Information : General -Pg. 1 / Pg. 2

Information - General :

• Pg. 1 - Useful Information (General)
• Pg. 2 - Transportation and Emergency Contact

Pay Phones -

Pay phones accept 10 yen and 100 yen coins. Selected pay phones also accept phone cards. For international calls check the phone has “International” marked on it. Phone cards can be purchased from almost all newsstands and convenience stores.

Postal Service -

Post offices are mark by a　 symbol. Post boxes are red colored with the same symbol in white. Post boxes are located in various areas in the street and outside of post office buildings. When sending mail take the package into the post office where it will be weighed and a cost affixed. All international post is weighed regardless of size. If you are staying at a hotel ask the front desk staff as most hotels will sell stamps and will post the letter for you.

Hospitals -

If you require urgent medical attention call the fire department:

Ph. 119

For all numbers check our Information - Telphone Numbers page.
Outpatients are accepted in hospitals during business hours Monday to Friday. For nighttime, weekends and national holidays you will need to contact an emergency clinic.

Restrooms -

There is plenty of access to public restrooms in Hokkaido. All department stores, shopping malls, parks, tourist facilities, train stations and most convenience stores have restrooms. Purchases are not necessary to use the restroom. Many toilets however are still the old style Japanese toilet which looks very much like a hole in the ground. These toilets are quite unusual for western people to use. The toilet is used by squating over the bowl, facing toward the wall. There is usually a small handle to hold while squating. Please be aware that in many train station toilets TISSUE PAPER IS NOT SUPPLIED. You must first purchase a small packet from a convenience store or there is usually a dispenser as you enter the bathroom. Bathrooms in convenience stores, parks and train stations are generally clean. Bathrooms in department stores are almost always very clean and they tend to have more western style toilets.

Coin-Operated Lockers -

Trains and public transportation in general can often be very crowded and is generally not set up for people with large bags. It is therefore reccomended that you store your belongings in a coin-operated locker. Lockers are located in all train stations and subway stations. They are clean and well kept and often have varying sizes.

Wheelchairs and Prams -

Access for wheelchair users is generally available in Japan, via elevators, in most large train stations. Smaller stations however MAY NOT have wheelchair access. To board a train please talk to the staff at the station and they will escort you onto the train, then tell them which station you are going to and they will arrange for someone to meet you at that station. Many smaller stations do not have escalators and those with prams will need to carry the pram up the stairs. If you are have difficulty please indicate this to the station personal and they will assist you.

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