Travel & Logistics
Getting to UWC ISAK Japan
UWC ISAK Japan is located in Nagano Prefecture, in the mountain resort area of Karuizawa.
Address: UWC ISAK Japan 5827-136 Nagakura, Karuizawa, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano 389-0111
The campus sits within the Asama Terrace area of the Sengataki resort, approximately 20 minutes by car from Karuizawa Station. Karuizawa stations is about 70 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo Station (Hokuriku Shinkansen line).
For international visitors, we strongly recommend traveling by train or bus rather than driving.
Nearest stations:
- Bullet train (Shinkansen): Karuizawa Station
- Local train: Shinano Oiwake Station
Arrival: Start of Summer School
Option 1 — Narita Airport: Saturday, 18 July
Our team will be at Narita International Airport to meet students arriving between 6:00 AM and 3:00 PM. The bus to campus will depart by 6:00 PM.
Students and families are welcome to arrive directly at the Narita Tobu Hotel by 5:00 PM before we take the bus with the students to campus.
Option 2 — Karuizawa Station: Sunday, 19 July
Students arriving by Shinkansen should plan to be at Karuizawa Station by 10:45 AM. Our team members will be there to greet you, and our campus microbus will take you up to UWC ISAK.
Option 3 — Direct to Campus: Sunday, 19 July
Students traveling with family or already living in Japan may be dropped off directly at the UWC ISAK campus between 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM on 19 July.
Departure: End of Summer School
Option 1 — Narita Airport: Saturday, 1 August
The campus bus departs at 8:00 AM and arrives at Narita by noon. We recommend booking flights that depart after 3:00 PM to allow comfortable time through the airport during what is a busy travel season.
Option 2 — Karuizawa Station: Saturday, 1 August
The school’s microbus will leave for Karuizawa Station by around 9:00 AM. We recommend booking Shinkansen departures after 10:30 AM.
Option 3 — Direct from Campus: Saturday, 1 August
Families may come pick up the student from campus between 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM.
Travel Forms
Please make sure you have completed and submitted your travel preference form so we can plan accordingly.
For Students Traveling from Abroad
Every year most of our students arriving from outside of Japan travel alone, know that you won’t be doing this alone. Our team will be there at every step to support you to get safely from the airport to UWC ISAK campus.
Passports & Visas
- Ensure your passport is valid through at least 30 November 2026. If it has expired or you don’t yet have one, please apply as soon as possible.
- All international students must submit a copy of their passport via the guardian consent form.
- Depending on your nationality, you may need a tourist/short-stay visa to enter Japan. Please check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website to confirm whether a visa is required for you.
- If you do need a visa, contact the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate to understand what documents are needed, and please notify us so we can support you with relevant documents.
- If your route includes a layover, also check whether a transit visa is required in that country. We recommend booking routes that avoid this requirement where possible.
Unaccompanied Minor (UM) Service
If you or your family would feel more comfortable with additional support during the flight, most airlines offer an Unaccompanied Minor service where a staff member accompanies your child through immigration, customs, and boarding. Fees and age requirements vary by airline. Please contact us if the service requires any information from UWC ISAK.
Permission to Travel
Some countries require a parental consent form for minors traveling internationally, as part of anti-trafficking protections. Please check with your airline or local government authority to see if this applies to you.
Taxis & Local Transport
If you need a taxi between Karuizawa Station and campus:
- Matsuba Taxi: 0267-42-2181 (primarily Japanese-speaking)
- GO Taxi: App-based service available in the area
Campus Contact
Phone (Regular School): 0267-46-8623 (A dedicated Summer School phone number will be available from early July. From overseas, dial +81 and drop the leading 0.)
Email: [email protected]
