Narita / Haneda → Echigo-Yuzawa
From Narita or Haneda Airport, you can travel into central Tokyo, then take the Shinkansen or a bus to Echigo-Yuzawa. You can also rent a car and drive there.
Public Transportation
Arrive at the airport
From Narita Airport, travel into central Tokyo, then take the Shinkansen or a bus to Echigo-Yuzawa Station. If you are heading to Naeba Ski Resort, a direct bus is also available.
FastestJR Pass not valid
Travel time approx. 40 min
One way ¥2,580
SKYLINER, operated by Keisei Electric Railway, is the fastest train from Narita Airport to central Tokyo. Take it to the final stop, Keisei Ueno, then leave the station and walk about 3 minutes to JR Ueno Station. From there, take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa.
SKYLINER is not covered by the JR Pass.
JR Pass valid
Travel time approx. 60 min
One way ¥3,140
N'EX takes a little longer than SKYLINER, but is more convenient if you plan to explore Tokyo before heading to Echigo-Yuzawa and are staying near Tokyo Station, Ginza, Shibuya or Shinjuku.
With a JR Pass, you can take N'EX to Tokyo Station, then the Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa.
Travel time approx. 70 min
One way ¥1,500late-night and early-morning services ¥3,000
The airport bus is an affordable way to reach central Tokyo. Seats are unreserved, and advance reservations are currently suspended. Buy a ticket for a specific departure at a Narita Airport terminal ticket counter. Each passenger may bring one piece of luggage with a combined length, width and height of no more than 158 cm.
No bicycles, skis, snowboards, cardboard boxes or extra bags beyond one per passenger, either on board or in the luggage hold.
Travel time approx. 4.5 hours
One way ¥8,000
This winter-only express bus runs directly from Narita Airport to Naeba Prince Hotel. For the 2026–27 ski season, service is planned from December 12 to March 21, with 2 departures each evening. Buses leave Terminal 1 at 18:30 and 19:30, arriving at approximately 22:55 and 23:25, respectively. Each passenger is generally allowed 2 checked bags. Check the official website for the latest timetable.
Skis and snowboards 2 m or longer are not accepted on board or in the luggage hold. Equipment under 2 m may also be refused; acceptance cannot be guaranteed in advance. We recommend sending your gear by courier.
TransferTokyo Station / Ueno Station
From Haneda Airport, travel into central Tokyo, then take the Shinkansen or a bus to Echigo-Yuzawa Station.
JR Pass valid
Travel time approx. 30 min
One way ¥720
Take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station, then transfer to the JR Yamanote or Keihin-Tohoku Line for central Tokyo. We recommend a Suica card for quick access through ticket gates. You can also add and top up Suica in the Wallet app on your iPhone.
The Tokyo Monorail is covered by the JR Pass.
The Tokyo Subway Ticket is not valid on this route.
JR Pass not valid
Travel time approx. 40 min
One way ¥540
Take the Keikyu Airport Line to Shinagawa Station, then transfer to the JR Yamanote, Yokosuka or Keihin-Tohoku Line for central Tokyo. We recommend a Suica card for quick access through ticket gates. You can also add and top up Suica in the Wallet app on your iPhone.
The JR Pass and Tokyo Subway Ticket are not valid on the Keikyu Airport Line.
To Tokyo Station approx. 40–55 minto T-CAT approx. 25 min
One way to Tokyo Station ¥1,200one way to T-CAT ¥1,000
The Limousine Bus is not the cheapest option, but its direct hotel services are convenient if you have a lot of luggage or want to avoid transfers or crowded trains.
Each passenger may check two pieces of luggage. Carry-on items can be placed on the luggage rack or at your feet.
TransferCentral Tokyo
From central Tokyo, take the Joetsu Shinkansen or an express bus to Echigo-Yuzawa. For GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort, get off at GALA Yuzawa Station instead.
Travel time from 66 min
Reserved seat ¥6,900non-reserved seat ¥6,370
At Tokyo or Ueno Station, follow the signs for the Shinkansen and board the Joetsu Shinkansen toward Niigata. You can travel directly to Echigo-Yuzawa Station without changing trains. Check your arrival time or watch the onboard display so you do not miss your stop and continue to Nagaoka or Niigata.
Travel time approx. 3.5 hours
One way on weekdays ¥4,000one way on weekends and holidays ¥4,500
Direct buses to Naeba Ski Resort depart from Sunshine City Prince Hotel or Ikebukuro Station (East Exit). This service runs only in winter. Fares are lower on weekdays and higher on weekends, holidays and over New Year. Check the Seibu Bus website for the latest timetable and fares.
Arrive in Echigo-Yuzawa
Non-Japanese passport holders only
Non-Japanese passport holders only
Non-Japanese passport holders only
Road Trip
The drive from Narita or Haneda Airport to Echigo-Yuzawa takes about 4 hours. Leave the expressway at Yuzawa IC. Some expressway entrances and exits require ETC, so we recommend renting an ETC toll card with your car.
Make sure your car is fitted with snow tires before driving to Yuzawa in winter.
Drive slowly on snowy roads, leave plenty of space between vehicles and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns. Before setting off, check the weather, snow conditions and road closures. Heavy snow may cause delays or make roads impassable. Clear snow from the roof and windows before driving again after parking.
If you are not used to driving in snow, we recommend taking public transportation.
Japanese travel booking sites such as Rakuten Travel and Jalan work with multiple car rental companies, so you can compare prices in one place. Discount coupons and reward points can help you get a better deal.
If you cannot find the model or features you need on travel booking sites, try the rental companies' official websites, such as Nippon Rent-A-Car, TOYOTA Rent a Car or Nissan Rent a Car. These usually offer the most complete selection and details to help you book a suitable car.
Nippon Rent-A-CarTOYOTA Rent a CarNissan Rent a CarJ-Net Rent-A-CarJR Eki Rent-A-Car
Snow Resort Access
湯沢中里
苗場
石打丸山
岩原
神立
舞子
かぐら
ガーラ
湯沢高原
上越国際
NASPA
湯沢
中里
一本杉
Let’s go!!