Kevin TsaiIf you don’t want to get bored and wait idly for your flight, then you will totally agree with the title of this post.
The perfect way to end any sojourn would be to go back to a nice airport. In Sapporo, arrive at the New Chitose Airport half a day ahead of your flight, if not spend the entire night before here, where you can definitely get your omiyage shopping fix and accomplish a whole lot more. Hokkaido is known for its potatoes, seafood and dairy products, and it makes sense for travellers to have a chance to buy them at the airport before they leave this region!
Also read: 7 Airports Around the World that Are Oh So Touristy
The best way to feature this airport, which can be considered a shopping destination in itself, would be to list all its facilities that I discovered one by one:
The domestic terminal has:
- a sento / onsen (a Japanese hot spring, open all day where you can stay overnight)
- a cinema (Japan’s first!)
- a Daiso (100 yen shop)
- two aviation museums
- two observation decks
- Apina, a gaming arcade
- Airport Kids Athletic, a recreational facility made for kids (guardians enter free!)
- countless retail shops (including a Pokémon store) where a lot of them sell not just fresh Hokkaido produce but live seafood as well!
Just keep in mind the applicable customs laws of the country you’re bringing items into. Who needs the free wifi when you clearly won’t run out of things to do? If you ask me, the Hokkaido’s New Chitose Airport can definitely give some of the world’s best — Singapore’s Changi, Seoul’s Incheon, and Hong Kong’s HKIA to name a few, a run for their money.
Also read: Make the Most of Your Transit Stay at Singapore’s Changi Airport
Fresh fish at the domestic terminal
While many airports offer fast food chains and generic snacks, New Chitose Airport takes a unique approach by indulging travellers in the freshest seafood right at the domestic terminal. Picture this: grabbing a steaming bowl of ramen or udon with local Hokkaido salmon as you wait for your next flight. Alternatively, you could be enjoying a succulent grilled squid just minutes before you board the next plane. It’s a culjnary experience that truly sets this airport apart!
Hokkaido hairy crab (kegane) legs and other seafood
Beyond the ramen and grilled squid, New Chitose Airport also offers a plethora of other options for seafood lovers. One of the highlights include Hokkaido’s hairy crab (kegane), a delicacy known for its sweet and succulent meat. Indulge in the tender crab legs, whether they’re served cold as a starter or hot and sizzling with butter. For those who prefer other variants, the airport’s food court also boasts an array of seafood options, from fresh sashimi and sushi to grilled scallops and salmon.
The centre of the airport: midway between the international and domestic terminals.
At the heart of New Chitose Airport lies a spacious central area that serves as a hub for travellers. Located between the international and domestic terminals, this central space offers a variety of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and lounges. Whether you’re looking to browse for souvenirs, grab a quick bite to eat, or simply relax before your flight, this central area has everything you need to make your airport experience enjoyable and convenient.
The Super Lounge, which closes at 8.30pm and oddly only serves complimentary drinks (no food).
One of New Chitose Airport’s more peculiar offerings is the Super Lounge. While it may seem like a standard airport lounge, there’s a twist: it only serves complimentary drinks. Yep, no food is available! This unique feature might leave some travellers scratching their heads, but it could be a delightful surprise for those who simply want to relax with a refreshing beverage before catching their next flight. Just make sure you arrive before 8.30pm, as the Super Lounge closes its doors relatively early.
A history of New Chitose Airport. I must say, I love the layout.
The airport’s history dates back to 1938, as it only initially started as a small airfield. This area is a nice way to let travellers know more about the New Chitose Airport, its history, and how it came to be.
A quick visit to Daiso to get rid of all of your loose change!
I mean, who doesn’t love Daiso?! No traveller would be silly enough not to visit a Daiso branch—especially in Japan—to get a hold of the most random yet memorable trinkets!
Also read: 16 Travel Essentials to Buy From Daiso Before a Vacation
A very traditional entrance to the onsen
One of the most striking features of the onsen is its entrance, which is designed to evoke a sense of traditional Japanese architecture.
A gaming arcade, where you can leave your older kids
For travellers bringing kids, no need to worry! There’s this small gaming arcade that’s perfect if you want them to have a little fun and win games while waiting for your next flight.
Airport Kids Athletic, where you can leave your younger kids (or join them, even!)
Meanwhile, if you have little ones who are itching to run and play, this indoor play area is perfect. It’s the perfect place to pass the time without having to deal with your kid throwing a fit because they will for sure be having a great time with other kids here as well.
Also read: 24 Quirky Things You Realise Are Actually True After You Visit Japan
Contributed by The Travel Guy Shops
