FAQ

Q: How do I get from Sapporo or Sapporo Airport (Chitose) to your townhouse?

It is easy to organise all of your transfers between Chitose airport and Niseko and between Niseko and Powder Haven.

Q: Should I get the bus or Train?

Buses operate from late November to early April. At other times of the year the train is the only option to Niseko.

In our experience the bus is a more convenient and direct option. It is best to book the bus well in advance as they often fill very quickly and in low season they may combine several bus services if only a few bookings have been received.

The train trip will take two and a half to three hours and delivers you to Kutchan which is 10-15 minutes away from Hirafu. You will then have to organise your transfer to Hirafu therefore we recommend using the bus. 

Q: Can I bring my own car or hire car?

Yes, Powder Haven has a parking spot right at the front of the townhouse. 4WD vehicles fitted with snow tyres can be hired in Niseko.

Q: What breakfast options are available?

 Our townhouse is completely self-contained with a modern kitchen and western cooking facilities enabling our guests to cater for all their dietary needs. The Seico Mart and Lawsons convenience store, both located a short walk away, sell a great selection of breakfast foods such as cereal, bread, eggs, bacon, milk, juice, fruit and even Vegemite! Nearby Kutchan has large supermarkets for a "big" shop.

Q: Is the townhouse serviced?

Q: How do I get to the lifts?

The free village shuttle bus stops at bus stop #5 which is an easy 100 metres walk away. It takes you straight to the various lifts and gondola. Coming home from the slopes, you can walk from bus stop #5 or ski the 40 meters from bus stop #4 to Powder Haven's doorstep.

Q: What kind of adapter do I need for Japan?

 
Japan runs on 110v amp electricity. You will need to bring an adaptor in order to use your personal computer or appliances from overseas. Low-draw electronics (such as battery chargers) may function on just a simple plug converter, however they will likely charge much more slowly due to the lower current in Japan.

Q: How can I make an international phone call?

The local Seicomart convenient store sells international calling cards, which can be used, from all land lines and payphones. Calling cards brought from your own country may or may not work. There are a number of places in the village that have international payphones.

Our townhouse has high speed broadband internet access. Guests may make free use of programs such as Skype to place international calls over internet lines. Don't forget to bring your laptop, web-cam and headphones.

Q: Can I hire Ski and Snowboard Gear In Niseko?

 Yes, definitely! Niseko is a major ski resort, and many companies offer rentals. All the companies stock an abundance of both ski and snow board gear and accessories.

Q: I am an advanced/expert skier or snowboarder can I hire the best gear?

Yes, some hire shops stock this year's models of skis and snowboards.

Q: Do the Rental Companies stock larger sizes?

Yes generally any equipment up to a foot size U.S 11 is stocked, but I would definitely check first.

Q: Can I hire winter Clothes for Skiing and Snowboarding?

We do not recommend renting winter clothes in Niseko. It is an expensive option and the quality of clothing is not ideal for cold climates. In addition the shops do not tend to stock a large variety of sizes.

We strongly advise you to purchase warm clothing specifically suited for cold climate skiing prior to coming to Niseko.

One important point to note is we also recommend you purchase a quality set of goggles, as the huge amount of powder snow on offer in Niseko is not conducive to sunglasses. We recommend light-enhancing lenses in your goggles as it is often cloudy and snowing.

If you do forget anything or need a replacement there are retail shops in Niseko Hirafu, but the prices are generally higher than in Australia, the USA and Canada. Be warned, Japanese goggles may not fit Western shaped faces.

Q: When in Japan, can I pay for purchases by credit card?

Yes many companies in Niseko now accept credit cards. However if you do choose to pay with credit card then you will generally incur an additional fee of 5% due to the high credit card fees incurred by businesses in Japan. To ensure you receive discounts we advocate payment by cash.

Q: What else is there to do apart from skiing/snowboarding?

Niseko is a cultural oasis offering local tours of the town, onsen trips and beautiful restaurants. It also boasts many activities including: snow shoeing, indoor rock climbing, snowmobiling, tubing, horse riding, karaoke, cross-country skiing, ice-climbing and shopping.

Our townhouse has a compendum detailing contact numbers and further details.

Q: Can I wear bathers in the onsens?

Japanese tradition requires that bathers are not allowed in onsens. Modesty towels are used to "cover up". These can be hired at most onsens. Please check with the individual onsen before you go. Male and female guests bathe separately.

We recommend you do bring a pair of bathers however, as the swimming pool requires that swimmers MUST wear bathers.  Try not to confuse the two!

Niseko has five onsens and there are many more in the surrounding areas. It is one of Japan's most famous onsen destinations. Yukoro onsen is 100 meters away from Powder Haven. There are also a number of great onsen resorts within a 10 minute walk, such as  Scott Hotel Onsen, Alpen Hotel Onsen, Yukoro Public Bath House and Prince Hirafutei hotel.

Please see our compendium for a guide to onsen etiquette.

Q: Does the townhouse have internet Access?

Yes, Powder Haven has free high-speed, wireless broadband internet access. You will need to bring a laptop. A LAN cable is provided.

Q: Is smoking allowed within the townhouse?

Under no circumstances are guests allowed to smoke anywhere inside the building.The townhouse is fitted with sensitive smoke detectors and if the fire system is activated guests will be liable for any damage.Please note that we reserve the right to evict you without warning if this policy is broken.

Q: Can we buy Western food in Japan?

Yes. The local convenience store, Seiko-mart is located five minutes walk from the townhouse. This store is well equipped with basic foods such as milk, eggs, bread, fruit, alcohol and fast food snacks.

For a more extensive range of groceries the local town of Kutchan is located fifteen minutes away. It is similar to most of the supermarkets in Australia, Hong Kong or Singapore. You can take the bus to Kutchan from the bus stop near the Seiko-mart. The bus schedule is on the bus stop "pole" and on the back of the Grand Hirafu trail map which will be provided to you on your arival.

 Q: How cold does it get in Niseko?

 Most days are generally minus five to minus fifteen degrees Celsius. The temperature can plummet further with wind chill. Hence we recommend that you have arrive with high quality clothing, neck warmers and goggles.

On a clear day in Niseko the view is spectacular. If you are lucky enough to have a huge powder dump the night before followed by a beautiful blue sky then you will experience one of the most incredible days of skiing/boarding in your life.

Later in the season offers more clear skies and warmer overall temperatures, but of course this comes at the cost of powder quality. For beginner skiers, we recommend the early spring as the easiest and most hospitable conditions for learning.

Q: Do you have dish washers, washing machines and dryers?

Powder Haven has a dishwasher in the kitchen and both a washing machine and a separate dryer in the ski/drying room. We also provide plenty of clothes hangers so you can dry lots of clothes by hanging them on the drying room racks.

 We do not allow outer wear ski gear into the apartments.

Q: Do you have a ski storage area and drying room?

As you enter Powder Haven, you can store your skis/boards boots and ski clothing in the lockable ski/drying room off the entry. They will be dry and warm when you collect them in the morning.

Q: How do I get lift passes?

You can buy all varieties of lift tickets and multi-day passes either at the ticket offices near the gondola, the Scott hotel or at the base of Hanazono.

Q: How many people does the townhouse sleep?

Powder Haven comfortably sleeps 4 people. Each bedroom has either 2 single beds or a queen bed. One more person can sleep in each bedroom on a futon on the floor at an extra charge per person, per night. The dining setting seats 6 and there is enough crockery and cutlery and lounge seating for 6 people, however the sleeping arrangements with 3 in a bedroom may be squashy in our opinion.

Due to insurance and fire code restrictions, 6 guests are the maximum allowed for the townhouse, including children and under no circumstances can these limits be waived.

Q: I want to go off into the back Country for the best powder... what do you suggest?

We suggest that you enquire with one of the ski schools or Niseko Adventure Centre (NAC) for a guided tour. Please also be aware of possible problems with your insurance company if you are injured whilst skiing out of bounds. Do make sure you have up to date insurance prior to traveling to Niseko.

Q: If I am injured on the mountain what should I do?

Please contact the nearest Ski Patroller by asking someone to ski to the nearest lift station for help. It is important to understand that the patroller will most likely be Japanese with limited English skills so be patient, speak clearly and slowly. It may pay to carry a small language book if you are concerned. Japanese doctors and nurses are extremely well trained and very professional. The medical care in Japan is on par with anywhere else in the western world.

Have your insurance details in a convenient place either on you or in your apartment.  

Q: What time are the first and last lifts?

The first lift opens at 8.30am and the last lift finishes at 9pm. These times will vary depending on the location of the lift and the weather conditions at the time. Please take note of the closing time of the lift you are skiing or boarding so that you do not miss the last lift. It is important to note that towards the end of the season (usually mid to late April) night skiing usually stops and the operating hours of the Gondola may be reduced.

Q: Winter is great, but what about summer in Niseko?

Japan has 4 distinct seasons. The Autumn colour display has to be seen to be believed. Summer activities abound in Niseko. It is a very popular tourist destination for the domestic Japanese market. Not least of all the excellent rafting, hiking, tennis, world-class golf and mountain biking on offer. Hiking up Mt. Yotei is a breathtaking experience and can be organised through Niseko Adventure Center. The famous Kutchan Jazz festival is also in Summer. In Spring, Japan is famous for the cherry blossom and other festivals. Summer rates are substantially cheaper than winter and we highly recommend Niseko in Summer.