Home to Hokkaido’s biggest international airport, travelers often consider Chitose to be a gateway to Japan’s northernmost main island. But the city is more than the New Chitose Airport. Surrounded by forest and mountains, Chitose offers travelers plenty of things to do, from hiking in Shikotsu-Toya National Park and kayaking on Lake Shikotsu to taking a tour of the Kirin Beer Factory and learning about the Ainu (the Indigenous people of Hokkaido) at Chitose Buried Cultural Property Center.
The best time to visit Chitose is from late spring to early fall (around May to September). This period offers the most comfortable weather conditions as well as excellent opportunities for enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking. However, winter sports enthusiasts may prefer to visit in January or February to hit the slopes of Chitose’s nearby ski resorts.
You can easily navigate Chitose using the city’s extensive and efficient public transportation network. Upon arrival at New Chitose Airport, you can take either a bus or train into the city. You can also rely on buses to get around Chitose and to nearby attractions such as Lake Shikotsu; meanwhile, local trains serve the cities of Sapporo, Otaru, Hakodate, and beyond.
If you’re planning to use public transportation to travel in and around Chitose, consider getting a reloadable IC card such as a Suica or Kitaca card. These smart cards help you avoid the hassle of counting out coins when paying for rides. You can purchase a Kitaca card at the airport or at train stations, or download a Suica card onto your phone.
