Enjoy Travel to Japan!
Home

New Chitose Airport (Hokkaido/CTS): Food Heaven, Sapporo Access, Souvenirs, Onsen & Entertainment

New Chitose Airport (Hokkaido/CTS): Food Heaven, Sapporo Access, Souvenirs, Onsen & Entertainment
New Chitose (CTS) is Hokkaido’s main air hub, about 37 minutes from Sapporo by JR Rapid Airport. Discover why it’s famous for airport dining and souvenirs, plus how to spend layovers with an onsen, cinema, and more.

Highlights

New Chitose Airport (CTS) Quick Guide

New Chitose Airport (CTS), about 50 km from Sapporo, is Hokkaido’s largest airport and a destination in itself—with food, souvenirs, onsen, and even a movie theater.

CTS to Sapporo: Train, Bus & Taxi

JR Rapid Airport takes about 37 minutes to Sapporo Station; airport limousine buses to Sapporo take about 70 minutes. A taxi to central Sapporo takes about 60 minutes (around ¥15,000).

New Chitose Airport Restaurants & Food

At Hokkaido Ramen Dojo (Domestic Terminal 3F), sample famous ramen shops; for seafood bowls, try Donburi Chaya (3F). For sweets, Snow Brand Parlor (2F) and Royce’ Chocolate World (3F) are popular.

New Chitose Airport Souvenirs & Snacks

Top Hokkaido treats are easy to find in the airport: Kinotoya (cheese tarts), Shiroi Koibito (ISHIYA SHOP), Jaga Pokkuru Theater, and Rokkatei (Marusei Butter Sandwich), among others.

New Chitose Airport Onsen & Movie Theater

New Chitose Airport Onsen (Domestic Terminal 4F) includes a nap/rest area for relaxing. New Chitose Airport Theater (Domestic Terminal 4F) lets you enjoy movies right inside the airport.

From CTS to Hokkaido Highlights: Travel Times

Sapporo about 37 minutes (JR Rapid Airport) / Otaru about 80 minutes (with transfers) / Furano about 3 hours (limited express + local line) / Noboribetsu Onsen about 60 minutes (using a limited express).

CTS Opening Hours & Airport Hotel

The Domestic Terminal building is generally open about 5:00–23:30, and many shops and restaurants close around 21:00 (varies by venue). An airport-connected option is the Air Terminal Hotel.

For the latest information, please refer to official announcements or check on site.

What Is New Chitose Airport?

New Chitose Airport (CTS) is Hokkaido’s largest air gateway.

It is easy to access from the Sapporo area and is an essential airport for domestic and international travelers.

With many flights from major cities such as Tokyo and Osaka, it serves as a hub for reaching Sapporo and sightseeing destinations across Hokkaido.

✅ Hokkaido’s largest international airport

✅ Convenient access to Sapporo, Otaru, and Furano

✅ One of Japan’s top airport gourmet destinations

New Chitose Airport is popular because the airport itself is a tourist attraction, with excellent food, hot springs, shopping, and even a movie theater.

The domestic terminal building is especially well equipped, so you won’t get bored during flight waiting time.


What Makes New Chitose Airport Special?

1. Excellent Access to Sapporo and Destinations Across Hokkaido!

New Chitose Airport offers very convenient access to major cities in Hokkaido.

By Train (Recommended!)

  • JR Rapid Airport (about 33–41 minutes to Sapporo Station)

During the day, trains run about every 15 minutes, so waiting times are relatively short.

The one-way fare is roughly in the 1,200-yen range, and an additional charge applies if you use the reserved-seat “u-seat.”

By Bus

  • Airport limousine bus to Sapporo (Airport Liner) (about 70–80 minutes)
  • Direct buses are also available to Otaru, Furano, and Niseko

Some bus routes pass in front of hotels in central Sapporo areas such as Odori and Susukino, which can be more convenient than JR depending on where you stay.

By Taxi

  • About 60 minutes to central Sapporo (fare varies by distance and time of day)

Rental Car

  • There are many rental car companies around New Chitose Airport, ideal for driving in Hokkaido!

If you want to explore Hokkaido’s vast natural landscapes, a rental car is the most flexible way to travel.

2. Hokkaido Gourmet All in One Place! Restaurants at New Chitose Airport

New Chitose Airport is popular as one of Japan’s best airports for food lovers.

You can enjoy Hokkaido specialties such as ramen, seafood, and sweets.

“Hokkaido Ramen Dōjō” (Domestic Terminal 3F)

  • Famous ramen shops from Hokkaido all in one place!
  • The miso ramen favorite “Ebisoba Ichigen” is especially popular!

“Donburi Chaya” (Domestic Terminal 3F)

  • A popular restaurant for fresh seafood rice bowls
  • The three-topping bowl with sea urchin, salmon roe, and crab is highly recommended!

“Yukijirushi Parlor” (Domestic Terminal 2F)

  • You can enjoy Hokkaido-style rich soft-serve ice cream!

“Royce’ Chocolate World” (Domestic Terminal 3F)

  • A café with a factory attached for Royce’, Hokkaido’s famous chocolate brand!

One of the best things about arriving at New Chitose Airport is being able to casually enjoy Hokkaido gourmet food inside the airport.

There are many dining options, and lunchtime gets crowded, so visiting a little earlier or later is recommended.


3. Souvenir Heaven! Shopping Guide to New Chitose Airport

New Chitose Airport has many shops selling souvenirs unique to Hokkaido.

“Kinotoya” (Domestic Terminal 2F)

  • Cheese tarts made with Hokkaido butter are extremely popular!

“Shiroi Koibito (ISHIYA SHOP)” (Domestic Terminal 2F)

  • You can buy “Shiroi Koibito,” one of Hokkaido’s signature sweets!

“Jagapokkuru Theater” (Domestic Terminal 2F)

  • A specialty shop for the popular snack “Jaga Pokkuru”!

“Rokkatei” (Domestic Terminal 2F)

  • Marusei Butter Sandwich is a classic Hokkaido souvenir!

New Chitose Airport is also perfect for souvenir shopping.

You can find everything from Hokkaido-exclusive sweets and dairy products to processed seafood, and buy them all before your return flight.

4. Hot Spring and Movie Theater Inside the Airport!? Great Entertainment Facilities

New Chitose Airport offers a variety of entertainment facilities for travelers.

“New Chitose Airport Onsen” (Domestic Terminal 4F)

  • Relax in a hot spring during your flight waiting time!
  • Popular with early-morning and late-night travelers thanks to nap spaces!

The admission fee is 2,600 yen for adults, and an additional late-night fee is required after 1:00 a.m.

“New Chitose Airport Theater” (Domestic Terminal 4F)

  • A rare movie theater for a Japanese airport!
  • Enjoy a movie during your layover or wait time

Useful Travel Information for Visitors

1. Access from New Chitose Airport to Major Tourist Destinations

Sapporo → About 33–41 minutes (JR Rapid Airport)

Otaru → About 80 minutes (JR Rapid Airport with transfer)

Furano → About 3 hours (JR limited express + local line)

Noboribetsu Onsen → About 60 minutes (JR limited express)

In winter, JR services may be delayed or suspended due to snow, so it is best to plan with extra time.

It is also reassuring to consider buses or rental cars as backup transportation options.

2. Hotel Information Nearby

✅ Air Terminal Hotel (directly connected to the airport)

✅ Hotel Grand Terrace Chitose (free shuttle bus available)

✅ ANA Crowne Plaza Chitose (for a comfortable stay)


Summary

✅ New Chitose Airport is packed with gourmet food, hot springs, and entertainment!

✅ Convenient access to major Hokkaido destinations such as Sapporo, Otaru, and Furano

✅ Plenty of Hokkaido souvenirs, making shopping fun too

✅ A unique airport where you can enjoy a hot spring or movie theater during flight waiting time


Frequently Asked Questions

A. New Chitose Airport is Hokkaido’s main gateway, and the domestic and international terminals are adjacent. In winter, the ground outside can be slippery, so it’s safer to adjust things like your shoelaces and gloves indoors before heading out. Once you reach the departures level, take a photo of your gate number and the cutoff time so you can double-check easily.
A. By JR Rapid Airport, the fastest time to Sapporo is about 37 minutes. During peak travel seasons, reserved seats can fill up, so checking the crowding for the next departure near the gates and taking the following train can sometimes help you get a seat. Once you reach the departures level, take a photo of your gate number and the cutoff time so you can double-check easily.
A. Yes. The free Wi-Fi SSID is "NewChitose_Airport_Free_Wi-Fi". Video streaming can cut out when it’s busy, so saving maps and transfer information to your device in advance can keep you from getting stuck while on the move. Once you reach the departures level, take a photo of your gate number and the cutoff time so you can double-check easily.
A. There are parcel delivery counters and lockers in the airport, which makes it easier to move around hands-free. On snowy days, suitcase wheels can get wet and dirty, so storing your luggage in a locker and drying your shoe soles before going outside can feel more comfortable. Once you reach the departures level, take a photo of your gate number and the cutoff time so you can double-check easily.
A. Many restaurants are in the area before security, so they’re easy to use even after arrival. Popular places can have unpredictable lines, so before a flight, choosing a quick-turnover rice-bowl option can help reduce delay risk. Once you reach the departures level, take a photo of your gate number and the cutoff time so you can double-check easily.
A. In winter, snowfall can lead to schedule changes. After arriving at the airport, checking your airline app for operation status and then seat availability on alternative flights can give you more options before you line up at a counter. Once you reach the departures level, take a photo of your gate number and the cutoff time so you can double-check easily.
A. Seats near the gates fill up easily, so securing a calmer seat before security first and then doing your shopping can help you stay less tired. For charging, aiming for seats at the less-crowded ends is a useful trick. Once you reach the departures level, take a photo of your gate number and the cutoff time so you can double-check easily.
A. When there’s natural light coming in, photos tend to look better thanks to the brightness near the windows. To reduce reflections on glass, covering around your lens with dark clothing or a scarf can help prevent cabin interiors or silhouettes from showing up. Once you reach the departures level, take a photo of your gate number and the cutoff time so you can double-check easily.

Nearby Recommended Spots

Check out recommended articles in this area

※ The article content is based on information at the time of writing and may differ from the current situation. In addition, we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the published content, please understand.