New Chitose Airport (CTS)

New Chitose Airport (CTS/RJCC) is the primary aviation gateway to Hokkaido, Japan, and one of the largest and busiest airports in the country. Located approximately 45 kilometers southeast of Sapporo, it serves as a critical hub for both domestic travel within Japan and international connections to major cities in Asia, North America, and beyond. The airport is world-renowned for its extensive amenities and its role in supporting Hokkaido's massive tourism industry, particularly the world-class ski resorts of Niseko and Rusutsu. The terminal complex is a unique semi-circular structure that integrates both domestic and international operations. The two areas are seamlessly connected by a massive indoor shopping and entertainment mall, allowing for efficient transfers and a high-quality passenger experience. Inside, travelers will find an incredible array of amenities, including a vast food court offering Hokkaido's famous seafood and ramen, a large duty-free section, and numerous retail shops. A standout feature of New Chitose is its entertainment floor, which includes a natural hot spring (onsen), a movie theater, and even a Doraemon-themed indoor park, making it one of the most family-friendly airports in the world. Operational capacity at New Chitose is supported by two significant parallel paved runways, each measuring 3,000 meters in length, which are capable of handling large wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350. The airport is exceptionally well-equipped for winter operations, with advanced de-icing and snow removal systems that ensure reliability even during Hokkaido's heavy snowfall. For ground transportation, the airport is directly connected to Sapporo via the JR Hokkaido railway, with Rapid Airport trains reaching the city center in about 40 minutes. Additionally, frequent shuttle buses, official taxi services, and several car rental agencies are readily available in the arrivals hall.