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Kutchan, Hokkaido

Town in Hokkaido, Japan From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kutchan, Hokkaidomap
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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.

Quick facts 倶知安町, Country ...

As of April 30, 2017, the town has an estimated population of 15,573 and a population density of 60 persons per km².[1] 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".

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Geography

  • Located approximately 50 km (31 mi) west of Sapporo. Kutchan lies in a valley surrounded by mountains, notably Niseko Annupuri and Mount Yōtei.
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Kutchan as seen from Asahigaoka Park
  • Mountains: Yōtei (Shiribeshi Mountain) (Makkari-Nupuri in Ainu) (active volcano, 1898 m), Niseko Iwaonupuri (active volcano, 1116 m), Niseko Annupuri (1308 m)
  • Rivers: Shiribetsu, Kutōzan

Climate

Kutchan has the distinction of being one of the snowiest towns on earth, with average annual snowfalls in excess of 10 m (33 ft). At only 176 m (577 ft) above sea level the town receives greater amounts of snow than the world's leading ski areas such as Whistler, Aspen or Chamonix. Wintery weather lasts from early November through to early April with the snowiest month being January which averages 2.9 m (9.5 ft). January is also the coldest month averaging −5.7 °C (21.7 °F). Kutchan has 4 very distinct seasons with reasonably short spring and autumn periods. The summer is mild with temperatures rarely getting above 30 °C (86 °F) and the humidity that afflicts much of Asia at this time is only felt for a short period, usually in August.

More information Climate data for Kutchan, Hokkaido (1991−2020 normals, extremes 1944−present), Month ...

Neighboring municipalities

Shiribeshi
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Etymology

Kutchan's name comes from the language of the native Ainu people. It attempts to mimic the pronunciation of the Ainu word ku-shan-i (which roughly translates as “the place where the channel flows”), but some claim that the name is derived from kucha-an-nai (“stream of a hunting lodge”).

History

In 1892 cultivation began by people from Tokushima Prefecture who had settled in nearby Yoichi. In 1893 the village of Kutchan was established, falling under the jurisdiction of the Abuta village town office (present-day Tōyako). The town office of Kutchan opened in 1896. In 1899 its jurisdiction changed from Muroran Subprefecture (present-day Iburi Subprefecture) to Iwanai Subprefecture. From 1906 it was administered as a second-level municipality. On February 8, 1910 Rusutsu, Iwanai, and Otaru’s subprefectures were consolidated into Abuta District of Muroran Subprefecture. Shiribeshi Subprefecture was established in Kutchan. On April 5, the satellite village of East Kutchan (present-day Kyōgoku) was formed. Nisekoan, Higa, and the Fujizan area become part of the Shutai village administration zone (present-day Niseko) From 1916 it was administered as a town-level municipality In 1991 its centenary was celebrated.

Economy

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Agriculture

Along with short grain white rice, much of Kutchan's surrounding area is devoted to potato cultivation.

Hirafu

Kutchan hosts the Hirafu skiing area. Hirafu is commonly mistaken as a section of Niseko town since it is a part of the greater Niseko skiing region. However, to the financial benefit of Kutchan, Hirafu lies within the confines of Kutchan town. Hirafu's largest ski resort, Niseko Grand Hirafu, draws the highest number of both domestic and foreign skiers and snowboarders than any other resort in the Niseko region. It is linked to the ski areas of Annupuri, Higashiyama, and Hanazono which together may be skied on one lift pass.

In recent years, [when?] an explosively high number of Australians have frequented Hirafu, many of whom have settled in the area and spawned businesses such as pensions, bars, and cafes.

Hirafu is also frequented by a considerable number of tourists from Hong Kong, as well as tourists coming from within Japan.

Hirafu's expanding tourism industry is often attributed to the steady and copious supply of fresh powder snow, which many [who?]claim is among the best in the entire hemisphere, if not the world.

While Hirafu's economic boom is undoubtedly an asset to Kutchan town, many fear that such rapid development will alter the price margin of goods and services offered in the village, and subsequently transform the local flavor of Hirafu.[citation needed] The local community of both Japanese and foreign "backpacker" skiers and snowboarders, who typically operate on a smaller budget than their upscale counterparts, are already being overshadowed by the burgeoning influx of wealthy tourists.[citation needed]

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Education

Public High Schools

  • Hokkaido Kutchan High School
  • Hokkaido Kutchan Agriculture High School

Middle schools

  • Kutchan

Elementary schools

  • Kutchan, Hokuyo, Higashi, Nishi, Kabayama Branch School

Transportation

Airways

Airport

Railways

Roadways

Japan National Route

Prefectural highways

  • Hokkaido Route 58 (Kutchan – Niseko)
  • Hokkaido Route 271 (Kutchan stop)
  • Hokkaido Route 343 (Rankoshi – Niseko – Kutchan)
  • Hokkaido Route 478 (Kyogoku – Kutchan)
  • Hokkaido Route 631 (Niseko – Takahara – Hirafu)
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Culture

As the main regional center of population, Kutchan hosts a variety of cultural institutions and events. The town is home to two museums, the Kutchan Natural History Museum and the Shu Ogawara Art Museum. It also hosts the annual Mt. Niseko Kutchan Jazz Festival every July in the center of town, drawing thousands to enjoy the music of Japanese and Australian musicians.

Tourism mascot

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Jagata-kun, the skiing potato, pictured on a town map in Kutchan.

The town's two main industries (ski resorts and potato farming) are both reflected in its tourism mascot, a skiing potato. Jagata-kun (じゃが太くん) (male) and Jagako-chan (じゃが子ちゃん) (female) are Kutchan's mascot cartoon character. Due to the heavy snowfalls in the region, Kutchan hosts several alpine resorts frequented by domestic and international skiers and snowboarders. In the summer, Kutchan is best known for its primary agricultural product: potatoes.

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Places of interest

Famous persons

Sister cities

See also

References

External links

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