Sapporo New Chitose Layover Guide (CTS)

What are you looking for in CTS?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Sapporo Airport (CTS), officially known as New Chitose Airport, is an international airport located in Chitose, Hokkaido. It’s situated about 45 km (28 miles) from downtown Sapporo. The airport opened in 1988 and serves as the main gateway to Japan’s northernmost island. Sapporo is known for its winter sports, famous snow festival, and delicious cuisine, making it a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers year-round.

Can you leave Sapporo Airport (CTS) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes. During a layover at New Chitose (CTS), you may exit the airport to explore if your stop exceeds visa waiver processing time and you hold a valid Japanese entry visa or qualify for visa exemption (usually up to 90 days). Always confirm local transit conditions with airport immigration authorities. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Sapporo Beer Museum Discover the history of Hokkaido’s iconic beer at the Sapporo Beer Museum. Explore exhibits tracing brewing origins, sample fresh brews, and enjoy beer hall ambiance paired with local cuisine specialties. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: JR Rapid Airport train to Sapporo Station (37 min), then Namboku Subway to Higashi-Kuyakusho-Mae Station.)
• Odori Park Stroll through Odori Park, a 1.5-kilometer green corridor in central Sapporo. Admire seasonal flower displays, fountains, open lawns, art installations, and festival stages hosting events like the iconic Snow Festival. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: JR Rapid Airport train to Sapporo Station, then a 5 min walk.)
• Sapporo TV Tower Ascend Sapporo TV Tower’s observation deck, 90 meters high, for panoramic city and mountain vistas. Photograph landmarks like Odori Park, Susukino District, and the distant Ishikari Mountains at breathtaking sunset. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: JR Rapid Airport train to Sapporo Station, then Tōhō Subway to Ōdōri Station.)
• Nijo Market Taste fresh Hokkaido seafood and produce at Nijo Market’s charming stalls. Try delicious crab, uni, ikura bowls, and seasonal vegetables while mingling with local vendors in a historic covered arcade. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: JR Rapid Airport train to Sapporo Station (37 min), then a 5 min walk.)
• Susukino District Experience Sapporo’s vibrant nightlife in Susukino District, packed with cozy izakayas, craft beer pubs, karaoke lounges, street food vendors, and neon-lit streets for an authentic taste of Hokkaido after dark. (Time required: Flexible (2 hours). / Airport to here: JR Rapid Airport train to Sapporo Station, then Namboku Subway to Susukino Station (45 min total).)
• Hokkaido Shrine Visit the peaceful Hokkaido Shrine nestled in Maruyama Park. Wander through towering cedars, admire bright vermilion torii gates and traditional Shinto architecture, then quietly soak in local seasonal spiritual customs. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: JR Rapid Airport train to Sapporo Station, then JR Hakodate Line to Maruyama Koen Station (50 min).)
• Mount Moiwa Ride the Mount Moiwa Ropeway and cable car to a mountaintop observation deck offering sweeping night views of Sapporo’s illuminated skyline. Enjoy a café, souvenir shop, and seasonal illumination events. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: JR Rapid Airport train to Sapporo Station, then JR Hakodate Line to Ropeway Iriguchi Station plus shuttle bus.)
• Shiroi Koibito Park Step into the whimsical Shiroi Koibito Park, home of Hokkaido’s famous white chocolate biscuits. Tour the confectionery factory, explore themed gardens, interactive exhibits, a café, and decorate your own sweets. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: JR Rapid Airport train to Sapporo Station (37 min), then JR Hakodate Line to Teine Station plus shuttle bus.)

Things to Do in Sapporo Airport (CTS)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
New Chitose offers two domestic and two international lounges. The Super Lounge (3F domestic) opens 7:00–20:30 with smoking and non-smoking zones, sofas and counter seats. International travelers can unwind in the Royal Lounge and North Lounge on 4F, both featuring snacks, drinks, showers, Wi-Fi and charging outlets. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
The Air Terminal Hotel, directly connected to the Domestic Terminal, features 188 rooms with runway views and a 24-hour onsen. Portom International Hokkaido, adjoining the International Terminal, offers luxury rooms, spa facilities, dining and complimentary airport transfers. Both ensure comfortable rest for overnight stays or layovers. view all or book an airport hotel online

.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Resting Rooms in domestic (B1–4F) and international terminals provide quiet spaces for unwell or fatigued passengers; access is arranged via any information counter. Temporary baggage storage rooms nearby offer secure lockers and seating areas suitable for short naps or breaks close to departure gates.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi (SSID: NewChitose_Airport_Free_Wi-Fi) covers all terminals and the connecting corridor. Simply accept the NTT Broadband Platform policy—no encryption is applied. For secure communications, a VPN or paid service is recommended. Charging stations and an Internet Corner are also available.

SIM/eSIM Card: Prepaid SIM vending machines in domestic (B1–4F) and international (1F–4F) terminals sell 3in1 LTE SIMs and eSIM plans for Japan and worldwide use. Options range from 1 GB to unlimited data for 5–61 days. Plan prices and durations vary; check the on-site display before purchase. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: General taxis queue at two stands outside the Domestic Terminal and one at the International Terminal. Tourist and large-capacity taxis can be reserved at arrival-hall information desks. Services run around the clock; booking via each company’s hotline is possible for guaranteed airport pickups.

Train: JR New Chitose Airport Station (B1F) links to the Chitose Line. Rapid Airport trains depart roughly every 15–20 minutes, reaching Sapporo in about 30 minutes without transfers. Connections to Asahikawa, Tomakomai and beyond require transfers at Sapporo or Minami-Chitose. more info

Bus: Airport shuttle and intercity buses depart from first-floor stops at both terminals. Hokkaido Chuo Bus and Hokuto Kotsu link to central Sapporo, Jozankei Onsen and major cities; local routes by Chitose and Donan buses serve suburban areas. Schedules and platform details are posted at bus counters. more info

Shuttle: Several hotels offer shuttle buses between New Chitose Airport and their properties. Fees range from ¥1,000–¥1,500 one way, payable at the front desk. Advance reservation is required; meeting points are at domestic terminal tour desks near Gates 4–5. Confirm schedules and booking procedures with your chosen hotel.

Car rentals: Car rental counters line the first floor of the Domestic Terminal. Operators—Toyota, Nissan, Honda, ORIX, Nippon, Budget and others—deliver vehicles via shuttle from off-site lots. Return follows the same shuttle route. Business hours vary (typically 8:00–20:00); booking in advance is recommended. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Lots A, B and C encircle the terminal and operate 24 hours. Capacities: A 1,800; B 2,416; C 1,011 cars. Lots A and B offer the first hour free; thereafter, fees are charged in 12-hour blocks. Real-time availability and reservations for A and B are available online. Payment via credit card or IC cards at exit machines.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Coin lockers in various sizes are located on 1F–4F (domestic) and 1F–4F (international). Rates start at ¥300 per 12 hours (small) up to ¥900 (large); maximum use is three days. Refrigerated lockers (¥400) suit perishables. For longer storage, use the staffed baggage storage counter. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Sapporo Airport (CTS) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks