Kutchan (倶知安町, Kutchan-chō) is a town located in Shiribeshi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. Kutchan lies slightly north of the volcano Mount Yōtei, and is approximately 50 kilometers west of Sapporo. The subprefecture government offices are located in this town, making it the capital of the subprefecture.
As of April 30, 2017, the town has an estimated population of 15,573 and a population density of 60 persons per km². The total area is 261.24 km2 (100.87 sq mi).
Throughout Hokkaido, Kutchan is known for its proximity to the world famous Niseko powder snow region and for its production of quality potatoes and potato products. Among these products, Kutchan is most famous for manufacturing gosetsu-udon, a Japanese noodle made from potato flour. Jagata-kun, the skiing potato that is the cartoon mascot of Kutchan, indicates Kutchan's two most celebrated aspects. Jagata-kun roughly translates as, "little, fat potato boy".
First thing, collect a "town map" from your accommodation. Use it to locate some of the places you'd like to see. Then go for it!
Max-Valu, Co-op and Homac (a Bunnings clone) are worth looking through just for the fun of seeing how the locals live and buy.
Browse the shops, look in the "¥100 shop" for bargains, check out the souvenir shops, Takiguchi sports (if you want to get a new set of skis while you are here: Mr. Takiguchi also owns the infamous Seico-Mart in Hirafu), Boom (for snowboards), and the furniture shops.
The main Post Office, at the far end of the business district on Ekimae Avenue, has an ATM that will accept overseas cards (but not if they are other than rectangular!) for withdrawals if you need extra cash.
Find a restaurant anywhere in the town. Most will have a range of local produce, some will speak English (eigo) but many will not. Still, the universal pointing language will often get you what you want. Portion sizes are quite variable, as they are throughout Japan, so be prepared to order more if there isn't enough first go round. It is almost expected.
*
Miyako Street is worth a stroll at night, for a small town version of a Japanese drinking district.
Just about anything! You can get food, hardware, tools, ski gear (wax, bindings, etc.) and some wonderful kimono fabrics at Cocoroya on Ekimae avenue.
There are lots of opportunities to sleep. Just walk along the first street from the railway station parallel to the tracks. There is a Hotel with Onsen (Traditional Japanese Bath) about 1km from the railway station, first go south, then head over the bridge that crosses the tracks and river, then walk uphill until you see the sign of the bath. The Onsen is open all night for Hotel guests.
Kutchan is on the JR Hakodate Main Line between Hakodate and Sapporo, but it is only served by local trains. From Sapporo it takes two to three hours, requiring a change of trains at Otaru, at a cost of ¥1790. It takes 3 to 4 hours from Hakodate with a change at Oshamanbe.
Walking is a good way to see the sights. The town is not so large that you cannot get to most of the points of interest on foot.
Footpaths can become dangerously slippery during winter. A set of boot "chains" or strap-on cleats will be a great benefit.
