New Chitose Airport serves as Hokkaido’s main international airport and acts as the gateway to the region, thanks to its excellent transit connections to central Sapporo, 40 minutes away by direct train.
International flights mostly originate from across Asia (e.g. South Korea, Taiwan, China, Thailand, Singapore & Australia), with some others from further destinations, like Hawaii or Finland(Actual results in 2020. Please check the New Chitose Airport and each airline's website for the current flight status. NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT). Domestic flights originate from all over Japan. The Tokyo—New Chitose route is one of the busiest in the world (9.7mill passengers carried in 2018), with up to 80 flights during normal conditions.
The airport was renovated and expanded in August 2019. Its freshly built complex features a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, catering to passengers’ needs.
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The Doraemon Wakuwaku Skypark and Royce’ Chocolate World provide family-friendly facilities for children waiting for their next flight. The Doraemon Wakuwaku Skypark has a children's playground, a game arcade, a cafe, and a gift shop, all themed around the world-famous anime character Doraemon. Meanwhile, at Royce's Chocolate World, visitors can watch Royce's mechanized chocolate production process and shop from its extensive souvenir line-up.
Rera is Hokkaido's largest-scale outlet mall. It is a ten-minute shuttle ride from New Chitose Airport. Stop by Ramen Street for a delicious yet affordable meal.
Smile Road connects Gourmet World on the airport’s third floor with the Domestic Terminal. The Hello Kitty Happy Flight, featuring the iconic pink feline character, is another popular highlight.
Trains services run about every 15 minutes between Sapporo Station and the airport JR station, directly beneath the domestic terminal. The ride takes around 40 minutes and costs ¥1,150.
Bus services are marginally cheaper, depart from both terminals and visit several places around Sapporo — helpful if you are heading to a specific area like Sapporo Beer Garden or Jozankei Onsen.
Taxis are another option, with a journey starting from ¥10,000 — but this can vary depending on nighttime surcharges, road conditions, and your specific dropoff location.
Your insider guide to the best way for Australians to fly and visit Hokkaido from a Japan travel-and-tourism veteran, with direct flights on Qantas returning from December 2025 in time for the winter season
