New Chitose Airport is one of Japan’s major airports and the principal gateway to Hokkaido for travelers arriving from other parts of Japan and overseas. Located in the cities of Chitose and Tomakomai, the airport is approximately 45 kilometers southeast of central Sapporo and connects Hokkaido with numerous domestic and international destinations.
More than simply an airport, New Chitose is a destination in its own right. Its terminal buildings combine restaurants, shopping, entertainment, relaxation, and family-friendly facilities, allowing travelers to enjoy Hokkaido’s food, culture, and products even while waiting for a flight.
The shopping areas offer an extensive selection of products from across Hokkaido. Visitors can browse famous local sweets, fresh seafood, dairy products made with Hokkaido milk, fresh produce, confectionery, alcoholic beverages, and other regional specialties.
For travelers looking for souvenirs, the airport is an especially convenient place to discover the flavors of Hokkaido in one location. From sweets and snacks to carefully selected regional foods, the shopping areas make it easy to find gifts to take home.
New Chitose Airport has an impressive range of restaurants, making it possible to enjoy some of Hokkaido’s best-known cuisine before or after a flight. Hokkaido Ramen Dojo brings together ramen restaurants specializing in the region’s famous miso ramen, while Shiden-dori Shokugai features well-known Hokkaido restaurants and local specialties such as soup curry.
The airport is therefore an excellent introduction to Hokkaido’s food culture, particularly for visitors who have limited time in the region or want one final taste of local cuisine before departing.
Smile Road is an entertainment area designed to make time at the airport more enjoyable. Among its attractions are Doraemon Waku Waku Sky Park, Hello Kitty Happy Flight, and Royce’ Chocolate World, where visitors can learn about chocolate production and see a working chocolate factory.
Another attraction is Steiff Discovery Walk, dedicated to the famous German teddy bear maker. These facilities add a playful element to the airport and are particularly appealing to families traveling with children.
For travelers who want to slow down and relax, Oasis Park offers several options. New Chitose Airport Onsen features natural hot spring bathing facilities, providing an opportunity to unwind after a long journey or before heading home.
The airport also has a cinema, Sora Cinema Chitose, as well as an observation deck where visitors can watch aircraft and enjoy views around the airport. These facilities make a long layover considerably more enjoyable.
New Chitose Airport opened in 1988, taking over the functions of the former Chitose Airport. The older airport had originally been established as a military airfield in 1944 and later became an important center for civilian aviation. As facilities aged and passenger demand increased, the development of a new airport became necessary.
The opening of New Chitose greatly improved access to Hokkaido and supported the growth of tourism and business throughout the region. Today, it serves as an important transportation hub connecting Hokkaido with major cities throughout Japan and destinations overseas.
The airport has separate domestic and international terminal facilities. The domestic terminal offers airline check-in counters, departure and arrival areas, restaurants, shops, and numerous services for travelers. The international terminal opened in 2005 and handles international flights, particularly to destinations in Asia.
Domestic flights connect New Chitose with major Japanese cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. International services include routes to major Asian cities such as Seoul, Shanghai, Taipei, and Hong Kong, making the airport an important gateway for international tourism and business.
One of New Chitose Airport’s greatest advantages is its convenient connection with Sapporo. The JR New Chitose Airport Station is directly connected to the airport terminal, and the Rapid Airport train reaches Sapporo Station in approximately 40 minutes.
Airport buses and taxis are also available, while travelers using a rental car or private vehicle can reach the airport via the Hokkaido Expressway. Parking facilities are available for those traveling by car.
The airport itself offers plenty to explore. At Royce’ Chocolate World, visitors can discover products from one of Hokkaido’s best-known chocolate makers and observe the chocolate-making process. Restaurants and food facilities also provide opportunities to sample Hokkaido ingredients without leaving the terminal.
Because New Chitose combines transportation with shopping, dining, entertainment, and relaxation, it can be enjoyed as part of a Hokkaido itinerary rather than treated simply as a place of arrival or departure.
New Chitose Airport is the gateway through which countless travelers begin and end their Hokkaido journeys. Its convenient rail connection to Sapporo, extensive domestic and international routes, and exceptional range of shops, restaurants, entertainment facilities, and relaxation options make it one of the most traveler-friendly airports in Japan.
Whether you are arriving for your first adventure in Hokkaido, looking for regional specialties to take home, or simply seeking somewhere enjoyable to spend time before a flight, New Chitose Airport offers a memorable introduction to the food, culture, and hospitality of Japan’s northern island.
New Chitose Terminal Building
5:00 - 23:00