Kutchan is often overlooked by visitors to Niseko which is unfortunate when Izakaya's such as Torimatsu, which is such an authentic Japanese experience, is only a short drive away and the food is absolutely amazing.

Inside this Izakaya on the same street as the 7-11 running parallel with Ekimae-dori is a very authentic Japanese experience with a little English menu help if you need it.

Just one coal fired yakitori grill is all that is needed for this less than 40 seat restaurant and one chef behind the grill, dressed in traditional ware, is more than adequate too. But don't let the relatively small size put you off for the food here is amazing and also very cheap.

In addition to yakitori, there is an assortment of sashimi dishes such as scallops, horse, salmon and chicken tataki, salads, everyone's fried favourites including fish and chicken, plus grilled vegatable and fish dishes.

If you are thinking of eating at Torimatsu, reservations are not necessary. Either take a taxi from your accommodation or if you have a car, park in the Co-op car park furtherest from the train station (at the T-intersection) and it is about 150m past the 7-11 on the same side.

Fatty pork skewers at Torimatsu, 3 for 300yen

Beef too at 3 for 300yen. Sorry, one disppeared before the photo