Getting in

• Tokyo Station: The sensible fast route from Tokyo is the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano (about 105 minutes; roughly ¥8,200 in the cited timetable), then the Nagano–Hakuba express bus (about 65 minutes; roughly ¥1,500). Allow 3 hours station-to-resort once the connection is included. This is materially quicker than going via Matsumoto. The final Nagano-to-Hakuba bus is early in the evening—historically around 20:30—so do not land in Tokyo late and assume you can still make it.
• Shinjuku Station, Tokyo: Take a reserved Hakuba-bound highway coach when its timetable suits: around 4½ hours and about ¥8,500 return in the cited service information. It is slower than the Shinkansen via Nagano but avoids dragging ski bags through a train-and-bus transfer. Direct Azusa/Oito Line itineraries are possible on limited dates or via Matsumoto, but are slower and less dependable as a default plan.
• Nagano Station: Use the Nagano–Hakuba express bus, not a taxi: about 65 minutes and roughly ¥1,400–¥1,500 one way. It is the key last leg for travelers arriving by Shinkansen, with more frequent service in ski season.
• Matsumoto Station: The JR Oito Line reaches Hakuba, generally requiring local-train patience and roughly 1½–2 hours. It makes sense only if Matsumoto is already on your itinerary; do not route from Tokyo via Matsumoto just to reach Hakuba.
• Haneda Airport: Go into Tokyo Station by rail, then take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano and the Nagano–Hakuba bus. In a clean connection, expect about 4–5 hours airport to Hakuba and around ¥10,000–¥12,000 before any reserved-seat premium. Private airport transfers are for groups with bulky gear, not a bargain for solo travelers; published private-transfer quotes start around ¥79,000.
• Narita International Airport: Take Narita Express or Keisei services into central Tokyo, then use Tokyo Station–Nagano–Hakuba as above. Realistically allow 5–6 hours from landing, more after an international arrival. A winter-only Narita–Hakuba snow shuttle can be worthwhile if its dates and drop-off match your lodging, but it is seasonal: reserve it rather than treating it as normal public transport.