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New Chitose Airport (CTS/RJCC) is the primary international gateway to Hokkaido, located about 45 km south of Sapporo in Chitose. Opened in 1988, it replaced the older Chitose Airport and is one of Japan's busiest airports, especially during winter ski season. The airport features a unique onsen (hot spring), a cinema, and extensive shopping and dining showcasing Hokkaido's cuisine.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors know to arrive early to enjoy the domestic terminal's onsen and the Hokkaido Food Park, which offers fresh seafood, dairy, and local ramen. Also, the free shuttle to Chitose Outlet Mall Rera is a great way to kill time during long layovers.
🚖 Getting There
The JR Rapid Airport train is the most efficient way to reach Sapporo, departing every 10-15 minutes and taking 37 minutes to Sapporo Station. Buses also connect to various hotels and ski resorts, but taxis are expensive (around 15,000 yen to Sapporo). If driving, rental car counters are in the domestic terminal, and the airport is directly accessible from the Doto Expressway.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I get from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo?
A: The fastest option is the JR Rapid Airport train, which takes about 37 minutes to Sapporo Station and runs every 10-15 minutes. Buses and taxis are also available.
Q: Does New Chitose Airport have a hot spring?
A: Yes, the domestic terminal has a natural hot spring (New Chitose Airport Onsen) where travelers can relax, and it's open to both arriving and departing passengers.
Q: Are there luggage storage and forwarding services?
A: Yes, there are coin lockers and luggage storage counters in both domestic and international terminals. You can also use takkyubin (courier) services to send luggage to hotels or other destinations.
Q: What facilities are available for families?
A: The airport has a Doraemon Wakuwaku Sky Park and Hello Kitty Happy Flight attractions, plus nursing rooms and kids' play areas, making it family-friendly.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 27, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash