New Chitose Airport marks the beginning and end of your Hokkaido trip. But Chitose has so much to offer that it would be a shame to just pass through without stopping.
If you're wondering where to go considering your flight schedule, we've selected eight must-see tourist spots for you.

A good beginning makes all the difference, and a good ending makes all the difference. We'll introduce you to the highlights of your Hokkaido trip, including hidden gems and famous spots not found in guidebooks, so that you can feel that way!

Tourist spots you'll want to enjoy all year round!
　1. Chitose Salmon Aquarium
　2. Kirin Beer Park
　3. Chitose Outlet Mall Rera
Tourist spots to enjoy from spring to autumn!
　4. Lake Shikotsu
　5. Meisui Fureai Park
　6. Shin-Chitose Motorland
Tourist spots to enjoy in winter
　7. Hokkaido Hakone Ranch
　8. North Snowland Inn Chitose
Finally, enjoy New Chitose Airport.
Final thoughts

1. Chitose Aquarium, the Hometown of Salmon

In Hokkaido, salmon is a major autumn delicacy. Fatty grilled salmon and salmon roe are popular, as are the famous Chanchan-yaki and Ishikari-nabe, offering an abundance of deliciousness that will make you want to burst a dam.

At the Chitose Salmon Aquarium, you can enjoy the sight of salmon, which delights the taste buds. It is one of the largest freshwater aquariums in Japan.

While the "Mountain Aquarium" in Onneyu Onsen, Kitami, in eastern Hokkaido, is becoming increasingly well-known as a freshwater aquarium in Hokkaido, this location is also very appealing in terms of accessibility, being close to New Chitose Airport and having a roadside station attached.

(The article about the mountain aquarium isCLICK HEREFrom)

The exhibit showcases the ecology of salmon and various freshwater fish from the northern regions. Rather than actively observing them, simply watching the salmon's leisurely movements can be incredibly calming.

In addition, a salmon movie showcasing the life cycle of salmon is being screened, and the "Underwater Observation Room," Japan's first facility where you can directly observe the underwater world of the Chitose River, is also a must-see.

In autumn, you might see schools of salmon heading upstream on the Chitose River to spawn. Nearby, the impressive sight of an Indian waterwheel, which uses the water current to catch salmon, is also a must-see. This is a process carried out for resource conservation, including artificial hatching and the release of salmon fry.

From July to August, both the Salmon Hometown Museum and the roadside station will be renovated, and temporary parking will be available on Sundays. It's a popular spot, so please come and visit!

Chitose Aquarium, the home of salmon
Address: 2-312 Hanazono, Chitose City, Hokkaido
TEL +0123-42-3001-XNUMX
About 10 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport
*Please check our website for more detailed information.

Hokkaido, the kingdom of beer, is home to numerous factories and facilities—beer gardens—of various manufacturers. Moreover, craft beer brewing is very popular there. However, the closest beer factory to Chitose Airport is Kirin Beer Park Chitose, also known as the Kirin Beer Hokkaido Chitose Factory.

Kirin Beer Park offers much more than just a factory tour; it's full of attractions. First, there's the beautiful garden that unfolds from the entrance. Colorful seasonal flowers adorn the factory, which resembles a medieval European castle. But what about winter...? No need to worry. There's even a greenhouse here!

Next, we went on a factory tour. Kirin Beer has factories in nine locations nationwide, and this Chitose factory is the only one operating in Hokkaido. They use water from the Uchibetsu River, a tributary of the Chitose River, to produce beer and other products. Almost all of their beer is consumed within Hokkaido, making it, in a sense, the rice granary of Hokkaido's beer.

After touring the brewing process, the freshly brewed beer tastes incredibly refreshing. The attached shop sells original products such as beer chocolates and beer mugs. Why not pick one up as a souvenir? At the restaurant, you can enjoy the quintessential Hokkaido delicacy, Jingisukan (grilled lamb), along with freshly brewed beer. Savor Hokkaido's soul food and drinks for as long as time allows.

Kirin Beer Hokkaido Chitose Factory
949-1 Kaminagato, Chitose City, Hokkaido
TEL +0123-24-5606-XNUMX
About 20 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport
*Reservations (by phone or online) are required for factory tours.

If your final shopping check in Hokkaido is at Chitose Airport, then you should definitely stop by Chitose Outlet Mall Rera beforehand.

Opened in 2005 near JR Minami-Chitose Station and expanded in 2007, this is a pioneering outlet mall in Hokkaido. With 140 shops, it is the largest in Hokkaido.

One of its attractions is the large number of shops making their debut in Japan, as well as a diverse range of brands offering outdoor and interior goods. However, it also features a dog run, a giant maze for children to play in, and a kids' park, making it a family-friendly destination.

And don't forget the Ramen Expo. It's full of hidden gems that have impressed local ramen fans. Even if you've eaten a lot of ramen in Hokkaido, you're sure to make some new discoveries and think, "I didn't know about this place..."

A free shuttle bus connecting to New Chitose Airport every 30 minutes is also convenient. It's the perfect spot to end your shopping trip.

Chitose Outlet Mall Rera
1-2-1 Kashiwadai Minami, Chitose City, Hokkaido
TEL: 0123-42-3000
Approximately 10 minutes by car or free shuttle bus from New Chitose Airport.

4. Lake Shikotsu

Lake Shikotsu, Japan's northernmost non-freezing lake, is blessed with abundant nature despite being adjacent to urban areas like Sapporo and Chitose, preserving the ancient landscape of Hokkaido. The surrounding area offers hot springs with abundant spring water and the opportunity to enjoy the elegant Himemasu salmon, known locally as "chip."

It's a popular spot for tourists from both within and outside Hokkaido, as it's an excellent place to enjoy a pleasant drive along the lakeshore.

For information on the highlights of Lake Shikotsu, please see the article below.
・A natural wonder just an hour from Sapporo! A summary of sightseeing spots and attractions around Lake Shikotsu!

In addition, Lake Shikotsu in winter is popular for its Hyoto Festival, an event featuring ice sculptures illuminated at night. The next festival is scheduled to be held from January 29th to February 21st, 2016!

Chitose City's tap water is sourced from the Naibetsu River spring, which has been selected as one of Japan's "100 Best Waters." Meisui Fureai Park was developed to commemorate this.

The park features a recreation of the spring water outlet of the Naibetsu River, as well as walking paths along the clear waters of the Naibetsu River. It is truly a place of relaxation for the citizens, a beautiful park known only to those in the know. It is a park that is rarely featured in guidebooks, but it is a top-class park in terms of providing a sense of peace and tranquility.

In the administration building of the adjacent water treatment plant, a full-scale model of the first "Hokkai" aircraft is on display. This is a treasure for Chitose, an airport town. This is because it was the first aircraft to land at the landing strip (now New Chitose Airport) which was maintained by all the former villagers of Chitose.

It was October of Taisho 15 (1926). This aircraft was a great predecessor to the passenger planes that arrived in Hokkaido dozens of times every day. Today, New Chitose Airport boasts 16 million passengers annually, but encountering the "Hokkai," which can be considered its beginning, will allow you to touch upon the history of the development of the town of Chitose with a touch of nostalgia.

Famous Water Park
Address: Rankoshi, Chitose City
Open from April 26th to November 15th.
About 20 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport

Just a short distance from Chitose Airport lies a wild and exciting facility: Shin-Chitose Motorland. On Sundays, car enthusiasts from all over Hokkaido gather there to compete in gymkhana and off-road events. However, there are also facilities available for those who want to easily experience the thrill of a racetrack.

It's as easy as a go-kart, but it feels like a full-fledged Formula racing car. This rental course, using the "birell N35X," allows anyone to enjoy motorsport.

The 500-meter course changes frequently, so you can enjoy a different feeling every time you visit. If you sprint through the 100-meter straight course at top speed, anyone can experience what it's like to be an F1 racer.

They take care of providing the equipment, and also offer rental and sales of gloves, helmets, and other gear. Affordable yet authentic. That's the keyword for Shin-Chitose Motorland.

If you have six or more people, you can reserve the entire course, so it's sure to be a hit if you use it for a group trip. Instead of a champagne shower for the winner, you can have sparkling wine from Chitose Winery, or for something more sophisticated, the fine sake Chitose Tsuru. Enjoy as you like.

New Chitose Motorland
Address: 1292-560 Bibi, Chitose City, Hokkaido
TEL +0123-23-5155-XNUMX
About 10 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport

7. Hokkaido Hakone Ranch

The unique farm experience is very popular with children enjoying a trip to Hokkaido. From spring to autumn, Hokkaido Hakone Farm is one of the most popular places to visit, and reservations are practically essential.

Its proximity to the airport, the opportunity to interact with many animals, and the fact that it is a dairy farm that practices organic and pesticide-free cultivation and engages in sustainable agriculture are the secrets to its popularity.

Even more extraordinary than summer are the winter activities. A vast farm the size of 20 Tokyo Domes becomes a snowfield, and you can enjoy snowmobiling like something out of a movie. You can also experience parasailing and banana boating using these snowmobiles. While typical winter sports like skiing require equipment and practice, banana boating doesn't require any special technique and can be easily enjoyed with just warm clothing.

Also, be sure to try parasailing. Soaring through the Chitose sky, the same sky you landed in by plane, will be an unforgettable experience. The intense cold and sensations you feel will remain vividly in your memory, no matter how much time passes.

Hokkaido Hakone Ranch
Address: 1201 Higashioka, Chitose City, Hokkaido
TEL +0123-21-3066-XNUMX
About 40 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport
*Winter experiences are available from December to March. Please contact us for details.

*Due to the ongoing spread of the coronavirus, North Snowland Inn Chitose will be closed for the 2020-2021 season.

The North Country Club is a popular and prestigious golf course (host of the Sega Sammy Cup Golf Tournament) located near Chitose Airport, but its appearance changes completely when it snows. During the winter months, it's known as North Snowland Inn Chitose.

Utilizing the gentle slopes and vast grounds of the golf course, the various activities available are sure to turn adults into children again. With admission, you can enjoy unlimited snow experiences and tube sliding. Come and enjoy the snow to your heart's content.

In addition, there are plenty of optional snow activities such as mini snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, Snag Golf, horseback riding on snow, snow rafting, and ATV riding.

My top recommendation is snow rafting. Sliding across the snow in a rubber boat offers an incredible sense of speed and exhilaration. You'll definitely feel glad you came to Hokkaido in winter.

The expansive, open landscape stretches both vertically and horizontally, truly representative of Hokkaido. The pristine white earth and blue sky create an illusion of oneness with Hokkaido.

But what about keeping warm? Don't worry about that either. Rental clothing is available. There are also plenty of indoor activities, such as making homemade caramel.

It might seem unbelievable that you can have such an intense experience just a 20-minute drive from New Chitose Airport. But it's absolutely true; it's definitely one of those places you should visit.

North Snowland Inn Chitose
Address: 26 Rankoshi, Chitose City
TEL +0123-27-2121-XNUMX
About 20 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport
Business days: December 29, 2015 - March 13, 2016

(Extra) New Chitose Airport

Now, for those of you who have thoroughly enjoyed sightseeing in Hokkaido and visited the tourist spots in Chitose, but still have some time to spare, Hokkaido has something to offer that will keep you entertained until the very end. New Chitose Airport is an airport that will leave you feeling completely satisfied, perhaps even more so than any other airport in Japan.

For more information about New Chitose Airport, please refer to the articles below, which are divided into sections on souvenirs and food!
・A complete guide to the best food to eat at New Chitose Airport! [2015 Edition]
11 Must-Buy Souvenirs at New Chitose Airport! [2015 Edition]

Final thoughts

The spots I've introduced this time are 100% limited to Chitose City. Chitose City is by no means a large city.

Chitose, the gateway to Hokkaido, might seem like a town you're bound to pass through if you're going to Hokkaido. However, in reality, it's a town where the present and the past, nature and people, coexist in harmony, creating a wonderful tapestry.

Simply passing through Chitose might lead to regrets later on. I highly recommend visiting Chitose at least once.

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