Airport to Tokyo Central

Option 1 - Train

Train is probably the easiest way to get into Tokyo. Not traffic jams and subsequent delays to worry about. Big thing to remember here is that 2 railway companies operate from Narita Airport into Tokyo.

Japan Rail

JR Operates the Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo, and then onto Shinagawa, Yokohama, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro. This is the train to use if you are planning on using a rail pass. Please note that all seating is by reservation only. You need to go to the JR counter and get a seat assignment. Narita - Tokyo trains run about twice an hour and the trip takes approx 55 -60 minutes. Arrival at Tokyo Station is at the underground platforms and it is quite a hike up to the bullet train platforms so allow at least 15-20 minutes to change trains here, more if you're a new to Japan. If you are lucky you'll get one of the new model trains introduced in 2009, which each have a power point in the armrest (adaptor required for overseas plugs).
If you are using a JR Rail Pass then you will need to validate it at the JR window. Staff here speak English well and are very helpful. Have your passport ready.

Links
Narita Express Homepage
JR East Pass
Japan Rail Pass

Keisei Railway Co.

Keisei Railway Co. operate 2 services to central Tokyo. The all new Narita Access Line will be the quickest route into Tokyo. This new "Narita Sky Access" line opens on July 17th 2010, and will cut 15 minutes off the trip. The line runs from Narita Airport to Nippori Station on the JR Yamanote Line (Tokyo Loop Line). The new train (pictured right) will hit speeds of 160km/h making it the fastest regular line train in Japan. If transferring to the bullet train north then you'll need to transfer to the JR Line to Ueno.
The other option is the original Skyliner route that runs through Nippori to Keisei Ueno. This route takes approx 55 minutes. If transferring to the JR Shinkansen Bullet train line, it is best to change at Nippori to the loop line and then catch a train to Ueno as the Keisei Station at Ueno and the JR Station are about 5 minutes walk apart, while at Nippori they are part of the same station.

Links
Keisei Rail Co Homepage 

Option 2 - Bus

There is a comprehensive bus system between Narita Airport and Tokyo / Yokohama. On the main routes buses leave every 15-20 minutes. All tickets must be booked at the Limousine Bus counter in the arrival level at the airport. Advance reservations are not possible. It is a case of showing up and booking the next available bus.
Tokyo can become very congested during peak hours, and the trip duration can vary up to an hour depending on traffic. If you are staying in Tokyo then the buses can be good as they check your luggage and you don't have to worry about it until arrival. if you are transferring then a train may be a better option as they run to schedule.
Most buses are operated by the Airport Limousine Bus Company. The buses are bright orange with the "Friendly Airport Limousine" Logo on the side.

Links
Airport Limousine Bus Company 

Tokyo Central to Hakuba

Option 1 - Shinkansen Bullet Train + Bus

From JR Tokyo Station there are frequent bullet trains to Nagano. The trip takes between 90 - 115 minutes depending on the number of stops. At Tokyo Station the bullet trains leave from platform 20-24. In general there are 8 cars per trains. Cars 1-3 (sometimes 1-4) are non reserved seating, and go on a first come basis.), and as all trains start from Tokyo, it is usually easy to get a seat. The other cars are reserved seating or first class and require an advanced booking (which can be done at the station up until about 3 minutes before departure).

At Nagano Station you exit through the main ticket wicket and turn left. Head to the east exit and once you get to the small escalator, go down and turn right. There is another escalator to the right behind you going down to the bus level.
At the bottom you will see the taxi stand. Walk past the taxi stand to bus stop #6 and board a bus to Hakuba. Buses are white and have Highland Express in English on the side

Links:
Bullet Train Timetable
Nagano - Hakuba Bus Timetable

Option 2 - Azusa Express from Shinjuku Station

The Limited Express "Azusa operates between JR Shinjuku Station in Tokyo and Matsumoto, with one train per day coming through to Hakuba. The direct train leaves Shinjuku from platform 10 at 7:30AM and arrives in Hakuba at 11:28AM.
There are hourly departures from Shinjuku to Matsumoto, but these require a train change at Matsumoto, followed by a longish ride on a local train.

Our advice, only use this for the direct connection as the bus below is cheaper and faster than the train if you need to take the local from Matsumoto to Hakuba.

Fare is 8,070yen

Option 3 - Highway Bus from Shinjuku Station

Alpico and Keio Bus operate a direct service from JR Shinjuku Station to Hakuba. This service takes 4.5 hours and runs 4-6 times per day depending on the season. (more frequent in winter).

Advanced Reservations are required. Fare is 4,700yen per person one way.

Links
Homepage