Getting here

Option A: Drive from Tokyo (cheaper)

Rent a car at the airport and drive the ~330 km to Joetsu. This is the more affordable option, especially for a group of 4.

• Car rental (7 days): ~¥35,000–¥50,000 (~AUD $370–530 / ~SGD $315–450 / ~£185–265)
• Expressway tolls (return): ~¥12,000–¥16,000 (~AUD $130–170 / ~SGD $110–145 / ~£65–85)
• Fuel (return): ~¥5,000–¥7,000 (~AUD $53–75 / ~SGD $45–63 / ~£26–37)
• Total for 4 people (7 days): roughly ¥55,000–¥75,000 (~AUD $580–790 / ~SGD $500–675 / ~£290–395)
• Drive time: ~3.5–4 hours each way (longer in heavy snow)
• Pros: cheapest overall, door-to-door with luggage, flexibility to stop en route
• Cons: tiring after a long flight, winter driving requires snow tyres/chains, need International Driving Permit

Option B: Train + local car hire (more convenient)

Take the Shinkansen to Joetsu-Myoko Station and hire a car locally for the duration of your stay. More relaxing but costs more.

• Shinkansen (return, 4 people): ~¥71,000 (~AUD $750 / ~SGD $640 / ~£375) for reserved seats
• Local car rental (7 days): ~¥35,000–¥50,000 (~AUD $370–530 / ~SGD $315–450 / ~£185–265)
• Total for 4 people (7 days): roughly ¥110,000–¥125,000 (~AUD $1,160–1,320 / ~SGD $990–1,125 / ~£580–660)
• Pros: fast (1h40m), stress-free, no winter highway driving, can nap or enjoy the scenery
• Cons: more expensive, need to get to Tokyo Station first, luggage can be cumbersome on trains

Luggage forwarding (Takkyubin)

Luggage shipping is amazing, and highly recommended if you build a buffer of 1 or 2 days in Tokyo either end of your trip.

• Yamato Transport (Kuroneko)
• Send from the airport, a convenience store, or your hotel
• Cost: ~¥2,000–¥4,000 per large item (~AUD $21–42 / ~SGD $18–36 / ~£11–21)
• Typically arrives next day — send on arrival day, collect at your accommodation the following day
• Ski and snowboard bags accepted — specify 'ski takkyubin' at the counter
• Forms are available in English at major airports (Narita and Haneda)

Fly to Tokyo (Narita or Haneda)

Most international visitors fly into Tokyo, then take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Joetsu-Myoko Station.

• Narita Airport (NRT): ~60 mins from Tokyo
• For Tokyo Station - take the Narita Express (N'EX) (~60 mins, ~¥4,070)
• For UENO Station - take the Keisei Skyliner to Ueno (~40 mins, ~¥2,520)
• If you are travelling direct to Takada on the bullet train then Narita>Ueno>Joetsu is the best option
• Haneda Airport (HND) — closer to central Tokyo, growing number of international flights
• From Haneda: take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho then JR to Tokyo Station (~30 mins) or Keikyu Line to Shinagawa then JR to Tokyo Station (~25 mins)
• Once at Tokyo Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Joetsu-Myoko Station

Shinkansen (Bullet Train) from Tokyo

The fastest and most convenient way from Tokyo to Myoko. Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Joetsu-Myoko Station.

• Departs from Tokyo Station, first stop is Ueno (board here if travelling from Narita)
• Journey time: approximately 1 hour 40 minutes
• Cost (reserved seat): ~¥8,910 (~AUD $95 / ~SGD $80 / ~£47 GBP)
• Joetsu-Myoko Station (上越妙高駅) is the closest Shinkansen stop
• From the station, it's a 10-minute drive to Takada

Hire a car and drive from Tokyo

For more flexibility, you can rent a car at the airport and drive to Joetsu. The route is straightforward via the Kanetsu and Joshinetsu expressways.

• Distance: approximately 330 km from Tokyo, ~3.5–4 hours depending on traffic
• Route: take the Kanetsu Expressway north, then the Joshinetsu Expressway to Joetsu
• Expressway tolls: approximately ¥6,000–¥8,000 one way
• Snow tyres or chains are essential in winter (Dec–Mar)
• Rental cars available at both Narita and Haneda airports
• International Driving Permit is MANDATORY. No IDP no car!

Shuttle bus from Joetsu-Myoko Station

Local shuttle buses run between Joetsu-Myoko Station and Myoko Kogen ski resorts.

• Timetables vary by season — check locally on arrival
• Some accommodation providers offer pickup from the station

Private transfer / taxi

Taxis are available at Joetsu-Myoko Station for a direct ride to Myoko Kogen.

• Journey time: approximately 30 minutes
• Cost: around ¥5,000–¥7,000 one way
• Pre-booking recommended during peak season

Rental car

The most flexible option. Roads are well-maintained and cleared in winter, though snow tyres/chains are essential.

• Nippon Rent-A-Car available at Joetsu-Myoko Station
• Julz local car hire — trusted local company with good rates (+81 90-6568-0143)
• International Driving Permit required for most foreign licences
• Drive on the left side of the road in Japan

Local shuttle buses

Free or low-cost shuttle buses connect the main ski resorts and village areas in Myoko.

• Routes typically cover Akakura Onsen, Akakura Kanko, Suginohara, and Ikenotaira
• Limited evening services — check timetables

Walking

Myoko Kogen village is compact and walkable for short distances, especially around the Akakura area.

• Paths can be icy in winter — wear appropriate footwear
• Many restaurants and shops are within walking distance of accommodation

Taxi

Local taxis are available for trips between resorts or to nearby towns.

• Can be booked through your accommodation
• Useful for evening trips to restaurants outside walking distance

Entry requirements

Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides current visa and visa-exemption information.

Arrival & customs

Use Visit Japan Web for immigration and customs procedures, and keep your accommodation address handy.

Suica Card

A rechargeable smart card for trains, buses, and payments throughout Japan. The easiest way to get one is to add it directly to your iPhone Wallet before you travel.

• Works on almost all trains, subways, and buses across Japan
• Tap on and off at station gates — fares deducted automatically
• Also accepted at vending machines, convenience stores, and many restaurants
• How to add to iPhone: open the Wallet app → tap '+' → select 'Transit Card' → choose 'Suica' → add money via Apple Pay
• You can top up directly in the Wallet app at any time using a foreign credit or debit card
• Works with Apple Pay at station gates and shops — just hold your iPhone or Apple Watch to the reader
• If your iPhone is flat, Express Transit mode gives up to 5 hours of emergency power for Suica taps
• No physical card needed — the digital version is full-featured and the easiest option

Luggage forwarding (Takkyubin)

Send your luggage ahead to your accommodation so you can travel light on the Shinkansen.

• Available at airports, convenience stores, and hotels
• Typically arrives next day — plan ahead
• Yamato Transport (Kuroneko) and Sagawa Express are the main providers