Niseko, Japan

Niseko is on Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan's four main islands. It is widely regarded as the best ski resort in Japan for three main reasons: weather, size and infrastructure.

Niseko is particularly popular with Australian skiers who can ski in their off season. It has exploded in popularity and is often renowned as "Perfect Powder Snow."

With spectacular scenery and a huge annual snowfall of 12 metres, it is ideal for international travellers and due to the similar time zone, it makes it perfect for a shorter overseas trip.

Niseko offers some of the best après ski nightlife in Hokkaido boasting excellent traditional Japanese restaurants, fun bars and karaoke rooms.

Currency

Some establishments in Niseko do not accept credit cards, it is advised to bring some cash as you will have difficulty trying to locate an ATM.

Banknotes come in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10,000 yen (¥) though the 2000 yen notes are very rarely seen. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 yen. The ¥1 coin is an aluminium lightweight coin, the ¥5 and ¥50 coins have a punched hole in the middle (the former is coloured bronze and the latter silver). Note that some vending machines do not accept older ¥500 coins (a South Korean coin of much less value was often used in its place to rip off vending machines).

You can change cash or travellers cheques at an 'Authorised Foreign Exchange Bank' or at major post offices and some of the large hotels and stores but few other places. US dollars are preferred; trying to exchange Taiwanese or Korean currency is a fruitless task. The majority of ATMs do not accept foreign-issued bank cards, although post office ATMs are an exception. Look out for the Cirrus or Plus logos or check with your bank before departure.

Bank Hours are normally 9am-3pm Monday to Friday.

Health

Medical systems and facilities in Japan are well established so that you can expect to receive a high standard medical treatment, should you have a problem with your health during your stay.

There are no inoculations required for entering Japan from anywhere around the world.

Tap water is safe to drink anywhere in Japan. Mineral water including major imported brands can be easily obtained from super markets, convenience stores and other similar places.

Smoking

There are currently no restrictions on smoking in Japan, therefore you should expect to deal with passive smoking in all public spaces.

Climate

Winter (December - February)
The temperature rarely drops below 0°C in the plains along the Pacific coast during wintertime. It is also quite dry and very often sunny. Central Japan and Northern Japan are highly reputed regions for winter sports. Southern Japan is comparatively mild and pleasant in winter.

Clothing: overcoats, sweaters, etc.

Electricity

The voltage used throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts, A.C. There are two kinds of frequencies in use; 50 Hertz in eastern Japan and 60 Hertz in western Japan (including Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka).

A convertible type of electrical appliance such as a hair dryer, travel iron and shaver will therefore be handy; otherwise a step-down transformer is required to convert the voltage.

There are no columnar-shaped plugs or 3-pin plugs used in Japan but 2-flat-pin plugs are used instead. It is therefore advised to purchase a plug adapter beforehand.

Passport and Visa

Any foreign visitor who wishes to enter Japan must have a passport, which will remain valid during the period of stay. US passport holders, most EU residents and visitors from Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa if staying in Japan less than 90 days. For more information on visas visit the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.