Kutchan, Ski resort town in Hokkaido, Japan
Kutchan sits at the base of Mount Yotei in Hokkaido's Abuta district, covering an area with roughly 60 residents per square kilometer. The settlement serves as a gateway to several winter sports areas nearby and combines rural life with tourism infrastructure.
In 1892, farmers from Tokushima Prefecture began working the land. The following year, in 1893, the settlement gained village status.
The town name comes from the Ainu language and describes a channel or stream near a hunting lodge. Local residents today use this indigenous connection as part of their regional identity.
The area receives over 10 meters (33 feet) of snow annually between November and April, drawing skiers and snowboarders. Winter visitors should bring warm clothing and note that snow conditions are best during the peak season.
Local farmers grow a special potato variety used for making gosetsu-udon, a regional noodle type made from potato flour. These noodles are rarely found in other parts of Japan and reflect the agricultural heritage of the area.
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