Where can I buy Sapporo Classic beer at the cheapest price at New Chitose Airport duty-free?

According to the article, based on information from a local guide, it is cheapest to buy it on the left side after entering the departure hall. However, if you purchase it at the duty-free shop, you cannot check it in with your luggage, so you should compare carefully before making a choice.

What are the opening hours of ramen shops available if I want to eat around 10:30 AM at New Chitose Airport?

According to the article, only one ramen shop was open around 10:30 AM. This ramen shop opens at 9:30 AM.

What are the opening hours of the shop selling Hokkaido ice cream and Sapporo Classic draft beer in the New Chitose Airport departure hall, and can I use it if I'm boarding a Jeju Air flight at 11:20 AM?

The shop opens at 11:00 AM. For a Jeju Air flight departing at 11:20 AM, if you go right when it opens at 11:00 AM, there will still be a boarding line until 11:05 AM, so you can definitely use it, and it's also close to the boarding gate.

New Chitose Airport Guide 2026: Souvenirs, Ramen & Tips

New Chitose Airport Guide 2026: Souvenirs, Ramen & Tips | TRVLOGUE

While I couldn't cover *absolutely everything* at New Chitose Airport, I've gathered some fantastic insights and essential tips I wish I’d known earlier. Let’s dive in!

First things first, if you’re traveling with kids, arriving early at Sapporo Airport is a brilliant idea. There's so much to see and do, like the Royce' Chocolate World and the Doraemon Sky Park. Japan truly excels at creating these engaging, family-friendly spaces.

Beyond the character zones, you can even watch robot-assisted production processes, which had children pressed against the glass, captivated by the spectacle.

There are also areas like the Hello Kitty Happy Flight and more Doraemon attractions, but they weren't open when I visited early in the morning.

New Chitose Airport Duty-Free Shopping

As you make your way to the departure gate, countless souvenir shops try to tempt you. I usually don't do a lot of last-minute shopping, so I passed by, but it seemed like many travelers were stocking up on gifts and treats before heading home from Japan.

Just look at those lines! This was in the domestic terminal's shopping area, not even the New Chitose Airport duty-free zone, yet it was incredibly popular. The advantage here, of course, is that you can check these items with your baggage.

I'll skip the usual shopping list items for now, as the real gem I discovered was about Sapporo Classic beer.

This beer is exclusively sold in the Hokkaido region, making it a sought-after souvenir due to its rarity. According to a local guide, the absolute cheapest place to buy it is on the left side after you go through the international departure gates.

So, I went to confirm!

It definitely seemed cheaper than what I'd seen elsewhere. Just remember, if you buy it here, you'll have to carry it on, so weigh that against checking it from the domestic side.

Dining at New Chitose Airport

My return flight was with Jeju Air at 11:20 AM, so by 10:30 AM, I was looking for something to eat. And guess what was open?

Only one ramen shop! I almost decided against eating because I felt so rushed, but since it was my last meal in Hokkaido, I ordered a draft beer (nama-biru) and a spicy miso ramen.

During my trip, I'd only had regular miso ramen, so trying the spicy version this time was a revelation. I wish I'd tried it sooner – it was uniquely delicious!

Even though I had to eat quickly, I'm glad I did. While there was only one open option, it was good enough to be considered a New Chitose Airport ramen spot worth recommending.

This ramen shop opens at 9:30 AM.

Insider Tip

Finally, here's an insider tip about a snack shop within the New Chitose Airport duty-free area. From my personal experience, I really wish someone had told me this in advance!

This is the place. I was hoping to enjoy one last Hokkaido ice cream and a Sapporo Classic draft beer before boarding, but it was closed.

There are three such shops in total: one on the left side after immigration and two on the right, but all of them were closed.

That's why I gave up on the idea and started looking for a New Chitose Airport restaurant to at least grab some ramen. It turns out these snack shops weren't open yet because their opening time is 11:00 AM.

Why is this a hot tip? My Jeju Air flight departed at 11:20 AM, and other airlines like Jin Air had flights at 11:25 AM. If you time it right, you can be among the first in line when they open at 11:00 AM, quickly grab your last Hokkaido treat, and either enjoy it there or take it on board (beer might be okay, but ice cream could be tricky!).

You might think that's cutting it too close, but I observed the boarding process for this post: for Jeju Air, there were still passengers boarding until 11:05 AM, a final boarding call was made at 11:08 AM, and boarding was completed by 11:10 AM.

To avoid stressing out with the final boarding call, if you hit these shops right when they open, you'll have enough time to grab your items and board, especially since they're conveniently located (right next to the Jeju Air gate, in my case).

However, this strategy only works if you know about the 11:00 AM opening time.

This photo was taken at 11:04 AM, which, for me, was already too late. I was disappointed not to have my last Hokkaido ice cream and draft beer, so I truly hope this opening time information helps you make the most of your departure!

So there you have it – from essential tips to a great ramen spot and duty-free shopping at New Chitose Airport. Next time, I'm definitely checking out Royce' Chocolate World and the Doraemon Cafe!