• Payment in Japan
• Restaurants
• Shopping Options
• Day Care
• Mobile Phone in Japan
• Language Abilities
• Health Care
• Etiquette and Law

1. What is the best way to pay in Japan?

   By cash. Ski rental and ski goods stores accept credit cards, and lift tickets can be purchased by credit card as well, but most bars and restaurants in the Niseko Ski resort do NOT accept credit cards or travelers cheques, or may charge an extra service fee.
   You can exchange your money in Hirafu, but you will get better rates at the airport. There is an international ATM that accepts VISA cards. The main post office in Kutchan accepts most international cards.
   At NisekoAccommodation.com, we accept most major credits cards.

2. What are my restaurant options in Hirafu?

   We have three restaurants on offer in the heart of Niseko: Kabuki 1 and 2 and Wabi Sabi. As well as our delicious restaurants there are over 40 restaurants in Hirafu village and around 200 places to dine at in the Niseko Resort Area there is no shortage of options.  From traditional Japanese to Western style and from fine dining to burger and chips, something to suit all tastes can be found.
   Every winter the Niseko Promotion Board publishes a free wine and dine guide for the Niseko Resort Area.
   The average price for dining is around 2000-3000yen per person.

3. Do the restaurants offer vegetarian meals?

   Most restaurants have a vegetarian option on their menus. However, as it is not common in Japan, Bacon and fish stock may appear in some “vegetarian” dishes. It is always advisable to check with the waiting staff before ordering.  Often the chef can leave out the meat or fish from some dishes if requested. For some useful phrases and more information, check out the Japan Veg Guide.

4. Do I leave a tip?

   No, tipping is not customary in Japan and you should not leave a tip at your restaurant table as the waiting staff will probably think you forgot your change and chase after you to return it.

5. Where can I go shopping?

   There are two convenience stores in Hirafu, where you can buy your basic neccessities. In Kutchan town, about 8 km from here, are several supermarkets, where you can find almost anything. There are bus running to and from Kutchan, or you can go by taxi, which costs about 2000yen from Hirafu.

6. Is day care service available in Niseko?

   Niseko babysitters provide day care and babysitting services for children aged 6 months and up.

7. Can I use my mobile phone in Japan?

   If you have a triband or quadband phone, it might work in Japan. It is recommended that you check with your service provider to see if your cell phone will work here.
   If it doesn’t, rental phones are widely available in Japan, including Niseko, for about 300yen per day.
   You can also use public telephones, which are readily available throughout Japan.

8. Can I get around in Niseko even if I can’t speak Japanese?

   Yes, you can. Most of the signs are in English, and most of the people have a basic knowledge of English as well. Of course, there might be situations where English is not understood at all, so a dictionary or phrasebook could be quite useful.

9. What happens if I get injured in Niseko?

   The health care system in Japan is very much comparable to that of western standards. The Kutchan hospital is well equipped, and some of its highly-trained staff may be able to speak English. There are also volunteer interpreters available. However, treatment costs in Japan are quite high, and if you have an accident and require evacuation, you will be expected to cover the rescue costs as well. Be sure to have proper insurance.

10. Etiquette and law

    • It is considered impolite to eat or drink in convenience stores, whether you have already paid or not.
    • It is very rude to enter someone’s home without taking off your shoes.
    • Skiing on the streets is forbidden at all times
    • Drug offences are severely punished in Japan

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