Kutchan Hokkaido
Kutchan is a town best known for its proximity to the Niseko United Ski Resort. Whilst parts of the Niseko United ski area are officially located within the town limits of Kutchan, the downtown area of Kutchan near the train station is about 6km from Niseko Hanazono and 7km from Hirafu which is the main heartbeat of the Niseko Resort. Considering the high profile of
Niseko, it’s not surprising that many folks don’t realise that Kutchan is also known for its potato growing!
For some, Kutchan may just be an entry point if
arriving in Niseko via train whilst for others it might be an excursion for some major grocery shopping or an ATM. Otherwise some people use Kutchan town as a base to escape the high accommodation tariffs near the Niseko slopes. Staying in Kutchan is also a great option if you have a car and want to visit other nearby ski resorts and cat skiing operations (see below).
Pros and Cons of Staying in Kutchan
Pros
- Kutchan accommodation is more affordable than Niseko accommodation near the slopes.
- Staying in the town of Kutchan offers a more Japanese experience compared to the “resortified” experience you’ll get at most of the Niseko villages.
- Kutchan has plenty of great Japanese restaurants as well as some western cuisine eateries.
- Food is generally much more affordable compared to the other Niseko lodging zones and you'll have easy access to supermarkets.
Cons
- You have to catch a shuttle bus or drive to the Niseko slopes.
- Depending on the location of your Kutchan accommodation, you may also need to catch a bus or drive to go out for dinner.
Ski Areas Near Kutchan
Distances from Kutchan train station to nearby ski areas:
Kutchan Accommodation
Kutchan accommodation includes business hotels, lodges, hostels and a little bit of self-contained accommodation. If you don’t have a car, location is key, or at least choose lodging that offers a shuttle services to the slopes such as
Torifito Hotel.
Smart Hotel Kutchan is very close to the train station, a major bus stop, and lots of restaurants.
Stay Living Kutchan is amongst lots of restaurants and is a 4 minute walk to the train station.
Kutchan Accommodation Listings
Kutchan Food & Nightlife
The Kutchan restaurants and bars are a highlight of staying in town. In addition to several western eateries, there are lots of little Japanese restaurants and izakaya, and many of them are inexpensive. There are many Kutchan restaurants between the train station and Highway 5, and a high concentration can be found in the street perpendicular to the station and train line, and the two streets to the north. In this zone is Miyako Dori (Street), which is known for its little drinking spots.
[AdListings collection="Japan" category="Niseko" subcategory="Kutchan Restaurants"]
Kutchan Shopping
Large supermarkets in town include Lucky Supermarket and Max Valu on the intersection of Highway 343 and Highway 5. Nearby is a massive pachinko parlour in case you want to have a look at how some of the locals waste their money!
There are various Kutchan ski shops and snowboard stores that have equipment rentals as well as retail.
[AdListings collection="Japan" category="Niseko" subcategory="Shopping Kutchan"]