While some basic Japanese (even just simple phrases) can serve one well when traveling in Japan it is not necessary to know any Japanese to get by during short-term travel. Many Japanese people speak at least basic English. In Niseko English is even more widely used and understood so usually the language barrier is not a major problem for visitors who do not understand Japanese. Many of Skye Niseko’s staff members are English-Japanese bilingual and happy to assist you with any linguistic trouble you may encounter.