My name is MAKO
Based in Sapporo, Hokkaido | Born and raised in Obihiro, Hokkaido | Lover of Sapporo Classic beer and fresh sashimi | Passionate about road trips and camping | Always chasing beautiful scenery
Why is New Chitose Airport so famous?The Short Answer
New Chitose Airport is famous because it is Hokkaido’s main air gateway and a destination in its own right.
What began as a small landing field created by villagers in 1926 has grown into an airport where travelers can experience Hokkaido food, sweets, shopping, entertainment, and even an onsen before leaving the terminal.
Why You Should Care
Your Hokkaido adventure does not have to begin after you leave the airport.
It can begin the moment you arrive.
New Chitose Airport works almost like a small preview of Hokkaido. You can taste local food, discover famous sweets, and see some of the things that make the island special.
And on your final day, the airport gives you one last chance to enjoy Hokkaido before flying home.
That makes it more than a transportation hub.
It becomes part of the trip itself.
The Story Behind It
New Chitose Airport Began With a Village-Built Landing Field
The story begins in 1926.
At that time, airplanes were still rare and exciting in Hokkaido. A newspaper company planned to fly an aircraft over Chitose as part of a local event.
But the villagers wanted more.
They wanted to see the airplane land.
There was only one problem: Chitose had no airfield.
So local people built one themselves.
Around 150 residents spent about two days preparing a landing field by hand. On October 22, 1926, a biplane called Hokkai No. 1 successfully landed there.
That simple landing field became the beginning of Chitose’s long history with aviation.
Why Is It Called “New” Chitose Airport?
The word “New” has a real meaning.
After World War II, civilian flights operated from Chitose Airfield, which was also connected with military aviation.
As passenger numbers increased, plans were made to separate civilian and military operations.
A new civilian airport was developed next to the older Chitose airfield.
After years of construction, New Chitose Airport opened on July 20, 1988.
So the name tells part of the story.
“New Chitose” was literally the new airport built for civilian aviation beside the older airfield.
How Did New Chitose Airport Become More Than an Airport?
As Hokkaido tourism grew, New Chitose Airport became one of the island’s most important transportation hubs.
But instead of developing only as a place to catch a flight, the terminal also became a place where travelers could experience Hokkaido.
That idea is easy to see today.
The airport has restaurants serving ramen, seafood, Japanese dishes, desserts, and other Hokkaido flavors.
There are also many shops selling Hokkaido sweets and regional products, including items available only at New Chitose Airport.
This is why travelers often spend much longer here than they expected.
Why Is Food Such a Big Part of New Chitose Airport?
Food is one of Hokkaido’s biggest attractions.
So it makes sense that food plays a major role at its main airport.
You can find ramen, seafood, curry, soft-serve ice cream, sweets, and many other choices inside the terminal.
For travelers, this is especially useful on the final day.
Missed a famous Hokkaido dessert?
Want one more bowl of ramen?
Still thinking about seafood?
The airport gives you one last chance.
Royce’ Chocolate World Makes the Airport Even More Unusual
One of New Chitose Airport’s best-known attractions is Royce’ Chocolate World.
It opened in 2011 and is described by Royce’ as Japan’s first chocolate factory and museum located inside an airport.
Visitors can watch part of the chocolate-making process through glass, explore chocolate-themed exhibits, and shop for special products.
You may arrive expecting baggage claims and departure gates.
Instead, you find a chocolate factory.
That is very New Chitose Airport.
Yes, There Really Is a Hot Spring Inside the Airport
Perhaps the most surprising attraction is New Chitose Airport Onsen.
The bathing facility is located on the fourth floor of the Domestic Terminal and includes large baths and relaxation areas.
Think about your final day in Hokkaido.
You have finished sightseeing, returned your rental car, and still have time before your flight.
Instead of simply waiting at the gate, you can relax in a Japanese bath.
It is hard to imagine a more Hokkaido-like way to end a Hokkaido trip.
Why Are There So Many Hot Springs in Hokkaido?
New Chitose Airport even has its own natural hot spring, but that’s just one example of Hokkaido’s rich geothermal resources. Discover why Hokkaido is home to so many famous hot springs and how volcanic activity shaped this unique landscape.
Read next: Why Are There So Many Hot Springs in Hokkaido? The Amazing Story Beneath Your Feet
Why Is New Chitose Airport So Convenient for Sapporo?
New Chitose Airport is not actually in Sapporo.
It is located in Chitose, south of the city.
But getting to central Sapporo is easy.
JR Hokkaido’s Airport trains connect the airport directly with Sapporo Station. The fastest services currently take about 33 minutes, and the airport railway station is directly connected to the terminal.
This easy connection is another reason New Chitose Airport works so well as Hokkaido’s main gateway.
Land.
Collect your suitcase.
Take the train.
And before long, you are in Sapporo.
How to Enjoy New Chitose Airport Like a Destination
Give Yourself a Little Extra Time Before Your Flight
On your departure day, try not to arrive at New Chitose Airport at the last possible minute.
If your schedule allows, give yourself an extra two or three hours.
You could:
- Enjoy one last Hokkaido meal
- Shop for souvenirs
- Visit Royce’ Chocolate World
- Explore Snow Miku Sky Town
- Relax at New Chitose Airport Onsen
Snow Miku Sky Town, for example, is a shop and museum dedicated to Snow Miku, a character closely connected with winter in Hokkaido.
You do not need to spend half a day here.
But rushing straight to the gate may mean missing part of the Hokkaido experience.
Did You Know?
- Chitose’s aviation story began in 1926, when around 150 local residents helped build a landing field in about two days.
- New Chitose Airport opened in 1988.
- Royce’ Chocolate World is Japan’s first chocolate factory and museum located inside an airport, according to Royce’.
- There is a hot spring inside the Domestic Terminal.
- New Chitose Airport Station is directly connected to the terminal, and the fastest Airport trains reach Sapporo in about 33 minutes.
FAQ
Is New Chitose Airport the Main Airport for Sapporo?
Yes.
New Chitose Airport is the main airport used by most travelers visiting Sapporo and central Hokkaido.
It is located in Chitose, not Sapporo itself.
How Long Does It Take From New Chitose Airport to Sapporo?
The fastest JR Airport services currently take about 33 minutes to Sapporo Station.
Please check the official website for the latest information.
Is New Chitose Airport Worth Exploring?
Yes, especially if you enjoy food, sweets, shopping, or unusual airport experiences.
Around two or three extra hours can make your departure day much more enjoyable.
Can I Buy Hokkaido Souvenirs at New Chitose Airport?
Yes.
The airport has many shops selling Hokkaido sweets, foods, and local products, including airport-exclusive items.
Visit It Yourself
Location
Bibi, Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan（https://maps.app.goo.gl/nRGkVYYqXSXWJD3v9）
Best Season
Year-round
How to Get There
JR Airport trains connect Sapporo and New Chitose Airport. The fastest journey currently takes about 33 minutes.
Estimated Visit Time
For food and shopping: 2–3 hours
Including attractions or the onsen: 3–4 hours
Admission Fee
Entering the airport is free. Individual facilities such as the onsen charge separate fees.
Official Website
New Chitose Airport Official Website
Please check the official website for the latest information.
Final Thoughts
New Chitose Airport’s story began with something surprisingly simple.
People in a small Hokkaido village wanted to see an airplane land.
So they built a landing field themselves.
Almost a century later, that dream has grown into Hokkaido’s main air gateway.
But New Chitose Airport is special because Hokkaido does not begin outside its doors.
You can already find its food, sweets, culture, and even its love of hot springs inside the terminal.
So when your plane lands, do not think:
“My Hokkaido trip starts after I leave the airport.”
Look around.
Your Hokkaido story has already begun.
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