Access
Step 1: Fly to Tokyo
Step 2: Airport to Tokyo Station
Getting to Tokyo Station from Haneda Airport by train requires at least 1 transfer. You can get a digital IC card on your phone or obtain a physical card at the airport train station.
With your shiny IC card, you can take the Tokyo Monorail from the airport station to "Hamamatsucho Station" (3 stops), where you can transfer to the JR (Japan Rail) Yamanote Line and go to Tokyo Station (3 stops). The total trip will take approximately 30 minutes and cost ¥690.
The "Airport Limousine Bus" will take you directly from Haneda Airport to Tokyo Station in approximately 40 minutes for ¥1,200.
It's typical to purchase tickets upon your arrival. Reservations are not necessary.
Step 3: Tokyo to Karuizawa
The "Hokuriku Shinkansen" will take you directly from Tokyo Station to Karuizawa Station in approximately 1 hour 10 minutes for ¥5,820.
It's typical to reserve seats, but purchasing at the station is also possible. We recommend checking the schedule in advance to avoid long wait times.
Foreign visitors have special access to the "Japan Rail Pass", which allows you to ride the shinkansen over several days for a fixed price. This would make it very affordable if you are interested in traveling to other parts of Japan before or after the wedding.
If you have an international license, driving will make it easy to access more travel destinations, especially in areas outside of the city where public transportation is sparse. You also have the option of renting at the airport and driving to Karuizawa directly, skipping the hassle of going into Tokyo and train transfers.
It takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to drive from Tokyo to Karuizawa. While gasoline is reasonably affordable due to most cars being very fuel efficient, the bulk of the cost will come from rental, tolls, and parking. Take a look at the page from Japan Guide for more details.
Step 4: Walk to the hotel
Once you get to Karuizawa station, The Prince Villa Karuizawa is just a 9 minute walk away.
