Money & Currency
Cash
ATMs
Credit Cards
Currency Exchange
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.
There is no ATM that will accept international cards in Hanazono, Niseko Village or Annupuri.
> Hirafu
Where Hokkaido Tracks Holidays, Yama Shizen East building, Hirafu Upper Village
Cards/Banks Accepts cards with VISA, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, China Union Pay, PLUS, or Cirrus logos on them (although not non-rectangular shaped cards).
Hours
Winter 8am-9pm
Summer Friday and Saturday 8am-9pm / Sunday-Thursday 8am-6pm (April 28 - November 25).
> Kutchan Post Offices
Where Check local maps. The main post office is on Eki Mae Dori (the main street), on the opposite side of Route 5 from the train station. The other is on Route 5, between Lawson and Tsutaya.
Cards / Banks Visa, Visa Electron, Plus, MasterCard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, China UnionPay.
Hours
Weekdays 8.45am-7pm
Weekends 9am-5pm
Public holidays Post offices may be closed
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 unsure, ask your accommodation to call the post office to check before you go.
> Kutchan 7-Elevens
Where There are two 7-Elevens in Kutchan, check local maps
Cards/Banks Accepts cards with VISA, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, China Union Pay, PLUS, or Cirrus logos on them (although not non-rectangular shaped cards).
Hours We never close
> Powderlife’s hot tip
If you're staying at Annupuri, Higashiyama/Niseko Village, or Hanazono, get cash out at the international ATM at the airport when you arrive at in Sapporo (New Chitose Airport). Go to level three and use the Citibank ATM which accepts many international cards.
Credit cards
Lift tickets, ski hire and ski lessons can all be paid for by credit card. Most large restaurants and some small ones also will accept them (check the Powderlife.com restaurant guide).
Foreign Currency Exchange
You can exchange most major currencies in Niseko including: USD, CAD, AUD, NZD, HKD, CNY, KPW, GBP, EUR, CHF (check in case of changes).
Where
> Hirafu
- Hokkaido Tracks
- NGS office next to the Welcome Centre
> Niseko Village
- Hilton Niseko Village
> Kutchan
- Main post office or Hokuyo Bank (corner of Eki Mae Dori and Route 5).
***Daily limits may apply. Please ask your accommodation provider to contact these places to check currencies.
