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New Chitose Airport (Chitose City, Hokkaido)
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
New Chitose Airport is Hokkaido's main airport, serving as a gateway for domestic and international flights not only to the Sapporo area but to the rest of Hokkaido. Since its construction in the late 1980s as the current New Chitose Airport, it has developed as an air transport hub and has the appeal of being a tourist destination in itself, with large-scale commercial facilities, a gourmet zone, hot spring facilities, an observation deck, and more. Its unique feature is that it allows you to quickly enjoy the tastes of Hokkaido after arrival or before departure, with Hokkaido specialties and souvenirs, direct stores of popular Western confectionery brands, Royce Chocolate World, and a ramen street with a collection of local ramen all under one roof.
Highlights
- Shopping area (Rera, etc.): A wide selection of Hokkaido's most popular souvenirs (Shiroi Koibito, Rokkatei, Royce, etc.) and local foods.
- Royce Chocolate World: You can tour the factory line and purchase limited edition products (facility contents are subject to change).
- Ramen Dojo: This ramen zone features famous ramen shops from all over Hokkaido, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of each region in a short space of time.
- Observation Deck: A popular spot where you can get a close-up view of the runway, mountains, and planes taking off and landing (breathtaking views depending on the season and time of day).
- Hot springs and foot baths: There are hot spring facilities and foot baths inside the airport where you can relax before and after your flight (please note the rules for use).
- Children's and experience facilities: There are sometimes experience corners and character events for families.
- Rental car and tourist bus base: There are plenty of express bus and rental car arrangements to various parts of Hokkaido, making it easy to set off on your sightseeing trip right away.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: New Chitose Airport Station (JR Chitose Line), directly connected to the airport terminal via the underground.
- JR: Take the direct "Rapid Airport" train from New Chitose Airport Station to Sapporo Station, which takes approximately 35-45 minutes (depending on the train).
- Expressway buses and airport shuttle buses: Direct buses are available to major tourist destinations such as central Sapporo, Sapporo Station, Odori, and Susukino, as well as Otaru, Niseko, Furano, and Sounkyo (seasonal routes are also available).
- Limousine Shuttle: Direct shuttle service to city hotels and major facilities.
- Car rental: There are counters for major car rental companies within the terminal, and cars can be picked up and dropped off around the airport.
- Taxi/Private car: It takes about 40-80 minutes to get to central Sapporo by car, depending on road conditions. Be careful of road conditions in winter.
- Parking: Long-term and short-term parking is available. Please check in advance as it may be full during peak seasons.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short stop (shopping and eating only): 1-2 hours
- Take your time to explore the main attractions (observation deck, Ramen Dojo, Royce, etc.): 2 to 4 hours
- If you plan to use hot springs or multiple facilities: 3-5 hours (1-2 hours for hot springs)
- Day trip starting from the airport and including sightseeing in the surrounding area (Lake Shikotsu and Chitose city): Half a day to a full day
- Allow time for security checks at the airport: We recommend arriving one hour before departure for domestic flights and two to three hours before departure for international flights.
Nearby spots
- Lake Shikotsu (Shikotsu-Toya National Park): This crystal clear lake offers nature walks and sightseeing boat rides. It's about a 30-50 minute drive from the airport.
- Chitose Aquarium, the Hometown of Salmon: A popular facility for families, where you can learn about the ecology of salmon and the nature of Chitose.
- Northern Horse Park: A theme park offering horse riding experiences and horse-related facilities.
- Sapporo city (Odori Park, Susukino, Sapporo Clock Tower, etc.): Approximately 35-45 minutes by JR. Easy to combine with sightseeing in the city.
- Otaru: There are many tourist attractions such as canals and glass workshops, and it is about an hour away by train.
- Ski resorts (Niseko, Rusutsu, Tomamu, etc.): In winter, direct buses from the airport often operate, making access easy.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: Golden Week, New Year's, winter ski season, and long weekends are extremely busy. Please allow plenty of time for check-in, security checks, and restaurant wait times.
- Allowance for departure time: Arrive at the airport one hour before departure for domestic flights and two to three hours before departure for international flights. This will allow for ample time for queues during peak hours and security checks.
- Winter Transportation: Roads can become worse due to snow and ice, so accessing the airport can take time. If traveling by car, be sure to bring chains and studless tires.
- Hot Spring Etiquette: When using the hot spring facilities at the airport, please follow general hot spring etiquette (pouring water over yourself, handling towels, and handling tattoos). Rules regarding tattoos vary by facility.
- Eating and drinking: There are establishments in the airport where you can drink alcohol, but please avoid causing a nuisance in public places. There may also be times when you need to be mindful of the smell of food and drink.
- Garbage Separation: Many public facilities in Japan require you to separate your garbage, so please follow the instructions.
- Opening hours: Some shops and facilities may be closed in the early morning or late night hours. Please check opening hours before visiting.
- Baggage & Delivery: During peak souvenir-buying seasons, you may have more baggage, so consider using airport delivery services and be aware that delivery counters may be crowded.
New Chitose Airport is a spot where you can "taste Hokkaido at the airport." Even during a short transit, you can enjoy local gourmet food and souvenirs, and if you combine it with sightseeing in the surrounding area, you can spend a fulfilling time as the starting and ending point of your Hokkaido trip.
