When the season runs
Grand Hirafu in Niseko, Hokkaido, plans to be open from 28 November 2026 to 5 May 2027, with night skiing from 12 December 2026 to 22 March 2027. The resort says the dates depend on snow and trail conditions.
Which pack
- A GB pack on the Japan page: each one says how many days it lasts, and the days start at its first connection in Japan, so you can buy before you fly.
- A Day Pass if you stream or share data every day: 3 GB a day at full speed, then 1 Mbps.
- Hotspot works on the GB packs and uses the same data, so one phone can cover a friend for a day.
Prices today
| Place | 1 GB | 5 GB | 10 GB | Day Pass, 7 days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | $2.49 | $4.79 | $7.79 | $20.90 |
Live prices, checked 6 November 2026. Every size is on each country’s page.
How much data
- Maps, messages and photos at about 600 MB a day: about 4 GB for a week.
- Video calls home every evening or a hotspot for the group: 10 GB, or a Day Pass if you would rather not count.
- More detail by use: how much data do I need.
Phones in the cold
Apple designs iPhone for 0 to 35°C. Colder than that, the battery can run down sooner and the phone can switch off; battery life returns to normal once it warms up. Keep the phone in an inside pocket on the lift and carry a power bank.
Install on Wi-Fi at home and keep the travel line off until you land. Weighing a rental router instead? See eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi.
Packs in this guide
- Japan eSIM, from $2.49 (every brand compared)
Sources
- Niseko Grand Hirafu: 2026-27 season dates (read 6 November 2026)
- Apple: if your iPhone or iPad gets too hot or too cold (read 6 November 2026)
Prices on Inbox eSIM are live. Other figures are as published by the sources on the dates shown.