Our Most Asked Questions on Hirafu village
Niseko’s main attraction in winter is the snow. Most non-skiing activities revolve around snow including snowmobiling, snow shoeing, horse riding and dog sledding. For shopping or cultural experiences you will have to travel outside the resort area to either Otaru city or Sapporo city. Trains run frequently from Kutchan station to Otaru city.
Generally it is very easy to get around speaking English only. Most signs and restaurant menus are in English. Most Japanese have studied English at school but not many can speak it well. Simple written English is generally understood. There will be situations where English is not understood at all. A simple phrase book and notebook and pen is quite useful to bring.
Yes, there will be an ATM located in Hyatt House Shiki Niseko that accepts Visa and Mastercard. The main post office in Kutchan (8km's from Hirafu village) also accepts most international cards as well as the 7/11 convenience store on the way out of the village.
The average winter temperature in Hirafu Village is -7 °C. On the mountain temperatures can get as low as - 25°C especially during night skiing hours. Neck warmers during skiing are recommended.
Most bars and restaurants in the Niseko Ski resort do NOT accept credit cards or travelers cheques. Restaurants that do accept credit cards may charge an extra service fee. Ski rental and ski goods stores accept credit cards and lift tickets can be purchased by credit card.
Within the village Sapporo Drug store in Hirafu 188 has a decent selection groceries. There are also several convenience stores in Hirafu Village, Seicomart, 7/11 and Lawson. Both sell alcohol, cigarettes and a limited range of foodstuffs.
It is possible to exchange money in the village however it is advisable to exchange money at the airport where the rates are better.
With 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. Information in English is provided for the restaurants and bars in Niseko.
For middle of the range dining, lunches cost around 1,200 yen, evening meals cost around 2,000-5,000yen per person. Naturally you can dine a lot cheaper or spend a lot more depending on the restaurant. The free Niseko food and wine guide provides more detail to each restaurants typical dishes and prices.