Arai Snow Resort is located in Niigata Prefecture on Japan’s main island – Honshu. The resort is easily accessible from Narita & Haneda international airports by Shinkansen (bullet train) or bus.
Total train travel time from Tokyo is approximately 2.5 hours, and bus is 4.5 hours.
Getting to Arai
Directions by Train
1. Narita & Haneda to Tokyo
– After collecting luggage follow the signs (or ask a staff member) where to get the train.
– Purchase train tickets to Joetsu-Myoko station. This will include 2 trains:
- a) Airport to Tokyo (express train).
- b) Tokyo to Joetsu-Myoko (Shinkansen – bullet train: ask for a ‘reserved’ ticket).
– Catch the train from the airport to Tokyo.
– The trip takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Tokyo to Joetsu-Myoko
– In Tokyo ask a staff member where to go for the ‘Shinkansen’. The Shinkansen station signs are colored green – so look out for these signs.
– The Myoko-Joetsu Shinkansen usually leaves from platforms 19 to 23.
– Your ‘carriage’, ‘car’ and ‘seat’ numbers will be listed on your ticket. Ask a station staff member for assistance if you’re not sure.
– There are luggage storage areas over-head and at the ends of each carriage.
– The trip takes about 1 hour & 45 minutes.
3. Joetsu-Myoko Station to Lotte Arai Resort
– Joetsu-Myoko train station is located about 20 minutes by car from the Resort.
– You can catch a taxi from the station to the resort. The taxi may not accept credit card, so please have some cash ready (approximately 4,000 yen).
– Please check with your hotel for additional information.
Train Timetables
Train timetables for the whole of Japan are available in English at hyperdia.com. For travel to Lotte Arai Resort please enter ‘JOETSUMYOKO’ in the ‘To’ field.
Bus Transfers
Those wanting to travel without having to transit at train stations may prefer a direct bus transfer from Narita or Haneda airports to Myoko with Nagano Snow Shuttle – naganosnowshuttle.com.