Kutchan, Japan: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Kutchan, Japan? If you're planning to go to Kutchan, I've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Kutchan, Japan

Based on the climate and weather in Kutchan, Japan, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Kutchan, Japan

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Kutchan, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Kutchan, Japan by month

January

January in Kutchan is freezing and extremely snowy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C), with a few days below 5 F (10+ below zero C). It snows nearly every day this month. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kutchan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct type. Many adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

In February, Kutchan is frosty and extremely snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C) range. At night, lows are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C). This is also a rainy time for Kutchan, with a few of the days of the month having rain. In February, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kutchan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

March

March in Kutchan is freezing and extremely snowy. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains regularly and snows almost every day of the month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kutchan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the right type. Most adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

April

In April, Kutchan can be brisk and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Kutchan, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In April, humidity reaches as high as 70%. Additionally, it is breezy.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kutchan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the right kind. Most adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

May

Traveling to Kutchan in May, you will notice that it is chilly and extremely rainy. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kutchan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the correct type. Most adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

June

June in Kutchan is mild and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C). It tends to rain most days. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kutchan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct kind. Most adapters available online are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

July in this region is a perfect temperature and very rainy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kutchan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the right kind. The majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

August

August for Kutchan is a perfect temperature and very rainy. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kutchan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the right kind. A lot of adapters on sale are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

If you are traveling to Kutchan in September, you will notice that it is mild and extremely rainy. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kutchan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

October

In October, Kutchan is crisp and extremely rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) and regularly jump into the 60s F (high 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for Kutchan, with most of the days of the month having rain. In October, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kutchan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

November

In November, Kutchan is cold, somewhat snowy and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 40s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). This is also a rainy time for Kutchan, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In November, humidity reaches as high as 70%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kutchan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the right kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

December

December can be extremely cold and extremely snowy. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month and snows most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Japan has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Kutchan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the necessary type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Kutchan, Japan

Kutchan is a town located on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, with an abundance of mountains, hot springs, and skiing resorts. There are also many cultural and historical sites to explore, making it an ideal destination for tourists.

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Kutchan:

1. Niseko Ski Resort: Arguably Japan's most famous skiing resort, Niseko attracts skiers from all around the world. It offers a vast range of slopes for all abilities, as well as luxury hotels and restaurants.

2. Mount Yotei: Also known as "Hokkaido's Mount Fuji," Mount Yotei is a stunning volcanic mountain that dominates the skyline around Kutchan. Visitors can hike to the summit for spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

3. Lake Toya: This picturesque lake is famous for its crystal-clear waters and stunning views of Mount Yotei. Visitors can take a boat tour of the lake or relax in one of the many hot springs that surround it.

4. Kutchan Station: This charming train station is the gateway to the town and is known for its unique design. The roof is curved to match the shape of Mount Yotei, and the interior features local artwork and crafts.

5. Niseko Natural Hot Springs: Kutchan is famous for its hot springs, and the Niseko area is home to some of the best. Visitors can soak in the natural hot springs and enjoy the beautiful mountain views.

6. Shiribeshi National Park: This vast national park covers much of the area around Kutchan and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including brown bears and Siberian chipmunks. There are also many hiking trails and scenic spots to explore.

7. Kyogoku Waterfall: This stunning waterfall is located just outside of Kutchan and can be reached by a short hike. The water cascades down from a height of 20 meters and is particularly stunning in the autumn months.

Overall, Kutchan is a beautiful and diverse town that offers something for everyone. Whether you're interested in skiing, hiking, or cultural exploration, there is plenty to see and do. So why not book your trip to Kutchan today and experience all that this incredible destination has to offer?

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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