12 airports – this is the number of airports in Hokkaido that currently have scheduled flights.
Many people may not realize that Hokkaido has so many airports in one location.

So, in this article, I'd like to give you an overview of the airports in Hokkaido!
Hokkaido is a very large prefecture, so I hope you can make good use of it and plan your trip well.

The photo was taken from an airplane flying over Nakashibetsu. The grid-like windbreak forest stretching out below is a precious landscape that has been designated a Hokkaido Heritage site.

1. Airports in central Hokkaido
1-1. New Chitose Airport
1-2. Sapporo Okadama Airport

2. Airports in southern Hokkaido
2-1. Hakodate Airport
2-3. Okushiri Airport

3. Airports in northern Hokkaido
3-1. Asahikawa Airport
3-2. Wakkanai Airport
3-3. Rishiri Airport

4. Airports in eastern Hokkaido
4-1. Obihiro Airport
4-2. Kushiro Airport
4-3. Memanbetsu Airport
4-4. Nakashibetsu Airport
4-5. Monbetsu Airport

5. Make good use of transfers!

1. Airports in central Hokkaido

First, let's look at the airport in central Hokkaido.
There are two airports in Hokkaido: New Chitose Airport, known as the largest airport in Hokkaido, and Okadama Airport, located within Sapporo city.

New Chitose Airport

New Chitose Airport is the largest airport in Hokkaido, located approximately 45 km south of Sapporo.

Photo by wikipedia/Hykw-a4

New Chitose Airport
Domestic routes: 26 airports (including 5 airports in Hokkaido), with more than 150 round trips per day.
• International routes: More than 10 round trips per day from 17 airports.
http://www.new-chitose-airport.jp/

The defining feature of New Chitose Airport is its wide range of routes and frequent flights! As Hokkaido's main air gateway and a transfer hub for various regional airports within Hokkaido, it is used by many people.
Furthermore, regarding the recently popular low-cost carriers (LCCs), many of them depart from and arrive at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, making it a hub for budget travel.

Another attractive feature of the airport is its wide selection of souvenir shops and restaurants. There are around 50 shops and restaurants (excluding duty-free shops), so you can easily enjoy shopping and dining alone. In addition, there is a movie theater, a hot spring, and even museums dedicated to Doraemon and Steiff (teddy bears).
New Chitose Airport is undoubtedly one of the most interesting airports in Japan.

Access to New Chitose Airport
JR's Shin-Chitose Airport Station is located underground at the airport, providing access to various destinations.
However, if you are going to southern Hokkaido such as Hakodate, or eastern Hokkaido such as Obihiro, you will need to transfer at Minami-Chitose Station, which is next to Shin-Chitose Airport Station. Also, if you are going to Asahikawa, you will need to transfer in Sapporo (some direct trains are available).
Sapporo: JR "Rapid Airport" trains run four times an hour, taking approximately 40 minutes.
Otaru: Approximately 75 minutes by JR train.
Asahikawa: Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes by JR train.
Obihiro: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes by JR train.
Muroran: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by JR train.
Hakodate: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes by JR train.
・Kushiro: Approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes by JR train.

In addition to JR trains, there are also plenty of express buses. Buses go to Sapporo city center, as well as to Jozankei Onsen, Noboribetsu Onsen, Tomakomai, Muroran, and Obihiro. Ski buses also operate during the winter season to major ski resorts such as Niseko, Tomamu, and Furano, making it very convenient.

1-2. Sapporo Okadama Airport

Sapporo Okadama Airport is a small airport located northeast of Sapporo. Small aircraft operate flights to three airports within Hokkaido and one airport outside Hokkaido (Misawa), and it is primarily used for business travel.

Sapporo Okadama Airport
Domestic routes: 13 round trips per day from 6 airports (Rishiri, Kushiro, Hakodate, Misawa, Mt. Fuji Shizuoka, Matsumoto (summer)) (as of May 2018)
*From early June to the end of October, one round trip flight will operate between Shizuoka and Okadama on Tuesdays and Saturdays (Fuji Dream Airlines).
No international flights.
• Airlines: Hokkaido Air System (HAC) *Codeshare with JAL, Fuji Dream Airlines
http://www.okadama-airport.co.jp/

The biggest advantage of Sapporo Okadama Airport is its proximity to the center of Sapporo.
It's incredibly convenient, just about 20 minutes by taxi or 25 minutes by bus from Sapporo Station!
This airport is particularly advantageous if you want to travel the day after arriving in Sapporo.

The airport itself is very simple; there's only one shop and one restaurant.

Access to Sapporo Okadama Airport
By car or taxi: Approximately 20 minutes from Sapporo Station, and approximately 3 minutes from Sakaemachi Station on the Toho Subway Line.

2. Airports in southern Hokkaido

Next, we will introduce two airports located in southern Hokkaido.

2-1. Hakodate Airport

Hakodate Airport is located on the east side of Hakodate city, approximately 8 km from Hakodate Station. It serves as a major air hub for sightseeing in southern Hokkaido.

Hakodate Airport
Domestic routes: 7 airports (Haneda, Narita, Chubu, Itami, Chitose, Okadama, Okushiri)
14 round trips per day (as of May 2018)
・International routes: 4 airports (Taipei, Tianjin, Beijing, Hangzhou)
14 round trips per week (as of May 2018)
Airlines: ANA, JAL, Air Do, Hokkaido Air System, Vanilla Air
(Overseas) TransAsia Airways, EVA Air, Tianjin Airlines, Tigerair Taiwan
http://www.airport.ne.jp/hakodate/

One of the biggest advantages of Hakodate Airport is its proximity to the city center.
Hakodate Station, Goryokaku, and Yunokawa Onsen are all about a 10-20 minute drive away. You can start sightseeing as soon as you arrive at the airport, so there's no wasted time.

Regarding routes, while the number of flights to Haneda is not large, there are flights in the morning, afternoon, and evening, so you can choose a flight that suits your schedule. Also, flights to Okushiri Airport are only available from Hakodate Airport.
There are several souvenir shops and restaurants inside the building. While the variety isn't extensive, you won't have any trouble finding souvenirs unless you're very particular.

Access to Hakodate Airport
- Approximately 20 minutes to Hakodate Station by airport shuttle bus.
・Approximately 10 minutes to Yunokawa Onsen by airport shuttle bus.
- Approximately 30 minutes by airport shuttle bus to Goryokaku tram stop.

Hakodate Tropical Botanical Garden, famous for its monkey hot springs, is less than 10 minutes from Hakodate Airport!

2-2. Okushiri Airport

Okushiri Airport is located on Okushiri Island, which is situated in the southwestern part of Hokkaido.
It's a very small airport with only one flight per day.

Photo by Flickr/Hyougushi

Okushiri Airport
・Domestic flights: Only the Hakodate route is available, with only one flight per day, operated by Hokkaido Air System.
For more details about the facility, please see below.
http://www.town.okushiri.lg.jp/hotnews/files/00001500/00001538/20140716135714.pdf

The only ways to get to Okushiri Island are by ferry from Esashi/Senata and by this airplane.
Although there is only one departure per day and the timing is limited, the fact that you can get there from Hakodate in 30 minutes (the ferry from each port to Okushiri Island takes 2 hours and 10-20 minutes) is very convenient.

3. Airports in northern Hokkaido

Next, we will introduce the three airports located in the northern Hokkaido area.

3-1. Asahikawa Airport

Asahikawa Airport is located south-southeast of Asahikawa city center, approximately 15 km from Asahikawa Station.
*While Asahikawa is sometimes considered part of central Hokkaido, we have included it in northern Hokkaido for this reference.

Photo by wikipedia/663highland

Asahikawa Airport
Domestic routes: 3 airports (7 flights from Haneda, 1 from Chubu, 1 from Kansai (summer) *as of May 2018)
• International routes: 4 airports (Taipei, Incheon *as of May 2018)
Airlines: ANA, JAL, Air Do
(Overseas) TransAsia Airways, China Eastern Airlines, Spring Airlines, Asiana Airlines
https://www.aapb.co.jp/

One of the main advantages of Asahikawa Airport is its location. While it takes about 30 minutes by car to get to the center of Asahikawa, it is conveniently located near major tourist attractions such as Asahiyama Zoo (about 25 minutes), Biei (about 20 minutes), and Furano (about 1 hour).

Furthermore, Asahikawa Airport has the advantage of having a relatively low rate of flight cancellations in winter compared to other airports in Hokkaido. It is an ideal base for sightseeing, such as driving to popular destinations like Furano and Biei or eastern Hokkaido from Asahikawa Airport.

Access to Asahikawa Airport
・Approximately 40 minutes by bus from Asahikawa Station
- Approximately 35 minutes by bus from Asahiyama Zoo *Limited time only, one bus per day
・Approximately 50 minutes by bus from Asahidake (3 buses per day)
・By Furano Bus Lavender Line, it takes approximately 16 minutes from Biei Station and approximately 62 minutes from Furano Station.
Approximately 80 minutes from Shin Furano Prince Hotel.

3-2. Wakkanai Airport

Wakkanai Airport is the northernmost airport in Japan, located in Wakkanai City, the northernmost city in Japan.

Photo by wikipedia/Furiko7e

Wakkanai Airport
Domestic routes: 2 airports (1 flight from Haneda (2 flights during summer), 2 flights from Chitose (as of May 2018))
No international flights.
・ANA only
http://www.wkj-airport.jp/timetables/

Wakkanai Airport is an airport that experiences significant fluctuations in congestion depending on the time of year. From June to August, it is the peak tourist season for Rishiri and Rebun Islands, so it gets extremely crowded with both tour groups and individual travelers, and it is often difficult to get a reservation. If you plan to use Wakkanai Airport during the summer season, you should secure your seat as early as possible.
The facility will also include two shops and one restaurant.

Access to Wakkanai Airport
・Approximately 30 minutes by bus to Wakkanai Station
・Approximately 35 minutes by bus to the ferry terminal

3-3. Rishiri Airport

Rishiri Airport is a small airport located in Rishiri Fuji Town, on the northernmost part of Rishiri Island, which lies west of Wakkanai.

Rishiri Airport
Domestic routes: 2 airports (1 flight from Okadama, 1 flight from New Chitose *operates only during the summer season)
No international flights.
• Airlines: Hokkaido Air System, ANA (New Chitose route)
http://www.town.rishirifuji.hokkaido.jp/rishirifuji/1187.htm

Like Wakkanai Airport mentioned earlier, Rishiri Airport is extremely busy only during the summer tourist season. Because it connects Rishiri to Okadama and New Chitose in about an hour, it's a very popular route for those who want to enjoy sightseeing in Rishiri and Rebun in a limited amount of time. Those planning to use this route should book as early as possible.

4. Airports in eastern Hokkaido

Finally, let me introduce the airports in eastern Hokkaido. Although it covers a wide area, there are five airports, which can be very convenient depending on how you use them.

4-1. Tokachi Obihiro Airport

Obihiro Airport is located south of Obihiro City, the central city of the Tokachi region, approximately 25 km from Obihiro Station.

Tokachi Obihiro Airport
Domestic routes: 1 airport (Haneda route, JAL 4 flights, Air Do 3 flights)
*The Nagoya route is scheduled to operate 4 times a week only during the summer (August).
No international flights.
http://obihiro-airport.com/flight/

Tokachi Obihiro Airport is a convenient base for sightseeing in the Tokachi area and eastern Hokkaido. The popular "Garden" is close to the airport during the summer season, and it also offers easy access to the Doto Expressway via the free "Obihiro Hiroo Expressway."
Another characteristic is that, due to its location in the Tokachi Plain with its stable climate, there are relatively few flight cancellations during the winter.
The airport has several shops and restaurants, including Tokachi's famous "butadon" (pork rice bowl)!

Access to Tokachi Obihiro Airport
- Approximately 38 minutes by bus and 30 minutes by car to Obihiro Station.
• Fixed-rate taxis are available to each surrounding area. For details, see below.CLICK HEREPlease see.

Tokachi Hills, a popular garden located close to the airport.

4-2. Kushiro Airport

Kushiro Airport is located in the western part of Kushiro, the central city of eastern Hokkaido. It is approximately 20 km from the city center of Kushiro.

Tancho Kushiro Airport
Domestic routes: 3 airports (Haneda, New Chitose, Okadama; 13 round trips per day as of May 2018)
*Service to Kansai Airport began in August 2018 (Peach Aviation)
*Operations between Itami/Nagoya and Kushiro are typically only available during the summer season.
No international flights.
Airlines: ANA, JAL, Air Do, Hokkaido Air System
http://www.kushiro-airport.co.jp/

Kushiro Airport is a convenient gateway to various tourist destinations in the eastern Hokkaido area, including the popular Kushiro Marsh, Lake Akan, and Lake Mashu. Furthermore, the Akan Interchange on the Eastern Hokkaido Expressway opened near the airport on March 12th of this year. This will make travel from the Tokachi area even more convenient and improve the ease of getting around the region.
The building also has multiple souvenir shops and restaurants.

Access to Tancho Kushiro Airport
It takes about 45 minutes by bus and about 35 minutes by car to Kushiro Station.
- It takes about 70 minutes by bus and about 60 minutes by car to Lake Akan.

There are also many spots around the airport where you can observe Japanese cranes.

4-3. Memanbetsu Airport

Memanbetsu Airport is located in Ozora Town, which is adjacent to Abashiri. It serves as a base for travel to Abashiri, Kitami, and the World Heritage site of Shiretoko.

Image provided by: Abashiri City Tourism Association

Memanbetsu Airport
Domestic routes: 3 airports (Haneda, New Chitose, Nagoya; 13 round trips per day as of May 2018)
*During the summer season only, there is a regular service between Kansai (Itami/Kansai Airport) and Memanbetsu (ANA, 1 flight per day).
No international flights.
Airlines: ANA, JAL, Air Do, Hokkaido Air System
http://www.mmb-airport.co.jp/

This airport is the heart of eastern Hokkaido, with flights from Tokyo, Chubu, and even Kansai during the summer months. It also offers convenient access to various locations by rental car.
Furthermore, the area around the airport offers plenty to see throughout the seasons, with moss phlox in spring, sunflower fields in autumn, and drift ice nearby in winter.
There are several souvenir shops and restaurants nearby, making it very convenient.

Access to Memanbetsu Airport
- Approximately 30 minutes by bus or 25 minutes by car to Abashiri Station.
- Approximately 40 minutes by bus or 35 minutes by car to Kitami Station.
- Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes by limited-time bus to Shiretoko Utoro, or approximately 2 hours by car.
- Approximately 90 minutes by car to Lake Akan, and approximately 70 minutes by car to Lake Kussharo (Sunayu).

Sunflower fields surrounding the airport (Image courtesy of Abashiri City Tourism Association)

4-4. Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport

Located in Nakashibetsu, in the Nemuro-Kushiro region facing the Nemuro Strait, this is Japan's easternmost airport (excluding the Northern Territories).

Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport
Domestic routes: 2 airports (Haneda: 1 flight, New Chitose: 3 flights, both by ANA)
No international flights.
http://www.nakashibetsu-airport.jp/

Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport, the easternmost airport in Japan, has fewer flights, but it is the closest airport to the Shiretoko area (Utoro and Rausu), and is a convenient base for sightseeing in scenic areas rich in nature, such as Lake Mashu and Notsuke Peninsula.
Also, Kaiyodai, located about 15 minutes by car from the airport, is a scenic spot where you can see the Nemuro-Kushiro Plateau and, on a clear day, even Kunashir Island.
Please note that there are only two small shops at the airport, so it's best to buy souvenirs in advance.

Access to Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport
・Approximately 10 minutes by bus to Nakashibetsu Bus Terminal
- Approximately 100 minutes by bus or 90 minutes by car to Nemuro Station.
・It takes about 80 minutes by car to Rausu.

You can see the curvature of the Earth from Kaiyodai!

4-5. Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport

This airport is located in Monbetsu City, a town on the Okhotsk Sea coast in eastern Hokkaido.

Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport
Domestic routes: 1 airport (Haneda: 1 flight only, ANA)
No international flights.
http://www.ok-m.jp/

Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport has only one direct flight per day from Haneda Airport. Although the number of flights is limited, the ability to travel directly from Haneda to Monbetsu, famous for its drift ice, is appealing.
There is one shop and one food court inside the airport.

Access to Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport
- Approximately 20 minutes by bus or 15 minutes by car to Monbetsu Bus Terminal.
- Approximately 2 hours by car to Abashiri
・Approximately 90 minutes by car to Kitami

Monbetsu's symbol ♪ Drift ice and the Garinko II

5. Make good use of transfers!

As I've shown you, there are many airports in Hokkaido, and by connecting flights within the prefecture, you can travel surprisingly affordably and efficiently.
It's particularly convenient for traveling to various parts of Hokkaido from Hakodate, which is attracting attention due to the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen.
Here is an example.

・It only takes 2 hours to get from Hakodate to Memanbetsu.
ANA Flight 4854: Departs Hakodate at 12:00 PM, arrives at New Chitose at 12:40 PM.
⇒⇒ ANA4865 flight New Chitose 13:25 ⇒ Memanbetsu 14:10

Price: 24,700 yen (reference price) with special connecting flight discount (purchase available on the day of travel)
*Reference: 15,650 yen by connecting JR limited express trains (using unreserved seats, travel time 9 hours 44 minutes)

With this, you could enjoy squid at Hakodate's morning market and then see drift ice in Abashiri in the evening!

Winter image of Cape Notoro

・The journey from Rishiri Island to Hakodate takes just under 3 hours.
JL2884 flight Rishiri 15:35 departure ⇒ Okadama 16:30 arrival
⇒⇒ JL2755 flight Okadama 17:30 departure ⇒ Hakodate 18:10 arrival

Price: 23,800 yen (reference price) for a 7-day connecting flight (purchased up to 7 days in advance)
*Reference: JR Limited Express train transfers cost 15,980 yen (unreserved seats, travel time 8 hours 39 minutes) + ferry fare 3,670 yen (second class, travel time 1 hour 40 minutes) = 19,650 yen

With this plan, you could enjoy hiking and sightseeing around Rishiri Island in the morning, and then enjoy the night view of Hakodate in the evening!

Final thoughts

That concludes our introduction to the various airports in Hokkaido. If you want to efficiently explore vast Hokkaido in a limited amount of time, we hope you'll make full use of this information and enjoy the charms of each region!

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