What is New Chitose Airport?
The largest air gateway in Hokkaido, New Chitose Airport (CTS).
Located about 50 km southeast of Sapporo, it is an essential airport for domestic and international travelers.
There are many flights from major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka,
and it serves as a hub for reaching Sapporo and other sightseeing spots across Hokkaido.
✅ Hokkaido's largest international airport
✅ Convenient access to Sapporo, Otaru, and Furano
✅ One of Japan's top airports for food
New Chitose Airport is popular as an airport that is a tourist destination in itself,
with plenty of gourmet food, hot springs, shopping, and a movie theater!
What makes New Chitose Airport special?
1. Excellent access to Sapporo and destinations around Hokkaido!
New Chitose Airport offers very convenient access to major cities across Hokkaido.
By train (recommended!)
- JR Rapid "Airport" (about 37 minutes to Sapporo Station)
By bus
- Limousine bus to Sapporo (about 70 minutes)
- Direct buses also available to Otaru, Furano, and Niseko
By taxi
- About 60 minutes to central Sapporo (fare around ¥15,000)
Rental car
- Many rental car companies are located around New Chitose Airport—perfect for driving around Hokkaido!
2. A full lineup of Hokkaido cuisine! Restaurants at New Chitose Airport
New Chitose Airport is known as one of Japan's best airports for enjoying gourmet food.
Here you can enjoy Hokkaido specialties like ramen, fresh seafood, and sweets.
"Hokkaido Ramen Dojo" (Domestic Terminal, 3rd floor)
- Famous Hokkaido ramen shops gathered in one place!
- "Ebisoba Ichigen", renowned for its miso ramen, is especially popular!
"Donburi Chaya" (Domestic Terminal, 3rd floor)
- A popular spot for fresh seafood rice bowls
- Tri-color bowl with sea urchin, salmon roe, and crab is recommended!
"Yukijirushi Parlor" (Domestic Terminal, 2nd floor)
- Enjoy Hokkaido's rich soft-serve ice cream!
"ROYCE' Chocolate World" (Domestic Terminal, 3rd floor)
- Factory-attached cafe of Hokkaido chocolate brand "ROYCE'"!
When you arrive at New Chitose Airport, one of the great things is that you can easily enjoy Hokkaido cuisine right inside the airport!
3. Souvenir heaven! Shopping at New Chitose Airport
New Chitose Airport has many shops selling souvenirs unique to Hokkaido.
"Kinotoya" (Domestic Terminal, 2nd floor)
- Cheese tarts made with Hokkaido butter are hugely popular!
"Shiroi Koibito (ISHIYA SHOP)" (Domestic Terminal, 2nd floor)
- Buy the representative Hokkaido confection "Shiroi Koibito"!
"Jaga Pokkuru Theater" (Domestic Terminal, 2nd floor)
- Specialty shop for the popular snack "Jaga Pokkuru"!
"Rokkatei" (Domestic Terminal, 2nd floor)
- Marusei Butter Sand is a classic Hokkaido souvenir!
New Chitose Airport is an ideal place for souvenir shopping!
4. Hot springs and a movie theater inside the airport!? Entertainment facilities in abundance
New Chitose Airport is equipped with entertainment facilities that travelers can enjoy.
"New Chitose Airport Onsen" (Domestic Terminal, 4th floor)
- Relax in a hot spring while waiting for your flight!
- With nap/resting spaces, it's popular for travelers using early morning or late-night flights!
"New Chitose Airport Theater" (Domestic Terminal, 4th floor)
- A movie theater—rare to find at Japanese airports!
- Enjoy a film while waiting for your flight
Useful information for travelers
1. Access from New Chitose Airport to major sightseeing spots
Sapporo → about 37 minutes (JR Rapid "Airport")
Otaru → about 80 minutes (transfer via JR Rapid "Airport")
Furano → about 3 hours (JR limited express + local line)
Noboribetsu Onsen → about 60 minutes (by JR limited express)
2. Nearby hotels
✅ Air Terminal Hotel (connected to the airport)
✅ Hotel Grand Terrace Chitose (free shuttle bus available)
✅ ANA Crowne Plaza Chitose (comfortable stays)
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
✅ New Chitose Airport is packed with great food, hot springs, and entertainment!
✅ Convenient access to major Hokkaido destinations like Sapporo, Otaru, and Furano
✅ Plenty of Hokkaido souvenirs and great shopping
✅ A unique airport where you can use hot springs and a movie theater while waiting for your flight
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I buy a SIM card at New Chitose Airport?
A: Yes, you can purchase them at convenience stores and vending machines inside the airport.
Q: What are the opening hours of New Chitose Airport?
A: The domestic terminal building is generally open from around 5:00 to 23:00, but shops and restaurants are usually open until about 21:00.
Q: Are there places to stay inside the airport early in the morning or late at night?
A: We recommend the "New Chitose Airport Onsen" and the "Air Terminal Hotel".
Q: Do flights get delayed due to snow?
A: Yes, delays and cancellations are more likely during winter (December–February), so please check the latest flight information.
Enjoy New Chitose Airport as the start and end of your Hokkaido trip!
