There are several ways you can get to Nozawa Onsen. We highly recommend using our Shuttle Bus Service, as this shuttle will take you all the way from the airport to Nozawa Onsen. Save the hassle of carrying your luggage – it’s too easy!
Snow Shuttle Bus from Narita/Haneda Airport to Nozawa Onsen
Fares from:
- From 14,190 Yen per person (2024/2025 season)
- Infants (3 years and under) travel free of charge.
Please note: No seat is guaranteed for infants.
Cheaper than the Chuo Taxi and easier than the train if you are arriving in the evening.
Chuo Taxi from Airport to Nozawa Onsen
When the Snow Shuttle is not operating, there is a reliable alternative transport service available from Tokyo’s airports.
The journey takes approximately 5–6 hours from either Narita or Haneda Airport to your accommodation in Nozawa Onsen, with regular comfort stops along the way.
You can book directly through Chuo Taxi Airport Direct website, which offers English-speaking assistance for international travelers.
- Email: otoiawase@chuotaxi.co.jp
- Ph (Japan): +81 262 82 7777
Train
There is shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Iiama Sataion. It only takes about 2 hours!
- From Narita or Haneda Airport, take an Express Train to Tokyo or Ueno Station (approx. 60–90 minutes)
- Catch the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Iiyama Station (approx. 100 minutes)
- From Iiyama Station, take the Nozawa Onsen Liner bus (approx. 600 yen) or a taxi (approx. 7,000 yen) to Nozawa Onsen Village (approx. 20 minutes)
Please note: The Nozawa Onsen Liner cannot be booked in advance. Tickets must be purchased from the machine next to the bus stop.
It is now possible to book Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online Book Bullet Trains on Line to Nozawa
Here is a great link to Train Travel to Nozawa Onsen and around Japan: Train Nozawa Onsen and around Japan
If you’d prefer not to carry large luggage on the train, you can send it ahead to Nozawa from the airport or anywhere in Japan using Black Cat (Yamato) Courier Service. More details here Courier Service Nozawa Onsen
Taxi from Iiyama Station to Nozawa Onsen
The Iiyama Station Tourist Office, located on the ground floor, is open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. English-speaking staff are available and can assist with booking a taxi on the day. However, please note that taxis can be difficult to secure at times due to a limited number of vehicles in the area.
For a more reliable option, you can pre-book a taxi with Nozawa Onsen Kotsu through their English-language website, as long as it’s more than three days before your travel date. If you need a taxi within three days, you’ll need to call their office directly. They usually have English-speaking staff available. Their taxis are fairly large and can comfortably accommodate a few passengers with luggage—just let them know the number of people in your group when booking.
Nozawa Onsen Kotsu: 0269 85 3333
The following two companies located in Iiyama City also offer taxi services and accept pre-bookings. However, please note that they do not have English-speaking staff.
Iiyama Kanko Hire: 0269 63 3232
Nagano Kotsu: 0269 62 2013
It costs approximately ¥7,000 from Iiyama Station to Nozawa, but please confirm the fare when booking your taxi.
Car – Not recommended during the snow season due to heavy snowfall and limited parking.
Guests living in Japan sometimes choose to drive up to Nozawa Onsen, which can be a good option for large groups. However, we do not recommend driving during the snow season, as road conditions can be challenging and dangerous both within the village and on routes to and from the main cities—even with 4WD and proper snow tires. Parking is very limited, and during winter, finding a spot—or digging your car out after heavy snowfall—can be difficult.
Once you arrive, a car is generally unnecessary since Nozawa Onsen is a compact village that’s easy to explore on foot.
Getting Around Town
We have a great map of the town, showing all the areas of interest. You can find it here.
