Communication & Electricity

COMMUNICATION

Mobile Phone – 3G/4G Mobile phones are the only phones that will work with the Japanese system however pay phones and hire mobile phones are available throughout Hokkaido.
There are three major phone stores in Kutchan that can help you with mobile phone operation.

AU

+81 (0)136-21-5616

SOFT BANK

+81 (0)136-21-2588

NTT DOCOMO

+81 (0)136-21-6868

Travel Sim – There are several options about sim cards in Japan. SoftBank gives the option of renting sim cards for as low as ¥105 a day but please note that the actual cost of the call/msg can get quite expensive. Sims cards are available from most major airports (Including New Chitose Airport). Sim cards from outside Japan:
FROM THE US http://www.truphone.com/en-US/
WORLD WIDE https://www.worldsim.com/Default.aspx
Data Sim cards from New Chitose Airport: Prepaid LTE SIM (So-net)
LOCATION: New Chitose Airport 2F International Arrival Lobby
HOURS OF OPERATION: 7 days a week, 6:30 to 22:30
RETAIL FORMAT: Vending Machine
Mobile WiFi Rental from New Chitose Airport: WiFi routers and mobile phones for rental. Sim Card sales.
LOCATION: New Chitose Airport 2F International Arrival Lobby
LOCATION: New Chitose Airport 1F Domestic Arrival Lobby
RETAIL FORMAT: Store front with Staff
HOURS OF OPERATION: Domestic – 7 days a week, 8:00 to 19:30 International – 7 days a week, 8:00 to 20:00

Public Pay Phones

Public telephones using coins and prepaid cards are very common throughout Japan. Prepaid cards are readily available at convenience stores, kiosks and in some places vending machines. For domestic calls use the green and grey public phones. Directory Assistance can be contacted by dialing 104 (toll call) and ask for an English speaker.

Prepaid Cards

Two of the most popular cards are Brastel and Kazak. Both are available in many locations throughout Niseko and Hirafu.

Internet

Ramat Niseko and Snowgums have FREE wi-fi access. There are also many other HOT-SPOTS around the village including A-Bu-Cha, Grandpapa, Java Bar, Downtown Café and Curry Goya.

Walkie Talkies

Only Japanese 2-way radios are allowed on the slopes. Ski patrol are very strict on this so unless they comply with Japanese frequencies please don’t bring any from home.

ELECTRICITY

In Japan the electricity is supplied at 100V AC 50Hz. The wall sockets are two pronged with vertical plugs. A converter is needed to operate international appliances. It is recommended to buy converters in your home country as there is normally a larger range and stock is more readily available.