COVID-19

Latest update

Still current at: 2 Nov 2022
Updated: 2 Nov 2022

Please note the below information could change at anytime, accordingly Ramat Niseko accepts no responsibility for any adverse consequences of this information.

At Ramat Niseko the health of our staff, guests and their family members are our top priority. Our strategy to manage COVID-19 aligns with the advice and information given by the Japanese Government, Australian Department of Health and the World Health Organisation.

We are constantly monitoring the situation and will update this page with any new information.

Table Of Contents

Niseko Effects

Flights To and From Chitose Airport

Since the re-opening of Japan borders on 11 October 2022 to processes similar to pre-COVID, the number of available flights has been increasing. Please check with your airline regarding flight availability.

Please check the below links for up to date restrictions.

Chitose Airport – http://www.new-chitose-airport.jp/en/

Japan Travel Situation – https://www.insidekyoto.com/can-i-travel-to-japan-now

Japan Travel Alerts – https://www.japan-guide.com/news/alerts.html

Transport To and From Chitose Airport

Currently trains between Chitose Airport and Hirafu (Niseko) are operating. There are some COVID restrictions such as spacing (resulting in less people on each service) and masks being recommended. There has also been changes to service timetables so please check with JR vial the weblink below. 

Bus services are running and schedules for the 2022-23 season have now been released. Please check with your preferred bus operator on specifics.

Train Operations – http://www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/index.html

Access to the Mountain, Ski Lifts and Ski Runs

Ski lift services for the 2022-23 season will be running as normal.

Restaurants and Bars in Hirafu (Niseko)

The majority of bars and restaurants are planning to operate as normal for the 2022-23 season.  A good website to see what restaurants are open is shown below.

Restaurant Availability – https://vacan.com/en/area/kutchan-town

Processes For Guests

PREVIOUS GUESTS

To date we have received no notification of any previous guest of Ramat or Snowgum lodges being diagnosed with COVID-19.

If you are diagnosed with coronavirus after leaving the lodge please inform us ASAP via an email to michael@ramatniseko.com. We will then take appropriate steps to inform all relevant parties.

FUTURE GUESTS

As a guest, if you meet any of the below criteria you must not visit the lodge. We will provide a full credit to use on accommodation at our lodges within 3 years.

• Those who are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, headaches
• Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 must not visit until they have been provided with written medical clearance
• People who, in the 14 days prior to check-in have travelled to a country or region at High or Moderate risk for COVID-19 –  These are the same as the ‘Areas Subjected To Entry Ban‘ listed by the Japanese Government listed at https://www.japan.travel/en/coronavirus/
• Those who have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, or who has been directed to self-quarantine for 14 days

SELF ISOLATING at our lodges is NOT ADVISED. We do not run in-room dining, have no in-room kitchen facilities, nor do all rooms have private toilets or bathroom facilities and therefore your self-isolation responsibilities cannot be met.

CURRENT GUESTS

• All guests upon check-in will be temperature checked. If you have a fever you will not be permitted to check-in.
• All guests will have temperatures checked daily. If you have a fever you will have to follow instructions of the local health centre.
• Social distancing must be observed throughout the lodge with different groups. 
• Guests must sit where the tables are placed in the dining room and not move them.

If you have ANY of these symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath

OR

• Had close contact with someone diagnosed with or suspected of having coronavirus in the 14 days before getting sick

Please do the following:

• Inform staff at the lodge
• Apply a face mask supplied by our staff
• Isolate yourself from other people
  • If you are in a bunk room our staff will see if a private room is available for you.
• Call the Japan national hotline on 050-3816-2787
  • Follow advice of the hotline. If you are advised to seek medical attention, please follow their directions.

HOW CAN WE ALL HELP STOP THE VIRUS

We all have a responsibility to reduce the spread of coronavirus. There are 6 ways we can all help stop the spread of viruses:

• Clean your hands regularly with soap and water (for around 20 seconds), or an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing – dispose of tissues immediately and wash hands
• Avoid touching your face, nose and mouth
• Stay home if you are unwell
• Social Distancing – stay 1.5m away from people and avoid gatherings of large groups of people
• Wear face masks when social distancing is not possible.

WHAT IS RAMAT NISEKO DOING

Given the current information, Ramat Niseko has implemented the following protection measures and will continually update these as the situation progresses:

• Staff
  • Temperatures taken daily and staff that record a reading above 37.3 °C, or who display cold symptoms will be asked to self-isolate and follow directions of medical professionals.
• Staff awareness training on COVID-19
• Information regarding strategies to prevent transmission of the virus been placed in all common area (i.e. hand washing, good hygiene practices)
• Clear directions will be provided to any guests who display cold symptoms of what to do, and who to contact next. This includes being provided a medical mask
• Expand on our already stringent health and safety measures to maintain a safe and hygienic environment for all guests. This includes:
  • Additional cleaning with hospital grade disinfectant
  • Disinfecting daily high traffic surfaces such as main door handles, light switches, reception, bar and communal areas.
• Provide extra hand sanitisation stations and information on best hand washing practice.
• Suggest social distancing to guests and maintain a distance of approximately 1.5m apart at all times
• Tea and coffee making facilities – it will be compulsory that guests wash their hands immediately prior to using the tea and coffee facilities
• Breakfast
  • Winter Breakfast
    • Removal of buffet style breakfast items
    • Individual portions of cereal placed in covered containers for guests
    • Hot food (porridge, bread, sausages, eggs, etc) served individually by staff to guests
  • Summer Breakfast
    • No buffet styled breakfast
    • All food served individually by staff to guests
• Van Pickups
  • Hand sanitiser provided for guests to wash hands prior to getting into van
  • Numbers of people will be restricted to meet spacing guidelines
    • Groups of friends or family members travelling together will be allowed in the van at the same time