New Chitose Airport: Hokkaido's Gateway and Terminal Fun

Hokkaido's main airport is also a destination in itself, with chocolate, ramen, souvenirs, a hot spring and a quick train to Sapporo.

Published October 26, 2026 at 9:24 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: New Chitose Airport (CTS) is Hokkaido's largest and busiest airport, serving Sapporo and most of the island. It sits in the city of Chitose, and JR rapid trains reach Sapporo Station in about 37 minutes. Between flights, the terminal offers ramen restaurants, a Royce' chocolate factory window, a wide souvenir floor, an onsen and cinema, so waiting here can be a pleasure.

Most visitors to Hokkaido land at New Chitose Airport, and many are surprised by how much there is to do before they even leave the building. The terminals are bright, easy to navigate and packed with food and gifts that celebrate northern Japan. This guide explains where the airport is, how to reach Sapporo and other towns, which terminal attractions are worth a stop, and how to use any spare time well. Details such as hours and prices shift from season to season, so use the official airport website for the latest information before you travel.

Where New Chitose Airport Is

New Chitose Airport is in the city of Chitose, in the southern part of Hokkaido, and it serves the Sapporo area and the wider island. It opened on July 20, 1988, replacing an older Chitose Airport next door that had handled passenger flights since 1963. It is the largest airport in Hokkaido by both traffic and land area.

Sapporo, Hokkaido's capital, lies to the north, and the airport is the starting point for trips to hot spring towns, lakes, ski resorts and the coast. The airport is also a major hub for flights between Hokkaido and Tokyo, and the Sapporo to Tokyo Haneda route is often described as one of the busiest air routes in the world.

The airport has a domestic terminal and an international terminal, and a connecting passage joins them. Hokkaido Airports, a private operator, runs the facility on behalf of the government, and its English website carries the latest notices, floor guides and shop listings.

Reaching Sapporo by Train

The JR train is the simplest way to reach Sapporo from the airport. New Chitose Airport Station serves the terminals and connects to the JR Hokkaido network. The fastest rapid airport service takes about 37 minutes to Sapporo Station, and trains run frequently throughout the day.

Many visitors find the train easier than the bus, because the station is part of the airport complex and signs in the terminal point the way. Both reserved and unreserved cars operate on rapid services, and a reserved seat can be handy when you carry a large suitcase. The trains can get crowded during busy seasons, so allow a little extra time if you are heading to an important appointment.

Rail passes can sometimes cover this ride, but the details depend on the pass. Check the pass provider's rules and the JR Hokkaido website before assuming a trip is included. A prepaid IC card, such as Kitaca, Suica or ICOCA, works on many JR Hokkaido lines, though you should confirm current coverage on the operator's site.

Buses, Taxis and Rental Cars

Buses connect the airport with Sapporo, Tomakomai, Noboribetsu, Muroran and other towns. Several bus companies run these routes, and the airport website lists the operators and routes. Buses are a good choice if your hotel is in a district that the train does not serve directly, or if your destination is a hot spring town to the south.

Taxis are available at the airport, though a long ride to Sapporo can cost much more than a train ticket. Rental cars are popular for travelers who want to explore the Hokkaido countryside, and rental counters operate near the airport. If you plan to drive in winter, ask the rental company about snow tires and driving conditions, and be sure to carry a valid license and any required permit.

The airport website lists parking, car rental and sharing options, and a tourist information center is also available inside the terminal for travelers who need help planning the first stage of the trip.

Ramen in the Terminal

Ramen is one of the best reasons to arrive hungry. Hokkaido is known for several regional styles of noodle soup, with Sapporo miso ramen the most famous, and the airport includes several ramen shops so you can try a bowl before or after your flight.

One shop listed on the airport site is Sapporo Ramen Yukiakari, on the third floor of the domestic terminal before security. Its signature bowl is a miso ramen with butter and corn, a classic Hokkaido combination, and it also offers a lighter soup based on chicken and pork bones with Hidaka kelp. Other ramen shops in the terminal serve different styles, so a quick look at the directory can help you choose.

The third floor is also where much of the dining sits, so you can compare menus and pick something that suits your schedule. Opening hours differ between restaurants and may depend on flight times, so check the posted hours if you have an early or late departure.

Royce' Chocolate World

Royce' Chocolate World is a chocolate attraction on the third floor of the connecting path between the terminals. The airport describes it as a chocolate themed exhibition with a window where visitors can watch chocolate being made. The shop offers items such as animal-shaped pop chocolates and flower-shaped bite-size chocolates with a citrus flavor.

Royce' is a Hokkaido chocolate brand, and its fresh cream chocolate is a popular gift. Because chocolate softens easily, keep the box in a cool place, and ask the staff about a cooler bag if you will travel a long way. Factory hours can differ from shop hours, so check before you go if the production window is the part you want to see.

This stop works well for families because children enjoy watching the process and choosing small sweets. It also makes shopping for friends and coworkers easy, since the sweets are neatly boxed and easy to carry.

Souvenirs and Hokkaido Sweets

The second floor of the domestic terminal, before security, is the airport's main souvenir area. The airport's own guide recommends popular Hokkaido treats such as Shiroi Koibito cookies, LeTAO cheesecakes, butter sandwich biscuits and potato snacks, along with some items sold only at the airport.

Some products need cooling, including fresh cream desserts, some cheesecakes and seafood. For these, ask about a cooler bag or refrigerated baggage delivery, and check how long the item stays fresh. Sweets that keep at room temperature are easier to take home if your journey is long.

Seafood such as crab, scallops and salmon roe is sold at the airport as well, usually packed for travel. Rules about carrying food abroad vary by country, so travelers heading overseas should check the customs rules of their destination before buying fresh products.

Onsen, Cinema and Hotels

The domestic terminal includes an onsen, which is a Japanese hot spring bath, along with a cinema and a hotel connected to the building. The airport website lists an onsen and hotel inside the airport, and the international side has a second hotel. These are handy for early flights or delayed arrivals, since you can sleep or soak without leaving the building.

A bath helps you relax after a long flight, but remember the usual onsen rules: wash before you enter the water, keep towels out of the bath, and follow the posted guidance on tattoos and swimsuits. Opening hours and fees change, so check the facility's page before planning your visit.

A cinema in the same building can fill a layover, and a game center and shops add more options. Families with small children will find a nursery and stroller rental listed among the airport services.

Observation Deck and Other Services

The observation deck is on the fourth floor, but it is open only during limited periods, so check the airport notice before you go. The entrance is next to the Airport History Museum on the third floor, which is also worth a quick look if you enjoy aviation history.

Other services include free lockers on the second and third floors, Wi-Fi and charging spaces, a prayer room in the international terminal and a duty-free shop for international passengers. A tourist information center is also available for planning your Hokkaido trip.

With so many things to see, many travelers plan a layover of at least an hour or two to enjoy the airport properly. Knowing where each attraction sits helps you decide in advance, and the airport floor guide is useful when you are short on time.

Planning Your Time

A simple plan makes the airport easy. On arrival, collect your bags, pick up a rail or bus ticket and head to your hotel. On departure day, arrive early enough to eat, shop for souvenirs and still reach the gate calmly.

Before you go, confirm the terminal for your airline, the opening hours of the attractions you want to visit and the current train timetable. The airport website and the operator pages are the best sources, since services are updated often. With these basics in mind, New Chitose Airport is an enjoyable first and last taste of Hokkaido.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo?

The fastest JR rapid airport train takes about 37 minutes to reach Sapporo Station, and trains are frequent. Buses also run to central Sapporo and usually take longer, depending on traffic, so many travelers prefer the train. Check the JR Hokkaido timetable for current departures.

What is there to do at New Chitose Airport?

The terminals include ramen restaurants, a Royce' Chocolate World with a production window, a large souvenir floor, an onsen, a cinema, hotels and an observation deck that opens for limited periods. Hours and fees change, so check the official airport website before planning your layover.

Is New Chitose Airport open at night?

New Chitose became Japan's first 24-hour airport in 1994, though there are limits on night operations, and many shops and restaurants close earlier than flights end. Hotels inside the airport can help with late arrivals or early departures, so check the airport notices for current hours.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Sapporo: Hokkaido's Easygoing Capital of Beer and Parks, Hokkaido Travel Guide: Regions and Seasons at a Glance and Hokkaido Food: Fresh Seafood, Creamy Dairy and Northern Flavors.