Kutchan
While Niseko becomes a thriving modern international ski resort in winter, just a 10-minute bus ride away is an authentic little rural Japanese town, Kutchan - affectionately known by foreigners as K-town.
It’s the closest ‘big’ town to Niseko with a population of about 15,000 people. Kutchan is the service town for surrounding rural villages in the region, including Niseko, but in years gone by it has been quite a thriving little entertainment district on the back of past ski booms in Niseko.
Kutchan’s nightlife these days is pretty tame compared to what most foreigner visitors would be used to, but therein lies its charm. For
the younger crowd at least one night exploring the back alleys of Kutchan for a quirky little bar or karaoke joint is a must - it could well be one of the best experiences of your trip.
For those not after a party, there are countless – possibly a hundred or more - unique little restaurants to choose from.
Having a ball in Kutchan
WALKING into one of Kutchan’s many pachinko parlours is a feast for the senses to say the least. Pachinko has a gigantic cult following in Japan and is all about being over the top
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Kutchan Karaoke? Okey Dokey!
There is a must do list when visiting many countries, and Japan is no different. Singing Karaoke with a group of friends is on that list. Niseko has its own fantastic hub of great karaoke bars and booths in Kutchan.
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K-Town's indoor skate bowl
Two local former pro snowboarders came across an old rice storage shed (formerly a supermarket and movie cinema) in the back streets of Kutchan they went on to create one of the most interesting little spaces Niseko has seen.
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The Snowmobiling Chef In Kutchan
Would you leave the love of your life out in the cold? If you’re wondering why there’s a massive $20,000, 150 horsepower snowmobile inside the door of Kutchan izakaya Nami-chan Chi, it’s because it’s owner Makoto Namikata’s baby.
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Rebel Without A Course
A rebellious, offbeat personality definitely seems to be a common character trait of many celebrity chefs – think Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsay, the Two Fat Ladies. Much less famous, arguably no less talented, and certainly as interesting, is Kutchan’s Hirotsugu Hashimoto.
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Going Dutch In Kutchan
Hokkaido people like their food strong. They use a lot of salt and flavouring to really make their dishes go zing. But chef Shinji Kawaguchi says using Hokkaido’s fresh, rich ingredients he needs nothing more than a camp oven, a few vegies and a bit of meat to create a feast.
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Finding Yukitopia In Kutchan
The Japanese love a good festival. Perhaps the biggest celebrations happen across the country at the start of spring when the cherry blossoms come into season. But in snowbound Kutchan, the biggest festival of the year celebrates the depth of winter – Yukitopia.
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Kutchans Worldwide English Class
The world’s first online English teaching show – attracting a massive 5000 hits a day – is broadcast out of a small, nondescript, Japanese-style apartment in Kutchan. The Daily English Show is the brainchild of Sarah Lilburn, a Kiwi linguist from a small coastal town in New Zealand.
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Let It Be In Kutchan
The owner of lounge bar Be., Toshikazu Akita, wanted to create a space where young people could come in and communicate the old fashioned way – that is, pre internet and mobile phone. Head on in for a game of pool, darts or a relaxing cocktail and conversation.
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Sweet Love At Kutchan
Fujii Confectionary houses a love story so sweet it has literally rotted teeth. The 60-year-old family-run business was started by current manager Chiaki Fujii’s grandfather, possibly as sweet a tooth Hokkaido has ever seen.
Today
Lo: -6°C.
Hi: -3°C.
Hi: -3°C.
Tomorrow
Lo: -5°C.
Hi: -1°C.
Hi: -1°C.
Thursday
Lo: -7°C.
Hi: -1°C.
Hi: -1°C.
Powderlife Magazine
Flip thru our latest online virtual mag Powderlife Issue 11 and for past issues of Powderlife Niseko go to...
6 Jan Juicy-Fried-Cchicken Eating Comp
To see who can stomach the 6 peices the fastest chicken 1000 yen pot winner takes all The Game is one peice of chicken followed by a 375ml can of beer if you spew your out first finished wins
Full details: Niseko Events
6 Jan Chillout Resort Night for Staff
Chillout Resort Night 300yen Beer for resort staff 8-9pm every Tuesday
Full details: Niseko Events
7 Jan Midweek Madness Nomihodi.
Midweek Madness Nomihodi 9-11pm 2000yen Beer and Basic Spirits Every Wednesday.
Full details: Niseko Events
8-9 Jan DIRTY LAUNDRY @ The Northern Fox
Dirty Laundry - one of the biggest DJ acts in Australia comes to Niseko for one night through the form of head DJ - Dean Cherney. Tickets 1000Yen on the door Limited numbers so ghet there early not to miss out.
Full details: Niseko Events
9-10 Jan Red bar beats party
Red bar and restaurant is located middle hirafu free shutle bus stop#4.We have every friday dj party by national and international djs. Red bar and Restuarant every day open for deliciuse netive neplease food. Where you will get realy test of spice. Come and visit once you will love it. See ya at red bar and restaurant.You will enjoy with frindly staff herein.
Full details: Niseko Events
10 Jan The Annual Capricorn Congregation
Time has come again for the annual Capricorn Congregation. Capricorns and friends; lets unite for this annual event to celebrate our birthdays in style! Saturday the 10th of january. From open, till late.
Full details: Niseko Events
10 Jan 80s Night
10.1.09 80s Night. Free entry. Fancy dress gets 1 free drink on arrival. Prizes: Best Dressed Best 80s Dance moves Biggest 80s Hair style
Full details: Niseko Events
10 Jan Snow Tube & Tobboggan Championships
Join a team of 4 and race around the snow course.
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11 Jan Jazz Live at Half Note
Jazz bar Half Note presents a pianist, Kuniko Kanno from Sapporo. Please enjoy her beautiful Jazz standard numbers with her trio.
Full details: Niseko Events
11 Jan Japanese Lesson For Beginners
tdes presents: Japanese for Powder People - a fun, informal Japanese lesson for complete beginners, every Sunday at Samurai Bar, Niseko Yurt Village. 1000 yen per person (includes one drink). We teach you simple and useful words and phrases to use during your holiday, like: Two beers, please. To get to Samurai Bar: Opposite Seicomart theres a road that goes down the hill, past Australia House. Go down that road about 100 meters and you’ll see Samurai Bar on your right – it’s in a yurt. See you there!
Full details: Niseko Events
View the full Niseko Events Calendar
Ask Chika
Chika is a fifth generation Niseko resident and licensed travel agent. Got a question about Niseko?
