nozawa Onsen is generally between ¥7,000 and ¥8,000.
– You can also pre-book a taxi through the Nozawa Onsen Kotsu online reservation form at https://nozawaonsen.info/en/taxi/
– They typically have English-speaking staff. Phone: +81-269-85-3333.
3) Alternative: Direct Snow Shuttle Bus
・The Nagano Snow Shuttle offers direct service from Narita to Nozawa Onsen (Chuo Terminal) in 5–6 hours:
・Daytime & evening departures (e.g., 9:15, 14:30, 20:30)
・Cost: ~¥14,850–¥16,500 (includes luggage)
・Drops you off at a Chuo Bus terminal or directly at our facility
・Pros: One transfer, no luggage hassle
・Cons: Slower than train route and less flexible timing
・Please visit their website at https://naganosnowshuttle.com/
Time & Cost Comparison
| Route | Time | Cost (Approximately) |
| Train route | ~3 to 4 hours | ¥12,000 – ¥13,000 |
| Snow Shuttle route | ~5 to 6 hours | ¥15,000 to ¥16,500 (luggage included) |
・Train route is fastest but involves transfers.
・Snow Shuttle is easier with bags and offers direct service, especially in winter.
– Please visit their website at https://naganosnowshuttle.com/
4) Kyoto/Osaka to Nozawa Onsen Village
A) Route: Kyoto/Osaka → Kanazawa → Iiyama → Nozawa Onsen
a) Take the Thunderbird Limited Express
・From Kyoto Station or Shin-Osaka Station to Kanazawa Station
・Time: ~2 hours 20 minutes
・Cost: ~¥7,000
b) Transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen
・From Kanazawa Station to Iiyama Station
・Time: ~1 hour
・Cost: ~¥6,000
c) Take the Nozawa Onsen Liner bus
・From Iiyama Station to Nozawa Onsen Village
・Time: ~20 minutes
・Cost: ~¥600 (cash or Suica)
– Total time: ~4.5–5 hours
– Total cost: ~¥13,500
B) Route: Kyoto/Osaka → Tokyo → Iiyama → Nozawa Onsen (Alternative via Tokyo (Longer but more frequent)
a) Shinkansen (Tokaido Line)
・From Kyoto or Shin-Osaka to Tokyo Station
・Time: ~2.5–3 hours
・Cost: ~¥14,000
b) Transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen
・From Tokyo to Iiyama Station
・Time: ~1 hour 40 minutes
・Cost: ~¥8,000
c) Bus to Nozawa Onsen
・Iiyama → Nozawa Onsen Liner: ~20minutes, ¥600
Total time: ~5.5–6 hours
Total cost: ~¥22,000
Taxis are also available: Taxis are usually available right outside Iiyama Station. If none are waiting, you can arrange one at the station’s Tourist Information Centre (open until 6:00 pm). The fare to Nozawa Onsen is generally between ¥7,000 and ¥8,000.
You can also pre-book a taxi through the Nozawa Onsen Kotsu online reservation form at https://nozawaonsen.info/en/taxi/
– They typically have English-speaking staff. Phone: +81-269-85-3333.
Winter Only: Nagano Snow Shuttle (Osaka/Kyoto → Nozawa)
・Some winters, the Nagano Snow Shuttle operates a direct overnight bus from the Kansai region to Nozawa.
・Time: ~8–10 hours (overnight)
・Cost: Around ¥13,000–¥15,000 (includes luggage)
・Check schedule for availability—only in peak ski season (Dec–Mar).
Summary Table
| Route | Time | Cost(approx) | Notes |
| Kyoto/Osaka → Kanazawa → Liyama → Nozawa | 4.5 – 5 hrs | ¥13,500 | Scenic, efficient, fewer transfers |
| Kyoto/Osaka → Tokyo → Liyama → Nozawa | 5.5 – 6 hrs | ¥22,000 | More frequent trains, but more expensive |
| Overnight snow shuttle (Winter season only) |
8 – 10 hrs | ¥13,000 – ¥15,000 | Direct, No transfers, good with luggage |
Please visit their website at https://naganosnowshuttle.com/
Booking your Shinkansen tickets:
– The easiest way is to buy them at the station in Japan from a ticket machine (English available) or at the ticket counter.
– Please refer to at: https://www.eki-net.com/en/jreast-train-reservation/Top/Index
– Most trains have non-reserved cars — arrive early and line up if you don’t have a seat reservation.
– During busy times (holidays, weekends), consider booking online in advance. Tickets are usually available 1 month before travel.
– Online bookings still need to be exchanged for a paper ticket by scanning your QR code at the station ticket machine.
– Nozawa Onsen Liner bus cannot be booked online — buy from the vending machine outside Iiyama Station or use your Suica card.
– Up to 3 buses run per departure time.