Where to base a long ski trip in Nagano: Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Shiga Kogen or Karuizawa
Staying for several weeks or the whole season? Each ski area in Nagano feels different. Here is how they compare, and how a car changes your options.
Four bases compared
Figures from the official tourism sites. Lift passes and season dates vary by resort.
How far apart are they?
Typical drive times from Nagano Station, from the official Nagano tourism site:
Karuizawa is about 54 minutes from Nagano IC by expressway. Allow extra time in snow.
Get a total price within one business day
Tell us your dates and where you are staying. Your quote includes delivery.
Driving between ski areas in winter
- Winter tyres are needed on snowy and icy roads. In Nagano, driving on them with summer tyres is against the rules.
- In exceptionally heavy snow, chains can be required on some roads even with winter tyres and 4WD.
- Route 292 over Shibu Pass, between Shiga Kogen and Kusatsu in Gunma, is closed in winter.
- Check road information before you set off, and keep fuel, a snow brush and warm clothes in the car.
See our winter driving guide for the rules.
Car rental in each area
Hakuba and Omachi
Delivered to hotels, chalets and holiday homes. Hakuba car hire
Nozawa Onsen
Delivered to your lodge in the village. Nozawa Onsen car hire
Shiga Kogen
Delivered to Yamanouchi and Shiga Kogen. Shiga Kogen car hire
Karuizawa
Delivered to holiday homes in Karuizawa and Miyota. Karuizawa car hire
A 4WD car for the season
From one week, winter tyres at a flat fee
Every car is 4WD. This winter, winter tyres are a flat ¥20,000 however many months you rent (rentals starting November to March). Kei cars are from ¥73,700 per month, tax and insurance included, plus the required CDW of ¥20,000 per month. We deliver to your accommodation and collect the car when you leave. See all rates and cars.
RECOMMENDED CARS
Cars for this kind of stay
Every car is 4WD, with a dashcam, GPS navigation and an ETC reader. Prices include tax and insurance.
SUV
Toyota Yaris Cross · 5 seats
- 1 week
- from¥38,700
- 1 month
- from¥112,200
Plus the required CDW: ¥20,000 per month
Get a quote for this car
Minivan (Delica D:5)
Mitsubishi Delica D:5, brand-new · 8 seats
Available from 5 January 2027
- 1 week
- from¥53,900
- 1 month
- from¥132,000
Plus the required CDW: ¥20,000 per month
Get a quote for this car
Large van (Hiace)
Toyota Hiace · 5 seats
- 1 week
- from¥48,500
- 1 month
- from¥118,500
Plus the required CDW: ¥20,000 per month
Get a quote for this carSee all cars and rates →Car images show the class, not the exact car.
Questions about choosing a ski base
Q. Which is better for a long ski trip, Hakuba or Nozawa Onsen?
Hakuba has ten resorts spread along a valley, so it suits people who want variety. Nozawa Onsen is one large resort in a compact onsen village, so it suits people who like to walk everywhere.
Q. Do I need a car in Shiga Kogen?
Not for skiing, as the resorts are linked by lifts and shuttles. A car helps for trips to Yudanaka, Shibu Onsen and Nagano City.
Q. How far is Hakuba from Nozawa Onsen?
Both are about an hour from Nagano Station by car, so allow around two hours between them, more in snow.
Q. Is Route 292 to Shiga Kogen open in winter?
The section over Shibu Pass to Kusatsu is closed in winter. Reach Shiga Kogen from the Nagano side, via Yudanaka.
Q. Can I rent a car for the whole ski season?
Yes. We rent 4WD cars from one week, you can extend by the month, and winter tyres are a flat ¥20,000 this winter.
Get a car for your ski season
Tell us your dates and where you are staying. We reply with a total price, including delivery, within one business day.
You are welcome to write to us in English through our web form or LINE. We reply in Japanese, so please use a translation tool to read our reply.