New Chitose Airport Guide 2026: Domestic Terminal & Tips
Discover New Chitose Airport's domestic terminal in Sapporo with this 2026 guide. Find shopping, dining, onsen, and crucial tips for navigating to the city center.
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Discover New Chitose Airport's domestic terminal in Sapporo with this 2026 guide. Find shopping, dining, onsen, and crucial tips for navigating to the city center.

On my recent trip to Sapporo, I had the chance to experience both the domestic and international terminals of New Chitose Airport (CTS) firsthand. I arrived via a connecting domestic flight from Sendai Airport, which gave me a unique perspective on navigating both sections.

Address: Bibi, Chitose, Hokkaido 066-0012 Japan
Phone: +81123230111
📍 New Chitose Airport
Bibi, Chitose, Hokkaido 066-0012 Japan
New Chitose Airport (CTS) is generally structured into three main areas: the Domestic Terminal, a connecting walkway, and the International Terminal.

While there are moving walkways, expect about a 10-minute walk between the domestic and international sections.



My ANA flight, a propeller plane, touched down smoothly at New Chitose Airport.


Stepping off the plane, one of the first things that caught my eye was an advertisement for Hokkaido beer – a perfect welcome to the region!

I headed to baggage claim, waiting for my luggage to arrive.


While waiting, I noticed a stand-up digital guide detailing New Chitose Airport's facilities. First up: a post office, which can be handy for sending postcards or last-minute needs.

Travelers will also appreciate the free charging stations available on the first, second, and third floors of both the domestic and international terminals.

The airport also offers free Wi-Fi, though you'll need to input your email address to access it – a minor step for staying connected!

I observed many fellow travelers, some seemingly from the Kansai region, patiently waiting for their bags.


The Domestic Terminal at New Chitose Airport boasts an impressive shopping area. On the second floor, which connects to the International Terminal, you'll find a 'Shopping World' in the domestic departure lobby, perfect for picking up Hokkaido specialties and souvenirs. The third floor is a true highlight, featuring the famous Royce' Chocolate World and the Hokkaido Ramen Dojo (Ramen Republic), alongside a wide variety of other restaurants and shops. You could easily spend an hour or two exploring everything. My tip? Plan to arrive 5-6 hours early on your departure day to really enjoy the shopping and dining across both terminals.
And here's a hidden gem: there's even a relaxing onsen (hot spring bath) on the fourth floor of the domestic terminal building!



For my first night, I had booked the Courtyard by Marriott Sapporo, conveniently located near Nakajima Park Station.
Based on my research, taking the bus seemed like the best option. The subway would require a transfer at Sapporo Station to reach Nakajima Park, and I really didn't want to deal with luggage and transfers after a flight. So, the bus it was... or so I thought.
However....


Upon arriving at the bus stop, I was met with a surprisingly long queue. The real challenge was that reservations aren't available, and even after purchasing a ticket, buses depart only once an hour. If a bus was full, I'd have to wait another hour for the next one. Given the circumstances, I quickly pivoted to my backup plan: the subway.


After all, what's a trip without a little unexpected adventure, right?
Bus from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo City Center
Bus Companies: Chuo Bus and Hokuto Kotsu
Boarding Locations:
In front of ANA Arrivals: Stop #22
In front of JAL Arrivals: Stop #14
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
Fare: ~$8
Bus Schedule (Afternoon):
12:05 PM, 1:05 PM, 2:05 PM, 3:05 PM, 4:05 PM, 5:05 PM, 6:05 PM, 7:05 PM
Major Stops:
JR Sapporo Station, Odori Park, Susukino, Nakajima Park
New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, Hokkaido, is more than just a transit point – it's an experience in itself! With excellent shopping facilities in both the domestic and international terminals, I highly recommend arriving 5-6 hours before your departure. This gives you ample time to explore, shop for souvenirs, and even indulge in a relaxing onsen bath before your flight.
Bonus Tip
While I haven't posted about it yet, the airport lounges at New Chitose typically only offer beverages. However, a fantastic alternative is the Royal Host restaurant in the Domestic Terminal, where you can often use your lounge pass for a set meal. I tried this myself and found it a great value – keep an eye out for a dedicated post on that experience soon!
The Domestic and International Terminals at New Chitose Airport are connected by moving walkways. It takes approximately 10 minutes to walk between the two terminals.
On the 2nd floor of the Domestic Terminal, there is a "Shopping World" where you can purchase Hokkaido specialties and souvenirs. The 3rd floor houses various restaurants and shops, including Royce' Chocolate World and Hokkaido Ramen Dojo.
The bus fare from New Chitose Airport to Nakajima-Koen Station is 1,300 yen, and the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. Buses are operated by Chuo Bus (中央バス) and Hokuto Kotsu, and you can board at stop 22 in front of the ANA arrival exit or stop 14 in front of the JAL arrival exit.
The New Chitose Airport Lounge only provides beverages; food is not available. However, if you visit the Royal Host restaurant in the Domestic Terminal, you can enjoy a set menu using your lounge pass.

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