Banks: 09.00 to 15.00, Monday to Friday; some open on Saturday
Post Offices: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday; some open later
Government Offices: 10.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday; 10.00 to 12.00, Saturday
Business Centres: 09.00 to 12.00 and 13.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 10.00 to 18.00, Monday to Sunday; some closed either Wednesday or Thursday

Hokkaido is a safe destination for visitors, and there is very little crime (violent or otherwise) to concern tourists. Whenever travelling in crowded areas such as in key areas of Sapporo or in regional train stations, it is important to safeguard your belongings against potential pickpockets, though this problem seldom presents itself. Driving can be hazardous in Hokkaido as local motorists tend to take posted speed limits with a grain of salt. Country roads can quickly succumb to snowfall during the winter, and tyre-mounted chains are essential to negotiate precarious mountain passes.

100V, 50Hz, American-style three-prong plug

Japanese culture emphasises cleanliness and sanitation so visitors are unlikely to come down with any unexpected illnesses. Tap water is safe to drink though water sourced from streams and rivers in the back country should be boiled first. If you happen to become ill while visiting Hokkaido, you'll find the hospitals in Sapporo capable of addressing most concerns, while extremely serious emergencies may be referred to Tokyo.

Emergency services: 119

The national language of Japan is Japanese, while a select few in Hokkaido still use the Ainu language.

Japan uses the Japanese yen (¥), and transactions usually involve large denominations. Coins are used for denominations less than ¥500.

All visitors to Japan over the age of 20 can import the following items duty-free: gifts and miscellaneous goods not exceeding a total value of ¥200,000; 500 grams of tobacco (approximately 100 cigars or 400 cigarettes); 55 ml of perfume; and up to three bottles of spirits. Certain over-the-counter medications (such as decongestants and cold medications) are not permitted in Japan.

Japanese value cleanliness, and there are several rules of conduct related to these mores. Many visitors to Hokkaido take advantage of the region's spas, and it is worth mentioning that these facilities require guests to bathe nude. Baths are segregated according to gender, and guests are expected to thoroughly clean themselves before entering communal facilities. In other arenas, shoes should be removed before entering sacred areas or private residences. Restraint and mutual respect are an important aspect of local culture.

Nationals of most Western nations are granted a visa upon arrival and do not need to make prior arrangements before travelling to Japan. Tourist visas are usually issued for a period of 90 days although it is sometimes possible to arrange for twice the duration. Visitors can expect to be photographed and fingerprinted before they are admitted to Hokkaido.

Visitors will find the Hokkaido-Sapporo Tourist Information Centre in the Sapporo Station building. There is another information desk in the Odori subway station. 
Phone: +81 11 222 4894.