Kutchan
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Kutchan 倶知安町 |
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 Location of Kutchan in Hokkaido (Shiribeshi Subprefecture) |
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 Kutchan
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| Coordinates: 42°54′N 140°46′E / 42.900°N 140.767°ECoordinates: 42°54′N 140°46′E / 42.900°N 140.767°E | |||
| Country | Japan | ||
| Region | Hokkaido | ||
| Prefecture | Hokkaido (Shiribeshi Subprefecture) | ||
| District | Abuta | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 261.24 km2 (100.87 sq mi) | ||
| Population (April 30, 2017) | |||
| • Total | 15,573 | ||
| • Density | 60/km2 (150/sq mi) | ||
| Symbols | |||
| • Tree | Painted Maple | ||
| • Flower | Rhododendron | ||
| Time zone | Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) | ||
| City hall address | 3-3 Kita-ichijō-higashi, Kutchan-chō, Abuta-gun, Hokkaidō 044-0001 |
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| Website | www |
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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.
As of April 30, 2017, the town has an estimated population of 15,573 and a population density of 60 persons per km². 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".
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. Wintry 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.
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.
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Wikipedia