Getting Here & Transportation

How do I get from Tokyo to Nagano Station?

  • Take the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi to reach Hakuba.

 

How do I get from Nagano Station to the hotel?

  • Bus: Taking a bus is often more convenient if you are travelling with ski equipment. You can view schedules on the Alpico Bus Nagano–Hakuba website. An additional Nagano–Hakuba bus service is also available:
    View Nagano–Hakuba Extra Bus Timetable
  • Taxi: Take a taxi directly to the hotel.

 

Are there direct buses or trains from Tokyo to Hakuba?

 

Are taxis available at Nagano Station, or should I book in advance?

  • While taxis are available outside Nagano Station, we strongly recommend reserving a private taxi in advance during the peak winter travel season. You can book a cab via the Alps Taxi Company, Alpico, or the Uber app.
  • In-house guests can reach out to our concierge team if they need assistance booking a taxi during their stay with us.

 

How far is the hotel from the ski slopes?

  • We are approximately 1.5 to 2 km from the ski resorts. You can drive there or take the local shuttle bus. The nearest shuttle pick-up point is Echoland Main Street, which is just opposite our Italian restaurant, Pietro. You can view the shuttle bus schedule here.

 

Does the hotel offer ski equipment rentals?

  • We do not keep rental equipment on the property, but we partner closely with Rhythm Japan and Spicy for all your gear needs. You can book your gear online in advance, and special rates will be available for our hotel guests.

 

What gear is available for rent?

  • Through our rental partners, you can rent skis, snowboards, boots, waterproof ski jackets, pants, helmets, and aprés boots. Please note that you will need to prepare or purchase your own personal accessories, such as base layers, goggles, gloves, and face masks.

 

Can the hotel arrange ski lessons?

  • Yes, we work with Hakuba Snow Sports School to arrange private ski lessons. Lesson schedules run in two blocks: a 2-hour morning session (8:30 AM to 10:30 AM) and a 3-hour afternoon session (1:00 PM to 4:00 PM). Morning pickups from the hotel begin at 8:00 AM. Guests will need to reach out to them directly to arrange lessons via Hakuba Snow Sports School.
  • In addition to that, you can explore the following ski schools, concierge services, and mountain resorts: 

 

How do I pay for ski lessons?

  • Lesson fees can be paid upon arrival by cash or credit card. Please note that all credit and debit card transactions incur a surcharge. Payment can also be made securely via Square payment links.

 

Are ski lift passes included with my lesson?

  • No, ski lift and area passes are not included in the cost of skiing lessons and must be purchased separately. They can be bought on-site at the resort using cash or card, or pre-booked online and picked up at the resort. We highly recommend booking these in advance.

 

Do you have an onsen at the hotel?

  • We do not have an onsen on-site, but there are excellent options nearby. If you prefer a private bath, we recommend booking Obinata-no-yu. For a public bath experience, Hakuba Happo Onsen is a great local choice.

 

What facilities are available on the property?

  • Our on-site facilities include a dedicated ski equipment storage room and a laundry room. Basic amenities, such as toothbrushes, are available at the front desk.

 

What food and beverage options are available on-site?

  • Shakespeare Hotel features a complete dining hub right on the property, home to six distinct kitchens and bars. Our signature venues include Kin Kitchen, serving authentic Malaysian-Thai comfort food alongside daily breakfast, and Pietro, our Italian trattoria centred around an open wood-fired oven. Both venues also offer takeaway options if you prefer to enjoy your meal in the comfort of your room.

 

What other cuisines are available in the courtyard?

  • Alongside Pietro and Kin Kitchen, our courtyard brings together four independent culinary concepts: Miyagi (Japanese hot pot & shabu-shabu), The Pit (slow-smoked barbecue), DARUMA (craft burgers & draught beers), and Aguraya (ramen bar serving noodle bowls).

 

Do I need to make dinner reservations, and is takeaway available?

  • Yes. Tables fill up quickly throughout peak winter dates, so we strongly advise reserving in advance. Reservations for both Pietro and Kin Kitchen can be made online via TableCheck. If you prefer dining in your room or chalet, takeaway orders can be placed directly at the counter at both Pietro and Kin Kitchen.