How to get to Shofusha Lodge

Planning your trip to Shofusha Lodge in Nagano? Whether you’re coming straight from the airport or exploring Japan along the way, there are a few easy travel options to reach us without the stress of navigating busy train stations with luggage. We’re tucked away in beautiful Shinano, just near Madarao Kogen and Myoko Kogen, making us a great base for snow adventures.

By Airport Shuttle

The Myoko Shuttle and Nagano Snow Shuttle offer convenient, direct transfers from Haneda Airport, Narita Airport, and several spots around Tokyo. These are scheduled services that take about 5.5 hours and let you skip the hassle of changing trains or dragging bags through busy stations.

If you choose this route, we recommend Myoko Shuttle for the most direct service. Once you arrive in Madarao or Akakura, just let us know your arrival time, we’re happy to arrange a pick-up from there to Shofusha Lodge.

To Summarise:

The Myoko Shuttle and Nagano Snow Shuttle offer a hassle free transfer directly from the airport to the mountains.

Departure points: Haneda Airport, Narita Airport, and select Tokyo locations
Travel time: Approximately 5.5 hours
Benefits:

No need to navigate timetables or transfer between trains
Avoid carrying heavy luggage through busy stations

Drop-off locations:

Madarao Kogen (for Myoko Shuttle)
Akakura Myoko Kogen

Pick-up: Shofusha Lodge can arrange pick-up from drop off points on request.

By Train

If you prefer the speed and comfort of Japan’s famous Shinkansen (bullet train), you can travel from Narita or Haneda Airport to Tokyo Station, then hop on a Shinkansen to Iiyama Station. Depending on your connections, the trip takes around 2.5 to 4 hours in total.

One thing to keep in mind, train stations and ski gear don’t mix well. That’s why we recommend using a luggage forwarding service, like Yamato Transport’s "Black Cat" service. Look for the yellow logo with two black cats at the airport and have your luggage sent ahead to Shofusha Lodge. It’s super reliable and saves you from squeezing bags into tight train spaces. We also offer pick-up from Iiyama Station on request, just let us know your travel details in advance.

To Summarise:

Route:

Train from Narita or Haneda Airport to Tokyo Station
Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Iiyama Station

Travel time: Around 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on connections

Luggage Tip: Consider using a luggage delivery service to send your bags directly to Shofusha Lodge from the airport. This avoids dragging suitcases through busy Tokyo stations.

Most popular: Yamato Transport (Black Cat Luggage)
Look for the yellow logo with two black cats

Pick-up: Shofusha Lodge offers pick-up from Iiyama Station upon request.

Private Transfers

Prefer something more tailored to your schedule? Private transfer services are available from Tokyo or other cities and can take you directly to the lodge. This is a more comfortable and flexible way to travel, especially if you're arriving outside regular bus or train hours or traveling with family or a group.

Let us know your travel plans, and we can help recommend or assist with booking a transfer that works for you.

Need Help Planning Your Trip?

Once your travel dates are confirmed, feel free to get in touch with us. Whether you're unsure which option is best or want help booking a pickup, we’re here to make your journey to Shofusha Lodge as smooth and stress free as possible.