Exploring Chitose Airport: Activities And Attractions

what to do in chitose airport

New Chitose Airport is the largest airport in Hokkaido, Japan, serving countless tourists annually. The airport offers a wide range of attractions and facilities, including dining, shopping, entertainment, and relaxation options. Visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Hokkaido's natural scenery, visit the Air Museum, watch movies at the New Chitose Airport Theater, and relax in the natural hot spring baths at the New Chitose Airport Onsen. The airport also features a chocolate factory and museum by Royce, as well as popular attractions like Doraemon Wakuwaku Sky Park and Hello Kitty Happy Flight. With its diverse offerings, New Chitose Airport provides a unique and enjoyable experience for travellers.

Characteristics Values
Location Hokkaido, Japan
Type of Airport Aerial gateway to Hokkaido
Features Dining facilities, gift shops, entertainment, and relaxation facilities, observation deck, movie theater, hot springs, shopping mall, air museum, chocolate factory, etc.
Nearby Attractions Lake Shikotsu, Chitose Outlet Mall Rera, Mt. Hakodate Observatory, Sapporo SATUDORA

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Visit the Air Museum

If you're looking for something to do at Chitose Airport, the Air Museum is a great option. Located next to the food court on the third floor of the New Chitose Domestic Terminal, the museum is admission-free and open from 10 am to 6 pm. Here are some reasons why you should visit:

  • Flight Simulator: Experience the thrill of flying with their real flight simulator. Choose from two courses: a 100 yen course that lasts 2 minutes and 30 seconds, or a 200 yen course that lasts 4 minutes.
  • Interactive Displays: Get up close and personal with large tires, engines, and other aircraft parts. Try on flight attendant and pilot uniforms and take memorable pictures.
  • Historical Perspective: Admire the display of model airplanes, offering a glimpse into the history of aviation for enthusiasts of all ages.
  • Children's Corner: Keep the little ones entertained in a dedicated area where they can explore and learn about the world of aviation.
  • Aviation Professionals' Equipment: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the tools and equipment used by aviation professionals such as mechanics and marshallers.

The Air Museum at Chitose Airport provides an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages, making it a worthwhile stop during your time at the airport.

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Relax in the hot springs

New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, Japan, is more than just a transportation hub. It offers a treasure trove of relaxation and pleasure, including a natural hot spring.

The New Chitose Airport Onsen is located on the fourth floor of the Domestic Terminal and is open from 10 am to 9 am the following day. Admission is 1,500 yen for adults, with a 1,500 yen late-night charge after 1 am. It is the only airport in Japan to boast a natural hot spring, making it a unique and relaxing experience for travellers. The airport also has a movie theatre, a range of dining facilities, gift shops, and entertainment for all age groups.

If you're looking for a change of scenery, there are several popular hot springs located within a reasonable distance from the airport. Lake Shikotsu, for example, is a freshwater lake in Chitose City known for its transparent waters. The Lakeside Villa Suimeikaku and Lake Shikotsu Tsuruga Resort Spa Mizu no Uta offer rooms with hot spring baths and beautiful views of the lake.

For a more traditional Japanese experience, the Suizantei Club Jozankei in Jozankei Onsen offers spacious rooms with indoor hot spring baths. The Otaru Kourakuen in Otaru Onsen also provides open-air baths with a beautiful view of a 26,000-square-meter Japanese garden. These options are about an hour or more away from the airport, so they may be better suited for those with more time to spend in the area.

Whether you choose to relax in the hot spring at New Chitose Airport or venture out to explore the other options in the region, there are plenty of opportunities to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Hokkaido.

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See a film at the New Chitose Airport Theatre

New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido offers a wide range of entertainment options for travellers, making it much more than just a transportation hub. One unique attraction is the New Chitose Airport Theatre, which showcases a variety of films catering to different audiences.

The theatre is located in the Oasis Park area on the 4th floor of the New Chitose Domestic Terminal. It is Japan's first airport movie theatre, boasting powerful screen images and lifelike acoustics. The theatre provides a relaxing environment with spacious seating, armrests, cup holders, umbrella stands, and baggage hooks. There are also two wheelchair-accessible viewing spaces available at each screen.

The New Chitose Airport Theatre offers a diverse selection of films, including popular blockbusters and family-friendly movies. With both standard and special reclining seats, you can comfortably enjoy a wide range of cinematic experiences. The theatre is open from 9:00 AM to midnight, providing ample opportunity to catch a film before your flight.

In addition to the theatre, the airport features other entertainment options such as Doraemon Wakuwaku Sky Park, Hello Kitty Happy Flight, and Royce Chocolate World, ensuring that visitors of all ages can find enjoyable activities while waiting for their flights.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing way to pass the time or an engaging cinematic experience, the New Chitose Airport Theatre is a unique attraction that enhances the airport's reputation as a destination for entertainment and relaxation.

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Shop at Chitose Outlet Mall Rera

If you're looking for some retail therapy, Chitose Outlet Mall Rera is the place to go. Just a 10-minute free shuttle bus ride or a 3-minute walk from JR Minami-Chitose Station, this semi-outdoor shopping mall is a shopper's paradise. With over 100 shops spread across 112,000 square meters, you'll be spoilt for choice. The mall has a unique amusement park-like feel, and you can even bring your pet along!

The mall offers a wide variety of shopping options, from well-known brands to local specialties. If you're taking the bus, you can receive a 500 yen voucher to spend in the mall. The mall is also easily accessible from JR Sapporo Station, with a direct bus service for adults costing 800 yen.

For foodies, the mall has a dedicated dining section, including a Ramen Museum with numerous ramen shops and a food court showcasing local Hokkaido dishes such as soup curry and buta don (pork rice bowl).

If you're looking for a unique souvenir, the Royce Chocolate World shop is a must-visit. This is the first chocolate factory, museum, and shop in a Japanese airport, offering approximately 100 original products. You can even watch the chocolate-making process through the glass windows.

For aeronautical enthusiasts, the Sky Museum on the third floor of the domestic terminal is a dream come true. It features exciting exhibitions about aviation, including a collection of airplane models and a historical perspective on flight.

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Explore the observation deck

If you're an aviation enthusiast, photographer, or simply have some time to kill before your flight, head to the New Chitose Airport Observation Deck. Located on the rooftop, the observation deck offers approximately 1,000m² of space to enjoy plane-watching. The deck is equipped with benches and binoculars, allowing you to view the east runway, part of the cargo ramp, and nearby gates.

To access the observation deck, make your way to the third floor of the airport, where you will find the entrance beside the Airport History Museum. The observation deck is located at the back of the food court, in front of the lounge, providing a convenient spot to relax and grab a bite before your flight. From this vantage point, you can often see both international and domestic flights arriving and departing, offering a unique perspective of airport operations.

It is important to note that the observation deck is subject to seasonal and meteorological closures. It is typically closed during the winter months, from December to March, and may also be closed during business hours due to strong winds or accumulated snow. Check the weather conditions and the operational status of the observation deck before planning your visit.

The observation deck at New Chitose Airport is just one of many such facilities across Japan. The country has a rich aviation culture, and its airports often feature modern facilities and observation decks that cater to enthusiasts and photographers alike. Whether you're an aviation buff or simply seeking a unique airport experience, the New Chitose Airport Observation Deck is worth a visit.

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Frequently asked questions

Chitose Airport is home to the first movie theatre in a Japanese airport, as well as a hot spring bath, a chocolate factory, a museum, and a shop. There is also an observation deck, a 360-degree panoramic view of Hokkaido's natural scenery, and an Air Museum with a flight simulator.

The airport has a wide range of dining options, including French and Japanese cuisine, as well as a food court with local Hokkaido dishes such as soup curry and buta don (pork rice bowl). There is also a popular ramen restaurant called Ebisoba Ichigen and Hokkaido Ramen Dojo, which features 10 of the best ramen restaurants in Hokkaido.

Yes, there are several attractive locations near the airport, including beautiful gardens, an outlet mall, and Lake Shikotsu, which is known for its transparent waters.

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