NISEKO’S main resort Hirafu has just got its first international ATM, meaning overseas tourists no longer need to travel 15 minutes to the nearby town of Kutchan to withdraw cash.
The Seven Bank ATM is located in the office of Hokkaido Tracks Holidays in central Hirafu, and accepts cards with VISA, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, China Union Pay, PLUS, or Cirrus logos on them (although not non-rectangular shaped cards).
The lack of an international ATM in Niseko has long been a major complaint among foreign tourists, who otherwise needed to catch a time-consuming bus or a Y5000 return taxi to Kutchan.
The inconvenience of there being no ATM in Niseko was magnified because many restaurants, bars and shops currently do not accept credit cards, as Japan is still largely a cash-oriented society.
Right across Japan, even in major hubs in Tokyo, it can be very difficult to find international ATMs.
Very few Japanese bank ATMs accept international cards, with the major exceptions being post office ATMs and Seven Bank ATMs which are in virtually all 7-Eleven convenience stores.
Niseko’s new ATM is likely to be applauded by local businesses as it should encourage tourists to spend more money while they are in the resort.
Hokkaido Tracks CEO Matt Dening said Hirafu lacking an ATM was the most consistent feedback they received from foreign guests.
"We are excited to have an international ATM in Niseko-Hirafu – for the past six years the most consistent feedback from our international guests has been their surprise and frustration at the lack of an international ATM in the village," he said.
"Hokkaido Tracks has been negotiating for more than a year to bring this facility to Niseko and we hope that all visitors, staff and residents in the region will use the machine, both for international and Japanese transactions.
"We expect that all local businesses will benefit as visitors have easy access to cash and will be more comfortable spending while on holidays.
"The ATM will also draw people into the centre of the upper village, which is becoming the second hub for Niseko-Hirafu Village with quality restaurants such as Kamimura and the front desks of both Hokkaido Tracks and NMS – the two largest property managers and holiday providers in Niseko."
Niseko Promotion Board administrative director Koji Kunieda welcomed the addition.