Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Vaccinations?
A: There are no requirements for foreign travelers from any countries regarding certificates of vaccination.
Q: Credit Cards & Money in Japan
A: The Hokkkaido Tracks Holidays Front Desk now HAS an ATM that ACCEPTS international credit cards! Meaning you'll no longer need to travel into Kutchan to withdraw money during your stay. Our Front Desk is located in the Yama Shizen East building. Click here to view the village map, including Yama Shizen
Although most stores and restaurants will accept VISA, MasterCard and American Express cards, travelers should keep in mind that there are smaller shops that may not have merchant account capabilities.
Japan has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, so carrying cash is not a real problem. Travelers Checks are also an option, although it is wise to have these available in either Japanese yen, or US dollars. Travelers Checks may not be accepted by establishments other than major hotels and banks, as establishments must have currency exchange capabilities in order to accept these.
Q: Can I use my mobile phone in Japan?
A: At the time of writing, the Japanese mobile telephone system is not compatible with those of some other countries or networks; however, some mobile phones on international roaming are certainly capable of receiving and making calls, so please ask about the compatibility of your mobile phone in Japan with your mobile phone service provider in your own country before departing.
If you want to use a mobile phone in Japan, rental phones are also widely available, and can be rented within Hirafu village itself.
Q: Is Japan expensive?
A: Despite rumours that travel in Japan is expensive; Tokyo and other large Japanese cities are not any more expensive than other big cities worldwide. Previous surveys on price differentials from 2002 showed that the average price in Tokyo is only 1.06 times higher than the average price of London, 1.13 times higher than the average price of Paris and Frankfurt, and 1.24 times higher than the average price of New York. 100-yen shops and budget stores abound in Japan and sell extremely affordable necessities and reasonably priced gifts, and inexpensive restaurants serve meals that cost 1,000 yen or less.
Prices for restaurants and necessities in Niseko-Hirafu are only slightly higher than in Tokyo, and some other resort costs compare very favourably to other resorts in the world: lift passes, for example, are relatively very cheap, with a one day adult peak season pass costing only 5,500yen (2008/09 season).
Q: I don't speak Japanese...
A: Travelling in a country where you don't speak the language can be both challenging and rewarding. But even if you don't speak any Japanese, finding your way around Japan needn't be difficult.
English is widely spoken throughout the country, particularly in major cities and tourist centres. Public transportation announcements are frequently made in both Japanese and English, and signs generally include decipherable roman characters or an English explanation. A comprehensive range of tourist services also provides a helping hand to foreign visitors in Japan.
Q: Location
A: Japan is an island nation with Tokyo as its capital, situated to the east of the Chinese mainland and Korean Peninsula. It offers Asia's main hub, through 'Narita' and 'Haneda' Airports, and an extensive transport network throughout the four main islands of the nation.
The only transport into Japan is by air or boat (please note, there are no train connections). Both Tokyo airports connect with the New Chitose International Airport, Niseko's closest airport. Hokkaido Tracks Holidays can assist with your airport transfers from New Chitose International Airport; click here to download our 2009-10 Winter Season Guest Services Guide for more information (400kb)
Q: Transfers from Narita Airport?
A: There are a variety of transportation options available from New Chitose International Airport, with various fares and times. Hokkaido Tracks Holidays can assist with your airport transfers from New Chitose International Airport; click here to download our 2009-10 Winter Season Guest Services Guide for more information (400kb)
Narita Airport Narita Airport, located just north of Tokyo, is the main international airport into Japan, and your flights will likely connect through this airport. You may also be required to transfer to Haneda Airport, located within Tokyo City.
There are about 3 to 5 bus services every hour between Narita and Haneda airports, except in the early morning and late evening. Each trip takes about 80 minutes. There are also 1 or 2 Keisei Dentetsu Railway Airport Rapid Express trains every hour, which take about 110 minutes. You will need to transfer trains at Hamamatsu-cho on the Yamanote Line in central Tokyo; the train from Hamamatsu-cho is a monorail and will take approximately 20 minutes (rapid service), costing 420 JPY.
For more information please visit: http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/access/haneda/index.html.
Q: Do I need an International Driver's License?
A: If you wish to drive in Japan, you must possess one of the following driving permits:
1) A Japanese Driver's License.
2) An International Driver's License (90 member countries) based on the Treaty of Geneva (1949).
