From Osaka, Kyoto & Nagoya

There are several good ways to reach Hakuba from Osaka, Kyoto or Nagoya, and the best choice will depend on where you are starting, your departure time and how much luggage you are carrying. This was also the advice on the old Morino Lodge site: journey times are broadly comparable, so it is worth checking the complete route for your particular travel date rather than relying on a single recommended connection.

By train, the standard route from Osaka or Kyoto is via Nagoya and Matsumoto. From Shin-Osaka or Kyoto Station, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya, then change to the Limited Express Shinano for Matsumoto. From Matsumoto, continue towards Hakuba on the JR Oito Line; some connections use the Limited Express Azusa for part of this journey. If you are starting in Nagoya, simply join the route there with the Shinano to Matsumoto. The Hakuba Valley access guide gives a useful overview, while NAVITIME is best for checking the connections that work for your actual departure time.

During winter, direct overnight buses can be an easier option, particularly if you are travelling with ski or snowboard bags. SNOWLINER operates seasonal services from Osaka and Kyoto to Hakuba, as well as a separate service from Nagoya to Hakuba. These serve several locations around Hakuba, including the Happo and Wadano area. Check the operator directly for current operating dates, boarding points and baggage conditions.

If you are arriving at Hakuba Station, Happo Bus Terminal or another agreed stop and would like Morino Lodge to collect you, please arrange this well in advance and keep us updated with your expected arrival time. Our vehicles are frequently in use, so an unscheduled pickup can involve a significant wait. If a pickup has been confirmed, remain at the agreed meeting point until our driver arrives.

For winter travel from Osaka, Kyoto or Nagoya, the simplest option may be a direct shuttle. Myoko Snow Transfer operates seasonal services to Myoko Kogen from all three cities, avoiding several train changes and making it particularly convenient if you are travelling with ski or snowboard equipment. Services operate only on selected winter dates, so check the current season information and book directly with the operator.

If travelling by train from Osaka or Kyoto, western access to Myoko is generally easiest via the Hokuriku route. Take the Limited Express Thunderbird to Tsuruga, then change to the Hokuriku Shinkansen for Joetsu-Myoko Station. From Joetsu-Myoko, the Echigo Tokimeki Railway Myoko Haneuma Line continues to Myoko-Kogen Station. JR West provides current rail connections, and the Myoko Tourism train guide has useful local information for the final part of the journey.

From Nagoya, another straightforward route is to take the Limited Express Shinano to Nagano Station and then change to the Shinano Railway Kita-Shinano Line for Myoko-Kogen Station. Depending on your starting point and departure time, travelling via Tsuruga and Joetsu-Myoko may also be possible, so it is worth comparing the complete journey using NAVITIME before booking.

Morino Lodge can collect guests from Myoko-Kogen Station, but please let us know your expected arrival time as far in advance as possible. Our vehicles are frequently in use during the day and an unscheduled request may involve a substantial wait. We cannot offer station pickups for evening arrivals. If you expect to arrive late, contact us beforehand and we can arrange a local taxi; Kogen Taxi operates between Myoko-Kogen Station and the Akakura area.