Niseko Village
Banking, ATM'S and Money
You should obtain Japanese Yen in cash before you leave. Limited foreign exchange is available in Hirafu village. Although it is becoming easier, many shops, restaurants and bars accept cash only (Japanese Yen); some of the larger stores and restaurants in Hirafu and Kutchan accept bank-issued Visa and MasterCard. There are no international ATMs or post offices in Niseko. Foreign currency cash and foreign currency Travelers cheques are NOT accepted in Niseko shops and restaurants.
Travelers cheques in Japanese Yen can be only be exchanged for cash in Kutchan. Several of the Post Offices also have international ATMs, as do all 7 Elevens.
PLEASE NOTE: While the public bus runs regularly to Kutchan, it may take several hours to make a round trip. SkiJapan.com accepts Visa, MasterCard, JCB and American Express cards for tours, ski lessons, ski rental and other services.
Shopping
SKI and BOARD EQUIPMENT:There are a number of shops in Hirafu that sell ski and snowboarding equipment and clothing. Prices in Hirafu are similar to the prices you would pay in international ski resorts. Alternatively you could travel into Kutchan where there are 2 major ski and snowboard shops. You are more likely to get a bargain on ski equipment in Kutchan.
GROCERIES: There are 3 major convenience stores in Hirafu where you can buy all your basic groceries - Seicomart, Piz Gloria and Lawson. If you travel into Kutchan there are a number of major supermarkets.
SkiJapan.com offers shopping tours into Kutchan. Please drop by the SkiJapan.com office in the resort for bookings and information. Alternatively you can catch the public bus which runs approximately 1 every hour.
Ski School and Equipment Hire
We operate our own Ski and Snowboard School, Niseko Base Snowsports, catering for everyone. We offer English speaking group or private lessons for all levels of skier or boarders. Please visit our Ski School and Equipment Hire page for more details.
Child Minding & Kids Activities
SkiJapan.com has an English-speaking child minding service for all ages. Child minding is also available at the Niseko Kogen Hotel where only Japanese is spoken. Please ask your SkiJapan.com consultant for more details. There are many activities besides skiing for kids. The Alpen has an indoor heated 22 metre pool and your children will have loads of fun in the whirlpools and wading pools. Some of the larger hotels also have games rooms.
Restaurants
Niseko has a large selection of restaurants of all types : Izakayas, Yakitori & sushi restaurants, ramen shops and curry places. Prices are about average by Japanese standards but surprisingly cheap by Western standards. We recommend Abucha for the best Izakaya meals in Niseko. For ramen: Berg Plaza offers great value quick meals. For Yakitori, try Bang Bang as this is their specialty. For the BEST Japanese meal experience we recommend the restaurant 'Yo' where you can get a 9 course set meal for approximately ¥3000.
We strongly suggest you don't prepay meals (especially dinner) in your package. Niseko Hirafu has so many great eating spots that are so much a part of the fun of a Japan snow holiday. On-mountain restaurants have fantasic food; the 'Kani Ramen' (crab noodle) at the Hanazono 1 restaurant should not be missed and at ¥1000 for a huge bowl, better value than most restaurants in Hirafu. On arrival SkiJapan.com provides a guide to restaurants in Niseko with tips and special offers.