Cash

Cash is king in Niseko. Japan is still largely a cash society, and Niseko is no different. Some places accept credit cards but many smaller shops, businesses and accommodation houses don’t. For maximum convenience and to avoid missing out on that fantastic looking little restaurant or unique souvenir shop that you may not pass again, it is advised that you carry cash.

ATMs

The are international ATMs (with English instructions) in Kutchan town at the post offices and most 7-Elevens. The main post office is on Eki Mae Dori (the main street), on the opposite side of Route 5 from the train station. Kutchan is a 10-15 minute taxi or bus ride away. A taxi will cost about 5000 return. A bus will cost about 800 return per person. There is also a free bus that goes in to Kutchan every night. Cards and networks accepted at post office ATMs are: Visa, Visa Electron, Plus, MasterCard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, China UnionPay. Please note, there may be restrictions on the different accounts you can access for different banks and networks, for example credit and cheque accounts on debit cards on the Cirrus/Maestro/Plus networks. If you are going to Kutchan solely to use the ATM, it might be a good idea to ask your accommodation provider to call the post office before you make the trip down. The main post office ATM is open weekdays 8.45am-7pm and weekends 9am-5pm. Public holidays it may be closed. The ATM in Seicomart does not accept international credit or debit cards. It only accepts domestic bank cards. However purchases may be made at the counter at Seicomart and Lawson with major cards including Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

Foreign Currency Exchange and Travellers Cheques

You can exchange most major currencies in Niseko including: USD, CAD, AUD, NZD, HKD, CNY, KRW, GBP, EUR, CHF. In Hirafu you can exchange currency at Hokkaido Tracks and the NGS office (cash exchange rate at NGS) next to the Welcome Centre; and in Kutchan at the main post office or Hokuyo Bank (on the corner of Eki Mae Dori and Route 5). Daily limits may apply. Please ask your accommodation provider to contact these places to check currencies. You can cash travellers cheques in most major currencies including: USD, CAD, AUD, NZD, GBP, EUR. You can cash travellers cheques at the Hokuyo Bank and main post office, both in Kutchan. Please ask your accommodation provider to contact these places to find out which travellers cheques they deal in.