New Chitose Airport – your gate to Sapporo and Hokkaido !

New Chitose (or in Japanese Shin Chitose 新千歳) is Japan's fifth busiest after Narita and Haneda, serving Tokyo, Kansai International (KIX) near Osaka and Chubu International Airport (Centrair), south of Nagoya. The airport has two terminals (domestic and the smaller international) and is the biggest airport of Hokkaido, near Sapporo, the capital of the prefecture. Shin Chitose (New Chitose) opened in 1991 and took over the civilian transport of the ancient Chitose Airport, now Chitose Air Base, a defense military base. With more than 23.7 millions passengers (2018), New Chitose is the first Japanese 24h/24 open airport. The busiest flight route of the airport (and the second-busiest domestic road of the world !) is the connection between New Chitose and Tokyo Haneda airport, with 11,931,572 passengers in 2024. Near Sapporo, there is a second airport, Okadama Airport, located in the northern part of the city, that handles few routes in the Japanese territory. 

Summary :

• Airlines and terminals
• Access to and from New Chitose
• Facilities in and around New Chitose Airport
• Attractions near New Chitose

Airlines and terminals

Almost every single international destinations of New Chitose Airport go to East Asian countries. The only flight connecting New Chitose to a non-Asian country is seasonal (December to March) and is to Sidney, in Australia. This is because Hokkaido is a key destination to enjoy winter sports like skiing or snowboarding. Hokkaido is also very popular thanks to its cool and fresh weather during summer, whereas the majority of Asian countries endure humidity and heat in this season. Many travelers come from China, Taiwan, Philippines, and Thailand to appreciate the qualities of Japan’s northern island. Here is an exhaustive list of Asian destinations : 

• Bangkok
• Seoul
• Singapore
• Taipei
• Manila
• Pekin
• Kuala Lumpur
• Busan
• Xi’an 

There is no direct flight from or to European and American countries.

Access to and from New Chitose Airport

By train 

• JR Rapid Airport

The JR Chitose Line has a station at Chitose Airport, named New Chitose Airport. You’ll find three different speed services (Semi rapid : 43 minutes – Rapid : 37 minutes – Special rapid service : 33 minutes), that all go to Shin Sapporo Station and Sapporo Station. Some trains terminate at Otaru and still go through Sapporo Station.

Note that there are no direct trains to Niseko. Your best choice to go directly from the airport to the famous ski resort is to take a bus or a car. 

By car

By car, you’re only one hour away from Sapporo’s city center. New Chitose airport is also pretty close to other key destinations, like Shikotsu Lake that is only 40 minutes away from the airport. To reach Niseko, your best choice from the airport is by car, with a 2 hour-drive. If you don’t choose to drive yourself, you can take a taxi in front of the Terminal 1. 

Facilities in and around Haneda Airport

• Food and cafés 

Inside the airport, you’ll find numerous restaurants and cafés, both before and after the security check. Ramen, wagyu, seafood; curry… Japanese and international cuisine can be enjoyed before your flight ! We recommend the Doraemon WAKUWAKU SKY PARK Café, located on the 3F of the corridor between the two terminals, alond side with Royce’s Chocolate World where delicious treats are delightful. 

• Shops

With the usual duty-free shop brimming with luxury and items, japanese airport are known for the omiyage shop with treats and good to bring back from your trip. There is even a special Donkihote, Sora Donki on the 3F before security check, a Pokemon store on the 2F and the Hello Kitty Happy Flight, on the 2F of the corridor between the terminals with special merchandise.

• Car Rental 

Car rental companies (Toyota Rental, Nissan Rent-A-Car, Nippon Rent-A-Car…) can be found on the 1F of the domestic terminal building.

• Currency Exchange

You’ll find currency exchange services on the 1F of the domestic terminal and on the 2F of the international terminal. 

• Luggage Delivery Service

The luggage delivery service are located in both terminals, on the 1F and 2F of the domestic terminal and on the 2F and 3F of the international terminal. 

• Hotels

You’ll find different hotels inside and around New Chitose Airport. There is a high-end luxury hotel called Portom International Airport directly inside the building of the airport. Beautiful bedrooms and suites, with views of the runways, provides a comfortable stay in large rooms. The hotel also offers the possibility to experience a tea ceremony at their tearoom Seifu-An, or relax in onsen baths. 

A second hotel located in the airport is a good option if your flight is early in the morning. The Air Terminal Hotel allows you to have a pleasant stay with nice rooms and also hot spring baths. 

There is no way to go to New Chitose airport with public transportation before 6h30, that is why spending a night at the airport can be your best option. 

Attractions near New Chitose

With Sapporo so close of the airport and easily accessible from there, you’ll find plenty of things to do there. If your stay at the airport is short, here are some places to enjoy your time in the Airport.