This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Kutchan.
Kutchan, Japan, is a town in Hokkaido Prefecture in Japan. Around fifteen thousand people live in the town, which is well known for its high-quality potatoes. Besides the agriculture, the biggest economical factor is tourism. The two mountains, Niseko Annupuri and Yōtei, are the main attractions in the region.
Kutchan is located near the world-famous ski region Niseko that attracts winter sport lovers from all over the world. The quality of the snow in the area is great -- you get deep and reliable powder during the winter season thanks to the northern weather patterns. Nature lovers enjoy numerous outdoor activities in summer, as well. You can go climbing, hiking, and biking in the region. At the foot of Mount Yōtei, there is the beautiful Lake Hangetsu. It is a national monument and good option if you want to go for a hike.
The closest airport is the New Chitose Airport in Sapporo. International and national airlines offer frequent flights between the Japanese islands and to international destinations. From the airport, you can take the Rapid Airport and Hakodate Line to get to Kutchan. The journey takes around three hours.
The winter is long and enables winter sport enthusiasts to use the slopes from November to the beginning of May. The summer in Kutchan is warm and mostly dry. The maximum temperature ranges from twenty to twenty-five degrees Celsius. In winter, the average maximum temperature drops below zero degrees Celsius.
You can find classic hostels in Kutchan, Japan, as well as hotels and traditional guesthouses. Most locals do not speak English, and even if there are many foreigners in the region, you will have trouble to get some quality information in English. Therefore, be patient, as communication problems can occur. Free Wi-Fi is standard in the Kutchan, Japan hostels and hotels. Be aware that it can be difficult to book some beds in the Kutchan, Japan hostels during the peak season, since the nearby ski resorts in Niseko are world famous. Planning helps to avoid disappointments.
Written by local enthusiast for Kutchan hostels
Flo