โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
40
minutes
Domestic โ International
70
minutes
International โ Domestic
70
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
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.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through New Chitose Airport (CTS) is a highly efficient experience, but it requires strategic planning during the winter months when heavy snowfall can impact both flight and rail schedules. The airport consists of a Domestic Terminal and an International Terminal linked by a 500-meter indoor walkway on the second and third floors; moving walkways assist with the five-to-ten-minute transit between the two buildings. For those arriving internationally and connecting to domestic flights, you must clear immigration and customs at the International Terminal before walking to the Domestic Terminal to re-check your luggage. The JR Rapid Airport train station is located in the basement (B1F) of the Domestic Terminal, providing a 40-minute link to Sapporo Station. For travelers with bulky ski equipment, paying the additional 840 yen for a 'U-Seat' reserved carriage is highly recommended, as these offer dedicated luggage racks and guaranteed seating. A unique highlight of CTS is the natural hot spring (onsen) located on the fourth floor of the Domestic Terminal, which features indoor and outdoor baths and a relaxation room suitable for napping during long layovers or weather-related delays. Be advised that the onsen maintains a strict policy refusing entry to those with tattoos. In the event of a significant winter blizzard that suspends train services, the airport limousine buses on the first floor serve as a reliable alternative, though they are also subject to road closures. Always verify real-time train and flight statuses via the official airport app, and allow extra buffer time for de-icing procedures during the peak ski season from December to March.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
40
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Aomori Airport (AOJ) is a modern and exceptionally efficient aviation hub serving as the primary gateway to the Aomori Prefecture and the northernmost tip of Japan's Honshu island. Located approximately 12 kilometers southwest of Aomori's city center, the airport operates from a single, well-designed three-story passenger terminal. It handles a steady flow of domestic flights from major carriers including Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), and Fuji Dream Airlines, connecting the region with Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, and Nagoya, as well as seasonal international services to Seoul and Taipei.
The terminal experience at Aomori is defined by its intuitive layout and celebration of local culture. The first floor is dedicated to arrivals and check-in services, while the second floor features a comfortable departures area, including an 'Airport Lounge' accessible to Priority Pass holders and work stations for business travelers. The third floor is a highlight for many visitors, offering panoramic views of the runway from several restaurants that serve regional specialties such as Miso Curry Milk Ramen and desserts made from Aomori's world-famous apples. Throughout the building, travelers can admire a unique Nebuta-inspired ceiling display, reflecting the city's most iconic summer festival. Amenities are comprehensive, featuring duty-free shops, regional souvenir boutiques, and free high-speed Wi-Fi.
Operational excellence is a point of pride at AOJ, which is legendary for its snow removal capabilities. As one of the snowiest airports in the world, it is home to the 'White Impulse' teamโa specialized crew of 80 members and 38 high-performance vehicles that can clear the entire 3,000-meter runway and taxiway system in just 40 minutes. This extraordinary efficiency ensures that the airport remains operational even during heavy blizzards that would ground traffic elsewhere. For visitors, the airport represents a professional and welcoming threshold to Northern Tohoku, offering immediate access to the Hakkลda Mountains, Lake Towada, and the vibrant cultural scene of Aomori City.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Aomori Airport (AOJ) is a remarkably straightforward process due to its compact, single-terminal design. For domestic-to-domestic transfers, the process is streamlined, typically requiring only a 15-20 minute transition between gates on the second floor. For international connections, passengers must clear immigration and customs on the first floor before proceeding to their onward flight. It is advisable to allow at least 75 to 90 minutes for such transfers to account for baggage handling and security re-screening. While JAL and ANA provide efficient baggage transfer services for their own networks, travelers connecting between different carriers should confirm if their luggage is checked through to the final destination.\n\nGround transportation from the Aomori terminal provides reliable links to the city center and the region's major rail hubs. JR Bus Tohoku operates regular shuttle services directly from the terminal to Aomori Station, with the journey taking approximately 35-40 minutes and offering an economical transit option. Taxis and fixed-price private transfer services are also readily available outside the arrivals hall, providing a faster journey of around 25 minutes to downtown Aomori. For those exploring the wider prefecture, several car rental agencies have offices conveniently located on the first floor. Travelers should be aware that while the 'White Impulse' team is highly effective, extreme winter weather events can still occasionally lead to flight adjustments; monitoring your flight status via your airline's app or the Aomori Airport website is highly recommended during the winter months from December to March.
โ Back to New Chitose Airport