Alister

1.Please come to the hospital during regular consultation hours

• If you wish to seek medical attention, please come to our hospital during regular consultation hours. You can not make an appointment for your initial consultation. If it is a first visit, please come to the hospital directly, fill out the registration form and take it to the reception. Everyone is required to wear a facemask inside the hospital. We appreciate your understanding.
• A long waiting time can occur because patients with appointments are given priority. Therefore, please leave time to spare and come to the hospital early. Please let a nurse know beforehand if you must leave the hospital before a particular time. Please note that payment of medical expenses will be charged even if you cancel the consultation after medical tests or examination.
• We accept only emergency patients on weekends, holidays, and after regular consultation hours. If you wish to see a doctor outside regular consultation hours, please call the hospital beforehand and check whether it is acceptable. In addition, you may be consulted by a doctor other than a specialist for your symptoms, and you may be asked to visit again within regular consultation hours at a later date. The order of consultation will be decided according to severity so that you may wait for a long time. Also, please understand that limited drugs can be provided at ER.

２．Please bring an identification card  

Please bring your physical identification card, such as a passport, driver’s license, residence card and produce it at the reception. We need to obtain your personal information, such as your name and birthday accurately. Patients with a Japanese national health insurance card must present it at the reception. If you do not have the card with you on the consultation day, pay the full amount by yourself and get a refund later.

３． About payment

You can pay the medical expenses by cash or credit card. (Debit cards are not accepted.) There is no international ATM inside our hospital. Therefore, please prepare some money before coming to the hospital, or bring a valid credit card. Cashless consultation using travel insurance is not available. If you have travel insurance, please pay the full medical expenses by yourself at the hospital and make a claim for the fee to your insurance company later. We can issue medical certificates for you but in Japanese only. If you need one, please tell your doctor that you need a medical certificate. (2,200 yen per certificate) Medical expenses may be expensive if you do not have Japanese national health insurance or travel insurance.

• Extra fees will be charged at the following time.6 am – 8:30 am and 5 pm – 10 pm on weekdays (nighttime charge)10 pm – 6 am on weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays (late night charge)6 am – 10 pm on Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays (holiday charge)

４．Note for Consultation

• Medicine can not be prescribed without a medical consultation with our doctor, even if you have a prescription from another doctor or are taking the medicine regularly. In addition, according to Japanese law, we cannot give you any medications, such as painkillers, before you see a doctor.
• Examinations such as MRI can not be performed without prior consultation with a doctor and his/her judgment. Therefore, you may need to wait for several hours or come back at a later date.
• We don’t arrange ambulances at the hospital. Please call 119 by yourself if it is needed. Since the number of ambulances in the area is limited, please REFRAIN FROM CALLING AN AMBULANCE if the condition is not severe or you can come by yourself with someone’s assistant. Please use a car or a Taxi if possible. Even if you come to the hospital by ambulance, you can not go back to your home or accommodation by ambulance. Please arrange a car or a tax by yourself for the return. (Taxies are not available between 2am to 6am)
• Psychiatric consultation is by appointment only. Please contact us by telephone in advance.
• We can not respond to telephone or email correspondence from overseas insurance companies. If they need any information from us, they have to contact a Japanese agent, and the Japanese agent to contact us for the information.
• English Interpreters are available between 8:30am – 6:30pm during winter. From 6:30pm until 8:30am, we have a videophone interpreter available. If you need an interpreter other than an English interpreter, we recommend you arrange an interpreter by yourself.
•   Please follow the instructions of our staff while you are in the hospital. Please note that you may be asked to leave if you do not follow our instructions.

Niseko Yotei Regional Kutchan Kosei General Hospital

Higashi1-2,Kita4Jo,Kutchan-cho,Abuta-gun,Hokkai-do 044-0004 ,JAPAN

TEL: +81-136-22-1141
WEB: https://www.dou-kouseiren.com/byouin/kutchan/english/index.html

How to Use an Onsen: A Beginner’s Guide

Soaking in an onsen is one of Japan’s most relaxing and culturally enriching experiences. To fully enjoy it while respecting local customs, it’s helpful to understand how to use an onsen the correct way. Here’s a guide to ensure your visit is both enjoyable and respectful.

Preparing for the Onsen

Start by purchasing an entry ticket, which usually costs between ¥500 and ¥1,500. If you didn’t bring towels, many onsen offer rentals. You’ll need two towels: a large one for drying off afterward and a smaller one to bring into the bathing area.

Remove any jewellery before heading into the changing area. The minerals in onsen water can tarnish metals or damage gemstones. Many facilities have lockers near the entrance where you can safely store valuables like your phone or keys. Once in the changing room, undress completely and place your clothes and large towel in a locker or basket. Be sure to leave your slippers in the changing area as they are not allowed in the bathing area. Bring only your small towel into the bathing area.

Washing Before Entering

Cleanliness is essential in Japanese onsen culture. At the shower stalls, wash your entire body and hair thoroughly. Onsen facilities usually provide soap, shampoo, and conditioner, but you’re welcome to bring your own products if you prefer. Make sure to rinse off all soap and shampoo, as the baths are meant for soaking, not for cleaning.

If you have long hair, tie it up to prevent it from touching the bathwater. This step helps keep the baths hygienic for everyone.

Entering the Bath

Onsen baths are typically heated to 39–42°C. Start by dipping your feet to adjust to the temperature before slowly immersing yourself. Keep your small towel out of the water—place it on your head or the edge of the bath instead.

While soaking, keep your movements gentle and your voice low to maintain the tranquil atmosphere. Many onsens have multiple pools, often with varying temperatures. Feel free to explore these at your own pace, but always enter and exit the baths quietly.

If the onsen has a sauna, you’ll usually find small foam mats near the entrance. Rinse one off with water and use it to sit on. After a sauna session, consider taking a quick dip in a cold bath to invigorate your body.

Taking Breaks

Pay attention to how your body feels during your soak. If you start to feel overheated or lightheaded, step out of the bath and rest. Onsen bathing is best enjoyed in short, mindful sessions rather than staying in the water for too long.

Etiquette to Remember

Following onsen etiquette is an important part of the experience. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

• Avoid bringing alcohol into the onsen. Drinks like beer are better enjoyed after your bath.
• Refrain from jumping into the snow or getting dirty between baths, as this is considered disrespectful.
• Leave slippers in the changing area and avoid bringing them into the bath zone.
• Photography and phone use are prohibited in the bathing areas to maintain the privacy of others.
• Some onsens may have tattoo restrictions. If needed, call ahead to confirm or use sports tape to cover tattoos.

After Your Onsen Experience

When you’re ready to leave, use your small towel to pat yourself dry before returning to the changing room. Once inside, use your large towel to dry off completely before dressing. Many onsen provide water stations to help you rehydrate, which is highly recommended after soaking in hot water.

If you’re waiting for friends or simply unwinding, relax in the lounge area, where you’ll often find vending machines with water, juice, or even beer.

Embracing the Onsen Experience

Taking the time to learn how to use an onsen properly allows you to fully immerse yourself in this cherished Japanese tradition. By following these tips, you can enjoy a relaxing and culturally respectful visit that leaves you feeling refreshed and renewed.

Summary

How to Use an Onsen: Quick Step-by-Step Guide

1. Buy Your Ticket – Entry fees range from ¥500 to ¥1,500. Rent towels if needed.
2. Prepare – Remove jewellery, store valuables in lockers, and undress completely. Bring only a small towel to the bath area.
3. Wash Thoroughly – Use the provided showers to wash your body and hair. Rinse off all soap and tie up long hair.
4. Enter the Bath Slowly – Start by dipping your feet and immerse yourself gradually. Keep your small towel out of the water.
5. Relax Respectfully – Keep voices low and avoid splashing. Try different pools or use the sauna if available.
6. Take Breaks – Step out if you feel lightheaded and re-enter when ready.
7. Mind Etiquette – Avoid alcohol, snow jumping, and phone use. Check tattoo policies in advance.
8. Dry Off and Rehydrate – Use your small towel to pat dry before heading to the changing room. Drink water to stay hydrated.

Follow these steps to enjoy your onsen experience while respecting Japanese traditions!

What is Park-and-Bus-Ride?

The “Park-and-Bus-Ride” system allows commuters to drive from their homes to designated parking lots and then transfer to public transportation for the remainder of their journey.

In the Niseko area, the easing of entry restrictions has resulted in an increase in international tourists, leading to significant issues such as traffic congestion and parking shortages due to the growing use of rental and private cars. With the anticipated extension of the Hokkaido Shinkansen and high-standard roads, traffic volume is expected to increase further in the coming years.

In the Hirafu area, measures are being implemented to reduce traffic volume, alleviate congestion, lower environmental impact, and promote the use of public transportation. As part of these efforts, the Park-and-Bus-Ride pilot program for employees, first introduced last year, will be conducted again in 2024.

Request to Business Owners

During the winter season, carpooling among staff is strongly encouraged. By late November, most parking lots in the Hirafu area are already full, primarily with staff vehicles, which are often occupied by only one person. Maximizing parking availability for guests is essential, and carpooling is an effective way to achieve this.

To further reduce congestion and environmental impact, carpooling with colleagues or even staff from other companies is recommended. Feedback on this initiative is welcomed to help improve its effectiveness as an important service for the community.

Implementation Details

• Period: Saturday, December 14, 2024 to Tuesday, February 11, 2025
• Location: 4-3-2, Niseko Hirafu, Kutchan Town, Hokkaido 044-0087
• Eligibility: Employees working in the Hirafu area
• Hours of Operation: 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM
• Fee: Free of charge
• Parking Capacity: Approximately 50 vehicles

Project Coordinated by Kutchan Tourism Association

TEL 0136-55-5372  FAX 0136-55-5376 Email [email protected]

Features and Highlights:
–    Fully furnished rooms
–    Single bed, Bench desk, closet, fridge, A/C, Kettle, Chair, Curtain, Counter Basin
–    17 rooms available for rent
–    Communal bathrooms and toilets

Rates & Availability:
•  Long-term: Annual leases or half year leases available, please contact [email protected] for more details. Tel: 070-9193-0613

Why us?
– Walkable distance to convenience stores, supermarkets, banks, post office, and hospital
– Perfect for ski schools, or short term workers in Niseko looking for convenience and privacy.  Book now before they’re gone!

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