Great news for everyone heading to the Japanese Alps this ski season! JR East will run a seasonal limited express train called the Hakuba Express (Limited Express Azusa No. 83), adding a second direct, no-transfer train from Tokyo's Shinjuku Station to Hakuba. We have added this new service to our Shinjuku → Hakuba route, so you can book it with us starting today.
What's new?
Until now, there was only one direct train from Shinjuku to Hakuba each day: Azusa No. 5, departing Shinjuku at 8:00. If you missed it, you had to change trains at Matsumoto — not fun with a ski bag and a suitcase in the snow. This winter, JR East is extending Azusa No. 83, which normally runs only between Shinjuku and Matsumoto, all the way to Hakuba on the JR Oito Line. On operating days, that means two direct trains a day from Shinjuku to Hakuba.
| Azusa No.5 (regular) | Hakuba Express(Azusa No.83) | |
| Departs Shinjuku | 8:00 | 10:02 |
| Arrives Hakuba | 11:40 | 14:10 |
| Travel time | 3 h 40 min | 4 h 8 min |
| Transfers | None | None |
Operating dates
The Hakuba Express (Azusa No.83) runs on 70 days this winter:
- December 19 - 31, 2026
- January 1, 2027
- January 4 - February 28, 2027
This train does not run on January 2 and 3, 2027. On those days, please choose Azusa No.5.
Why the Hakuba Express is perfect for international visitors
- No early-morning rush. The 8:00 train is tough if you are jet-lagged, staying far from Shinjuku, or just landed in Tokyo. A 10:02 departure gives you time for breakfast, checking out of your hotel, and getting to Shinjuku without stress — even during the morning commuter rush.
- No transfer with heavy ski gear. Changing trains at Matsumoto means moving skis, boards and suitcases between platforms, often with a tight connection. With the Hakuba Express, you sit down in Shinjuku and step off in Hakuba.
- Arrive in time to enjoy your first day. Arriving at 14:10, you can check in, pick up rental gear, and still have time to explore the village, relax in an onsen, or hit the slopes for night skiing at resorts that offer it.
- A guaranteed seat. Because the train is all-reserved, you will not have to stand or fight for space — but it also means seats can sell out, especially around Christmas, New Year and the Chinese New Year holidays. Book early!
Important things to know before you travel
- One-way only: The Hakuba Express runs only from Shinjuku to Hakuba. There is no "Hakuba Express" back to Tokyo. For the return trip, the regular direct Azusa No. 38 from Hakuba to Shinjuku, or a route via Matsumoto or Nagano, are your options.
- Arrive early at Shinjuku: Shinjuku is one of the busiest stations in the world. Allow at least 30 minutes to find the platform for limited express trains.
Book your seat now
The Shinjuku → Hakuba route on our site now offers both the 8:00 Azusa No. 5 and the new 10:02 Hakuba Express. Simply choose your travel date and preferred departure time when booking.
> Shinjuku to Hakuba Limited Express Train Online Booking
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