CHITOSE
Hokkaido’s Gateway
Chitose, Where Air Travel Convenience Meets Nature
Home to New Chitose Airport and a major transport hub, Chitose is also blessed with rich nature, including Lake Shikotsu and the Chitose River. There are plenty of sightseeing spots you can visit even on your arrival or departure day.
Chitose is a city in southern Hokkaido, within the Ishikari Subprefecture, and one of the region’s most important transport hubs as the home of New Chitose Airport. About 40km from Sapporo, it has well-developed airport, rail, and expressway connections, making it extremely easy to reach from both inside and outside Hokkaido. One of Chitose’s highlights is that there’s plenty to enjoy just around the airport.
New Chitose Airport
ClassicHokkaido’s gateway, connecting Japan and the world. With extensive domestic and international routes, the airport also features a hot spring facility, a movie theater, and a shopping mall, making the airport itself a sightseeing destination. It’s a great place to enjoy your time while waiting for a flight.
📍 Inside the New Chitose Airport terminal building
Kirin Beer Chitose Brewery
GourmetA brewery where you can tour the production process of beer brewed with the clear waters of the Chitose River. At the end of the roughly 90-minute tour, you can sample freshly brewed draft beer (soft drinks are available for drivers). It’s also easy to fit in before or after a flight.
📍 About 20 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport (reservation required)
Chitose Aquarium
FamilyAn aquarium unique to Chitose, “the hometown of salmon,” featuring exhibits where you can observe the underwater world of the Chitose River as it is. In some seasons you can even watch salmon swimming upstream, and since it’s not affected by the weather, it’s a popular spot for families.
📍 About 20 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport
Northern Horse Park
FamilyA theme park on expansive grounds where you can enjoy horseback riding and meeting ponies. With horse-drawn carriage rides around the park and play equipment, it’s a perfect spot for trips with children.
📍 About 15 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport
Lake Shikotsu & the Chitose River
Scenic ViewChitose is also rich in nature, with scenic spots nearby such as the crystal-clear Lake Shikotsu and the Chitose River. With nature to enjoy in every season, it’s also a convenient base for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
📍 About 45 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport (Lake Shikotsu)
Leave Your New Chitose Airport Transfers to MUTO TAXI
From sightseeing right after you land to a quick detour before your flight home, getting around with New Chitose Airport as your base is what MUTO TAXI does best.
With a private charter taxi, you can freely add a brewery tour, the aquarium, or Northern Horse Park to your itinerary while your luggage stays in the car.