New Chitose Airport Guide: Hokkaido's Primary Gateway
- Published on : 21/07/2026
- by : Phoebe
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Tracks of New Chitose Airport
© Minku Kang, Unsplash
New Chitose Airport (Shin-Chitose Airport), Hokkaido's main airport, is the gateway to northern Japan. Connected to major Japanese cities as well as several international destinations, it is the ideal starting point for exploring Sapporo, the ski resorts of Niseko, and Hokkaido's wild landscapes. Discover everything you need to know with Japan Experience.
Terminals and Airlines
Opened in 1991 to replace the former Chitose Airport, New Chitose is now Japan's fifth-busiest airport, handling more than 20 million passengers each year. It serves destinations across Japan as well as numerous cities throughout Asia.
Domestic Terminal
The Domestic Terminal handles the majority of the airport's traffic, with flights connecting Hokkaido to major cities across Japan, including:
The Domestic Terminal also features a wide range of restaurants, shops, car rental agencies, lounges, and information counters. It is directly connected to JR New Chitose Airport Station.
International Terminal
The International Terminal mainly serves nearby Asian countries, with the number of routes varying by season.
Main destinations include:
- Seoul
- Busan
- Taipei
- Hong Kong
- Shanghai
- Beijing
- Dalian
- Harbin
- Bangkok
- Singapore
A covered walkway connects the International and Domestic terminals in just a few minutes on foot.
Japanese Airlines
Here are some of the main Japanese airlines operating from New Chitose Airport.
- ANA (All Nippon Airways)
ANA operates numerous daily flights to Tokyo Haneda, as well as Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Okinawa. It also serves several international destinations.
- Japan Airlines (JAL)
Japan Airlines connects Hokkaido with most major Japanese cities through frequent daily flights.
- Air Do
Based in Hokkaido, Air Do specializes in routes between the island and Tokyo, Kobe, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Sendai.
- Peach Aviation
This low-cost airline operates flights to Osaka Kansai, Tokyo Narita, Fukuoka, and Okinawa.
- Jetstar Japan
Jetstar Japan offers several daily flights to Tokyo Narita, Nagoya, and Osaka.
- Skymark Airlines
Skymark also operates several domestic routes, including Kobe and Tokyo.
Major International Airlines
New Chitose Airport is served by many Asian airlines.
South Korea
- Korean Air
- Asiana Airlines
- Jeju Air
- Jin Air
- Air Busan
- T'way Air
Destinations:
- Seoul
- Busan
Taiwan
- China Airlines
- EVA Air
- STARLUX Airlines
Destinations:
- Taipei
- Kaohsiung
Hong Kong
- Cathay Pacific
- Hong Kong Airlines
Destination:
- Hong Kong
Mainland China
Several airlines operate flights to destinations including:
- Shanghai
- Beijing
- Dalian
- Harbin
- Qingdao
Southeast Asia
Depending on the season, airlines also operate flights to:
- Bangkok
- Singapore
An Ideal Gateway to Hokkaido
New Chitose Airport is Hokkaido's main gateway. Located around 50 km (31 miles) from Sapporo, it offers quick access to the city via the JR train network. It is also a convenient starting point for exploring Hokkaido's top attractions, from ski resorts and national parks to volcanic landscapes.
From New Chitose Airport, you can easily reach:
- Sapporo
- Otaru
- Noboribetsu
- Hakodate
- Asahikawa
- Furano
- Biei
- Niseko
- Lake Toya
- Abashiri (with a transfer)
Getting to and from New Chitose Airport
How to get to Sapporo by train
The train is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between New Chitose Airport and Sapporo.
Sapporo
@Unsplash
The JR Rapid Airport service provides a direct connection between New Chitose Airport Station and Sapporo Station in around 37 minutes, with no transfers required. Some trains continue beyond Sapporo to Otaru, stopping at Shin-Sapporo and Teine along the way.
The JR Rapid Airport service runs every 12 to 15 minutes throughout the day.
Journey times:
- Minami-Chitose: around 3 minutes
- Sapporo: around 37 minutes
- Otaru: around 1 hour 15 minutes
A one-way ticket to Sapporo costs approximately ¥1,150.
JR trains are covered by the Japan Rail Pass and the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass. You can also pay your fare using an IC card such as Kitaca, Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA.
Hokkaido Shinkansen
@Wikimedia, libre de droits
Getting to the rest of Hokkaido by train
From New Chitose Airport Station, or after changing at Minami-Chitose, you can board:
- Limited Express trains to Hakodate
- Limited Express trains to Asahikawa
- Trains to Obihiro and Kushiro
- Trains to Tomakomai and southern Hokkaido
- Local services to Sapporo, Otaru, and surrounding areas
All of these services are operated by JR Hokkaido.
How to get to New Chitose Airport by bus
Several bus companies operate direct services between the airport and Hokkaido's main tourist destinations. Buses are available to:
- Sapporo
- Susukino
- Otaru
- Niseko
- Rusutsu
- Noboribetsu Onsen
- Lake Toya
- Furano (seasonal service)
Gare de Sapporo
@Arjan Richter sur Flickr, licence CC BY 2.0
During the winter season, many ski resorts are also served by direct shuttle buses, allowing you to reach the slopes without passing through Sapporo.
Tickets can be purchased at ticket counters, from vending machines, or directly from the driver, depending on the route.
The bus is a convenient option if your accommodation is not close to a train station or if you are travelling with several pieces of luggage.
Getting to the airport by taxi
Taking a taxi is a comfortable option, especially if you're arriving late at night or travelling with luggage.
A taxi is a comfortable option, especially for late-night arrivals.
Approximate travel times:
- Chitose: around 15 minutes
- Sapporo: around 1 hour
Approximate fares:
- ¥3,000–5,000 to Chitose
- ¥12,000–15,000 to central Sapporo, depending on traffic
Taxi ranks are located directly outside both the Domestic and International terminals.
Les taxis au Japon
@Unsplash
Renting a car
Renting a car is often the best way to explore Hokkaido, especially if you plan to visit its national parks, lakes, and rural areas.
Several major rental companies operate near the airport, including:
- Toyota Rent a Car
- Nissan Rent a Car
- Nippon Rent-A-Car
- Times Car Rental
- ORIX Rent a Car
- Budget Rent a Car
Most agencies offer free shuttle services between the terminals and their rental offices.
A car is particularly recommended for visiting:
- Lake Shikotsu
- Daisetsuzan National Park
- Furano and Biei
- Lake Toya
- Shiretoko National Park
- The Shakotan Peninsula
Need to translate your driver's licence? Japan Experience can help.
Services at and around New Chitose Airport
Unlike most airports, New Chitose is a destination in its own right. With its restaurants, shops, entertainment facilities, and museums, it's easy to spend several hours here before your flight.
Where to eat
Hokkaido is famous throughout Japan for its cuisine, and the airport is a great place to sample many of the island's local specialties without leaving the terminal.
Some of the airport's most popular dining options include:
- Hokkaido Ramen Dojo, a food court featuring ramen restaurants from across Hokkaido.
- Ebisoba Ichigen, famous for its rich shrimp-based ramen.
- Soup Curry GARAKU, where you can try Sapporo's signature soup curry.
- Nemuro Hanamaru, a popular conveyor-belt sushi restaurant known for its fresh seafood.
Ramen de Sapporo
@Wikimedia, libre de droits
Shopping
New Chitose Airport is one of the best places in Hokkaido to shop for regional specialties.
You'll find a wide selection of local products, including:
- Shiroi Koibito cookies
- Royce' chocolates and biscuits
- Lavender products
- Hokkaido cheeses
- Nikka whisky
- Local sake
It's also an excellent place to pick up Hokkaido's famous food specialties to take home as souvenirs.
Whisky Nikka
@pxHere, domaine public
Convenience Stores
As in most Japanese airports, several convenience stores are available for drinks, snacks, travel essentials, and other everyday items.
These include:
- Lawson
- FamilyMart
- Seicomart
Duty Free
The International Terminal features a large duty-free shopping area offering:
- Japanese cosmetics
- Alcohol
- Regional specialties
- Luxury goods
- Electronics
Airport Lounges
Passengers travelling in Business Class or holding eligible airline status can access several lounges throughout the airport.
Super Lounge
Available to eligible premium passengers or by paid admission, the Super Lounge offers:
- Complimentary drinks
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power outlets
- Workspaces
- Comfortable seating
ANA and JAL Lounges
Japan's two largest airlines also operate their own lounges.
Facilities typically include:
- Complimentary drinks
- Light snacks
- Free Wi-Fi
- Quiet areas for relaxing or working
Luggage Lockers and Delivery Services
Coin lockers are available in both the Domestic and International terminals, making it easy to store bags and suitcases for a few hours or even a full day.
The airport also offers a Takkyubin luggage delivery service, allowing you to send your suitcases directly to your hotel or your next destination for a more convenient journey.
Coin lockers
Flickr haru__q
Hotels Near the Airport
If you have an early departure or a late arrival, several hotels are located just a few minutes from New Chitose Airport.
Some popular options include:
- Air Terminal Hotel – Directly connected to the Domestic Terminal, this hotel is just a short walk from the check-in counters. Guests also enjoy complimentary access to the airport's onsen.
- Portom International Hokkaido – Located within the International Terminal, this upscale hotel features spacious rooms, an onsen, and several restaurants.
- ANA Crowne Plaza Chitose – Located near Chitose Station, this hotel is a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area.
Looking for more privacy? Discover Japan Experience's selection of holiday homes across Japan.
ANA Crowne Plaza Chitose
@ihg
Must-Try Experiences at New Chitose Airport
Unlike most airports, New Chitose offers a range of attractions worth exploring, even if you're only passing through on a layover.
- Royce' Chocolate World
Created by Hokkaido's famous chocolatier, Royce' Chocolate World lets visitors watch part of the chocolate-making process through large viewing windows. The complex also features a shop and café where you can enjoy the brand's full range of products, including several airport-exclusive limited editions.
- Doraemon WakuWaku Sky Park
Fans of Doraemon can explore a themed attraction dedicated to Japan's beloved blue robot cat. The park includes interactive activities, a gift shop, a café, and several areas inspired by the manga and anime series.
Royce' Chocolate World
@royce.com
- Hello Kitty Happy Flight
This attraction celebrates Hello Kitty and other beloved Sanrio characters through themed exhibits, a gift shop, and a café.
- New Chitose Airport Onsen
Located on the top floor of the Domestic Terminal, the New Chitose Airport Onsen is the perfect place to relax before or after your flight. The facility features several hot spring baths, a sauna, relaxation areas, and a restaurant.
Discover Hokkaido with our tours and excursions, carefully designed by Japan enthusiasts!
Things to Do Near New Chitose Airport
Several of Hokkaido's top attractions can be reached in under an hour from New Chitose Airport.
- Lake Shikotsu
Located within Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Lake Shikotsu is one of Japan's clearest lakes. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, hiking, or simply take in the scenery throughout the year.
- Upopoy National Ainu Museum
Located in Shiraoi, Upopoy is dedicated to the culture of the indigenous Ainu people. The complex includes a museum, traditional performances, and interactive workshops that offer insight into Hokkaido's history and cultural heritage.
Lac Shikotsu
@unsplash
- Noboribetsu Onsen
Accessible by train followed by a short bus ride, Noboribetsu Onsen is Hokkaido's most famous hot spring resort. It is best known for Jigokudani (Hell Valley), a dramatic volcanic landscape, as well as its many ryokan and hot spring baths fed by a variety of natural mineral sources.
Visiting Sapporo? Discover the city from a different perspective with our activities!
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