The number of foreign travelers entering Japan through Kansai International Airport (KIX), located in Osaka, has been increasing year by year. Compared to Tokyo, Kansai receives more visitors from Asia. Some of these travelers come with the hope of seeing snow for the first time. However, there are very few ski resorts around the Kansai region, and opportunities to encounter “JAPOW” are limited. For this reason, traveling by plane to Tohoku or Hokkaido becomes essential.
Yet, Kansai Airport has only a small number of domestic flights, and the only direct flights to snowy regions are to New Chitose Airport and Sendai Airport. There are no direct flights to Nagano or Niigata. For those who want to enjoy skiing or snowboarding in Nagano or Niigata, choosing the right transportation method becomes a serious concern. If the wrong route is chosen, it can take an entire day to reach the destination. In this article, we introduce the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Kansai Airport to Nagano or Niigata.
1 Kobe Airport
About 20 km north of Kansai Airport is Kobe Airport. Unlike Kansai Airport, Kobe Airport handles mostly domestic flights. From Kobe Airport, you can take direct flights to Matsumoto Airport, which is close to Hakuba, and to Niigata Airport, which is close to Myoko. Since Kobe Airport, like Kansai Airport, is an offshore airport, the two airports are connected by a high-speed ferry that takes only 30 minutes. Rather than taking multiple trains from Kansai Airport to Nagano or Niigata, traveling by plane from Kobe Airport is highly recommended.
2 What Is the Bay Shuttle?
The Bay Shuttle is a high-speed ferry connecting Kansai Airport (Terminal 1 shuttle bus stop) and Kobe Airport (Marine Air). The travel time is only about 30 minutes. Although there may be some movement depending on the weather, the route is generally stable, and passengers can enjoy the pleasant experience of traveling over the sea.
Large luggage is no problem—long ski and snowboard bags can be brought onboard without issue. The fare is reasonably priced, making it a cost-effective transportation option within the Kansai region.
3 Why Is the Bay Shuttle Convenient for Ski Travelers?
① Short travel time
Without having to detour overland through Osaka, you can cross the sea directly to Kobe, which makes travel extremely efficient. This is a major advantage, especially after a long international flight. Since the ferry terminal is within the airport area, transferring from airplane to ferry and from ferry to airplane is easy.
② Ideal for travelers with a lot of luggage
Ski and snowboard travelers often carry large bags, and train travel can be tiring due to crowds and transfers. The Bay Shuttle offers smooth movement both onboard and at the port, making luggage handling easy.
③ Frequent departures
With one departure every hour, you can board the ferry without long waiting times, even when adjusting to arrival and departure times of flights.
4 How to Use the Bay Shuttle
1. After arriving at Kansai Airport
After immigration procedures → baggage claim → enter the arrival lobby, follow the signs for the “Bay Shuttle Free Shuttle Bus.” It takes about 3–5 minutes to reach the bus stop on foot. Shuttle buses run frequently, and waiting time is minimal.
2. Check-in at the port
When you arrive at the port by shuttle bus, you will find the ticket counter. Multilingual signs are available, and English-speaking staff are present, so there is no need to worry.
3. Boarding
Staff members guide passengers during boarding, so there is no confusion. The ferry has open seating cabins, including seats with nice views.
5 Travel Time and Fares (Overview)
※ Please check the official website for the latest schedule and fares, as they may change.
- Travel time: About 30 minutes
- Frequency: Approximately every 30–60 minutes
- Fare: A special discounted fare of less than half the regular price is available for foreign visitors.
| Category | Regular One-way Fare | Discounted One-way Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (12 years and older) | ¥1,880 | ¥500 |
| Child (6–11 years) | ¥940 | ¥250 |
The Bay Shuttle offers excellent cost performance, and compared with taxis or land-based travel, it keeps travel fatigue to a minimum.
6 From the Bay Shuttle to Kobe → Then to Snow Resorts
From Kobe Airport, you can take direct flights to airports located near major ski resorts. Because flight frequency is limited, it is recommended to plan your schedule according to the arrival and departure times.
- Kobe Airport → Matsumoto Airport (Hakuba): Fuji Dream Airlines
- Kobe Airport → Niigata Airport (Myoko): Toki Air
7 Recommended for These Travelers
- Travelers arriving at Kansai Airport on international flights
- Skiers and snowboarders with large luggage
- Those who want to enter Kobe or the Kansai area quickly and with minimal stress
- Travelers who enjoy traveling by boat
- Those planning to visit Kyoto or Kobe after arriving at Kansai Airport
The Bay Shuttle is particularly popular among skiers from Europe, the U.S., and Australia, and it is a reliable transportation method that helps make travel smooth and comfortable.
8 Summary: The Bay Shuttle Is a Strong Ally for Ski Travelers
When heading from Kansai Airport to ski resorts in Nagano or Niigata, using the Bay Shuttle as your first step offers:
- Quick access to Kobe
- Comfortable travel even with large luggage
- Direct flights from Kobe Airport to Nagano and Niigata
It minimizes fatigue right after arriving in Japan and helps you start your snow trip comfortably. As a “comfortable bridge” connecting Japan’s sea, port towns, and snow-covered mountains, the Bay Shuttle is a transportation option you should definitely consider.
